May the favor of the Lord our God rest on us; establish the work of our hands for us– yes, establish the work of our hands. Psalms 90:17 NIV.
How does this favor come to rest upon us?
- Ask for it. Favor doesn’t occur through osmosis. It is given freely to those who ask for it.
- Seek it and it comes to you. The KJV translates favor as beauty. When we consider something as beautiful it has an interesting influence over us. It captures our gaze and engages our thoughts. Perhaps it is a sunset, a flower, or a newborn baby, all of these have a way of capturing our breath. The Psalmist is asking that if we can just have a glimpse of God himself, then perhaps some of his beauty (favor) would fall upon us. Perhaps His favor, beauty, awesomeness would catch our breath. That gaze would then have a transformational impact on our physical being, much like the glory that rested on Moses.
- The aroma of presence. I love to have a small fire to gather around in the evening. I recognize that I will have to take a shower afterwards, because I smell like smoke that I have been standing around. There is a “smell” from the environment where I have been living. The “favor” of God follows His presence. When I spend time in his presence, His favor becomes the aroma around my life. Conversely, if I spend very little time with God, I may have difficulty discerning His favor, wisdom, or guidance.
- The sovereign grace of God. The scripture says that the rain falls on the righteous and the unrighteous. It is the Father’s privilege to spread forth His goodness wherever He chooses.
Although favor is invisible, it can feel tangible. There is an inner witness of knowing that you are loved. May there be a spilling-over of his goodness in every sphere of your life.
Blessing Love y’all