Nor did their arm bring them victory;
It was your right hand, your arm,
and the light of your face,
for you loved them.”
Psalms 44: 3
The above scripture is a beautiful explanation of God’s favor. It tells us that within this battle, the warriors did not win victory by their own strength but through the light-filled favor and love of God. We’ve all probably had an experience wherein we received something we did not earn and this may have baffled us. Here in the present time we are not too familiar with receiving something we didn’t work for. Frankly, many of us don’t want to receive anything we didn’t earn. We make life hard when we tread around like that. If we do receive a favor from someone, we shake our heads and state, “So and so did me a favor”. Man, it’s hard to accept a favor and we wonder why someone would do so anyway? We question it, don’t we. Or is it just me?
Through a recent study I learned that God’s favor is bestowed into our lives. Bestowed; an interesting word. It means an honor or a gift that is presented to others. Let me express with deep awe that it is an honor when favor is bestowed. With clarity we see that this type of favor is not earned. It is a gift. In the example above, God presented His favor over these warriors as they battled to win some territory. But why? The answer is tucked in the last phrase of scripture, “for you (God) loved them.” It’s as simple as that. This example is perfect for us in the modern world because aren’t we also striving to win some territory here and there, whether it be a literal place or territory within some emotional or spiritual space.
It gives me peace to know that love is what inspires the favor of God. It inspires Him so much so that His face has the beautiful countenance of Light. Instinctively, we are moved to bestow love upon others and we recognize that this flows from a well-lit place within us, where goodness and kindness dwell. We are moved to share our time, our hopes, dreams, gifts and even our help to others. We bestow our attention and generosity and do so out of a genuine place of care and concern. We do this for our children, our spouses, our extended family and friends. We do this because we know it’s important. This choice brings forth a light from within us that shines out and upon others. It simply makes things better; life brighter.
Let’s recognize, that just like our God, love is what inspires us as well. Let’s continue to bestow favor and kindness upon others. Let’s do it for the sake of love; for the sake of ALL that is worthy; for the light-filled honor that such favor sends out in this dark world.
Let your light shine before others
So that they may see
Your good works and give glory to your father
Who is in heaven.”
Matthew 5:16
IN AWE
BY: HOLLYN
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