God's Favor

I think there’s something human and very natural in us that longs to be wanted, accepted, and loved. Who doesn’t want to be wanted? Who doesn’t want a deeper connection with people? Who doesn’t want to be validated by a spouse, children, co-workers, boss, someone we’re dating, our parents, or even our adult kids?

We invest a lot of our mental capacities in looking for favor. The favor of people, as good as it can sometimes feel, will never be enough. How many of us have learned that simple truth?

In the Christmas story in the Bible, we see another type of favor. God’s favor. Luke 2:13-14, says “Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God, and saying, “Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom God’s favor rests.”  The announcement was given “Peace to those on whom God’s favor rests.”

In the attached song “Blessings”, there is a line that says, “May His favor be upon you.” Let’s consider the word “favor”. In the Bible, we can define favor as “gaining approval, acceptance, or special benefits.” It can be described as God’s divine kindness….an act of true compassion on the part of God Himself toward needy and undeserving recipients. (What is God’s Favor? Christianity.com)

God, sending Jesus to this earth in human form was God’s greatest act of favor, the gift of eternal life. It is only by accepting Jesus that we can receive His grace and live for the Lord in this dark world. This is clearly  explained in Ephesians 2:8-9 “For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast.”

So, here’s what I know to be true. I am someone upon whom God’s favor permanently rests. Why? It’s not because I’m “good enough” or “wanted enough” or “special enough.” I’m not. I have a fairly good idea of what it means not to be wanted.

It is simply because years ago, as a senior in high school, I visited a church on a Sunday night hoping to meet up with a guy. Instead, I heard the gospel message and met up with Jesus. I realized I was a sinner and in need of a Savior. It’s because of that decision long ago, that I know that I know that I know I have God’s favor. It has nothing to do with being a “semi-good” person as some might think, but everything to do with Christ in my life.

Maybe it’s time to let go of trying to be all things to everyone in our relationships. What if we didn’t care one little ounce what people said or thought about us on social media or in "real” life? What if we stopped investing so much energy hoping to be seen and known and appreciated? The favor of people will never be enough, but the favor of God will be more than enough.

As you consider God’s favor, take a moment to meditate and worship to the song, The Blessing, by Cody Carnes, Elevation Worship, and Kari Jobe: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Zp6aygmvzM4

Nancy Abbott is the Chaplain of the YMCA of Greater San Antonio.