Surrounded by Favor

“You, O LORD, will bless the righteous; with favor You
will surround him as with a shield.”
– Psalm 5:12

The word favor is found 70 times in the English translation of the Bible, and it has many different applications and benefits:

1. Favor can come in strange places.

Would you expect to find favor while locked in a prison? The Bible says that although Joseph was falsely accused and imprisoned, “The LORD was with Joseph and showed him mercy, and He gave him favor” (Genesis 39:21). This story reveals a dynamic truth: Your present surroundings have no bearing on God’s ability to bring favor into your life.

2. Favor can bring unexpected income.

When the Israelites came out of bondage in Egypt, they received their “back pay” for working overtime: “The LORD had given the people favor in the sight of the Egyptians, so that they granted them what they requested. Thus they plundered the Egyptians” (Exodus 12:36).

When Moses later received an offering to build the Tabernacle, the Egyptians’ gold was used in the Tabernacle furniture. This illustrates Solomon’s words, “The wealth of the sinner is laid up for the just” (Proverbs 13:22 KJV).

3. Favor can bring the right companion into your life.

Ruth had a lot working against her. In addition to being a widow and a stranger in the land of Israel, she was a Moabite—and the Jews didn’t take kindly to Moabites. Yet Ruth chose to break from her past and allow the Lord to direct her path.

When she met Boaz, she told him, “Let me find favor in your sight…” (Ruth 2:13). Boaz allowed Ruth to glean in his barley field, and eventually he married her! When you’ve asked for God’s favor, you don’t have to chase some man or woman around, trying to get their attention. His favor can act like a magnet and attract the right person into your life.

4. Favor can stop a national disaster.

When a wicked man named Haman set out to destroy the Jewish people, the plot was foiled when Queen Esther was willing to appear before the king and intercede for favor. Esther 5:2 reads, “When the King saw Esther standing in the court, she obtained grace and favor in his sight.” Five times the Bible mentions how Esther received favor in the sight of the king.

5. Favor can bring the miracle birth of a child.

Many barren women in the Bible conceived after a visitation from God. Although Mary was engaged to Joseph and was a pure virgin, the angel Gabriel told her she would bear a child: “Do not be afraid, Mary; for you have found favor with God” (Luke 1:30).

6. Favor can be obtained with God and also with people.

God’s Word speaks of receiving favor with GOD and with MAN: “Jesus increased in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and men” (Luke 2:52).

Why is this important? Because God often uses PEOPLE to bless your life (Luke 6:38). Whether it’s your boss, your coworkers, or someone involved in a business deal, you need people’s favor to open up doors for your success.

God wants to surround you with His favor today (Psalm 5:12). His favor will change your life!