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he word “favor” is a pleasant word. Add to it the fact that God has a propensity
toward showing favor toward His children; that is, He tends toward an approving
attitude toward us; He naturally delights in us... and suddenly you have a
reason to shout: Hallelujah! What
comfort! But wait, the favor of God does
more for us than just produce nice feelings in us. According to Psalm 30:5, God's favor brings
life. His displeasure is appropriately
fearsome (Psalm 2:5 & 6:1) and brings swift judgment... but, His favor
preserves us (Psalm 30:7 & 3).
The very idea of God smiling as He watches us should make us
shake our heads in wonder and amazement.
I can envision my earthly father beaming as he watches his children or
grandchildren, in fact, I've seen him do it... it's a pleasant picture. But, the hazy image in my mind of my heavenly
Father smiling with satisfaction and favor as He watches me... is almost
surreal. Of course, His pleasure is a
product of His own character traits, not a response to mine. Even if He finds me doing the right things,
thinking the right thoughts, saying the right words; behaving in His
likeness... it's only a result of the application of His grace, so His favor
demonstrates His goodness, not mine (Philippians 2:13 & Psalm
30:1). As is often said by God's humble
servants, God deserves all of the glory - He has done great things. Our successes and our joys are a byproduct of
His merciful kindness and His gracious intervention (Psalm 30:11-12).
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