Apples of Gold

Do you ever wince when you hear: “Can you do me a favor?” Likely it depends on the source. Some favors I’m more than happy to grant like cuddling with my grandson, Elijah, while his mother completes a task or two. But there are times that the request feels more like temporary indentured servitude than a mere favor. That is the type of request most of us diligently attempt to avoid. 

Webster’s Dictionary defines favor as friendly regard shown toward another especially by a superior. Interestingly, the example Webster provides is a politician attempting to keep the favor of voters.

My mind pictures a back room filled with rotund men in suits, a hefty cloud of cigar smoke choking the oxygen from the room, as they wheel and deal their way to another overloaded and completely confusing bill. 

This is certainly the darker side of favor. I much prefer to consider the pure hearted side. People helping each other out without motive or keeping track of who “owes who”. 

This reminds me of watching my mother and grandmother hide money in each other’s cars or homes when one would refuse repayment for picking up a few groceries as a favor. They truly cared for each other and wanted to bless each other with no strings attached!

There is a lot of talk in various corners of the church world today about God’s favor. I think some have it quite out of biblical context, believing God somehow is in their debt for some act of service they performed for his benefit. Some think God’s favor means no sickness, or struggles, especially financially. 

Let’s look at how the Bible portrays the favor of God:

But let all who take refuge in you rejoice; let them shout for joy forever. May you shelter them, and may those who love your name boast about you. For you, LORD, bless the righteous one; you surround him with favor like a shield. Psalm 5:11-12

The word translated favor here is Ratzon. Ratzon describes God’s positive disposition and loving acceptance. It is often translated favor but sometimes love or goodwill. A disposition of divine pleasure and protective benefits are captured in the Hebrew word Ratzon.  

I like the sound of that! Being surrounded by God’s pleasure and protection is an unbeatable pairing. When we mistake temporal or material blessings for favor we can miss what we most need: relationship. 

Because he has his heart set on me, I will deliver him; I will protect him because he knows my name. When he calls out to me, I will answer him; I will be with him in trouble. I will rescue him and give him honor. I will satisfy him with a long life and show him my salvation.  Psalm 91:14-16

Unlike the politician attempting to secure a vote, the favor of God is given with only the desire that we set our hearts on him. He isn’t putting on an act or trying to placate us. Rather than attempting to please us the favor of God is designed to mature us. 

God’s favor can even be revealed in his discipline.

Sing to the LORD, all you godly ones! Praise his holy name. For his anger lasts only a moment, but his favor lasts a lifetime! Weeping may last through the night, but joy comes with the morning. Psalm 30:4-5

When a child is exhibiting dangerous behavior discipline is actually an act of kindness. When the lesson is learned a teaching tool comes with a lifetime of protection. 

Most adults know better than to put their hand on a hot stove, or chase a ball into the street but often jealousy, selfishness, or plain old hotheadedness seep into our hearts. It is the Lord’s favor that exposes those things within us. It is our relationship with him that beckons us to respond with repentance and apply his correction as we move forward. 

Understanding that the Lord’s favor is what allows us to come closer to him is crucial. It is what makes us want to come closer to him. When we understand that his favor is not measured by what he gives or takes away from us; we are far more likely to recognize it in our lives. 

We are surrounded by God’s favor as we move closer to him. His eyes are always upon us. He protection is unwavering. His companionship is constant. 

May our desires be conformed to his will. May our trust be relentless. May we measure his favor in our lives by our relationship with him. May we refuse to allow our circumstances to influence our confidence in who he is and what he desires for our lives. 

The LORD is righteous in all his ways and faithful in all his acts. The LORD is near to all who call out to him, all who call out to him with integrity. He fulfills the desires of those who fear him; he hears their cry for help and saves them. Psalm 145:17-18