“…I have learned by experience that the Lord has blessed me for your sake,” says Laban to Jacob. Quite a testimony to have, right? It all has to do with God’s favor.
Psalmist David sang often about living within the confines of God’s favor:
“For His anger is but for a moment, His favor is for life; Weeping may endure for a night, but joy comes in the morning… Lord, by Your favor You have made my mountain stand strong” (Psalms 30:5-7).
Referring to God’s countenance is just one of the psalmist’s many beautiful imageries describing God’s favor:
“Blessed are the people who know the joyful sound! They walk, O Lord, in the light of Your countenance” (Psalm 89:15).
When we walk with God, He walks with us, and His favor rests upon us and overflows in such a way that others around us also benefit from God’s favor. This is the wonderful occurrence experienced by Joseph as he walked closely and carefully with God in spite of how contrary everything seemed to the dreams God give him (Gen 39:3-4; 39:21-23). When we walk with God and have His favor upon us, not only does God bless those around us, but the “Terror of God” will fall upon our spiritual enemies and they will “not pursue” us (Gen 35:5)! Amazing!
Perhaps this is what Paul meant when he declared we are the “fragrance of Christ” to those around us wherever we go (2 Cor 2:14-16).
Lord, I feel the warmth of Your face shining down on me and am blessed knowing that Your favor will overflow upon my loved ones around me. I feel Your favor as I walk hand-in-hand with You. Staying close to You is my life’s priority. Trusting in Your grip, I will never I let go! Amen!
