“For You, O Lord, will bless the righteous; with favour You will surround him as with a shield.” Psalm 5:12 KJV Living Translation says: “For you bless the godly man, O Lord; you protect him with your shield of love.”

Today is a day for you to be encouraged by the Word of God. In the above scripture, the Lord says His favor on His people is like a shield wrapped around them! Let’s agree with God’s Word and see ourself encompassed with the favor of God.

What is the meaning of the word “favor”?

The dictionary defines it as:

“Friendly or favorable regard; approval or support, To make easier or more possible; facilitate, favoritism,. advantage; benefit–To treat or regard with friendship, approval, or support; to be partial to; indulge a liking for, in support of; approving: a gracious, friendly, or obliging act that is freely granted.”

So many of us have struggled for years, worked hard, prayed, sought the Lord and begged God for our breakthrough. And then we learn of God’s favor that is reserved for God’s people. God’s favor can put you in contact with people you ordinarily would not encounter. It can take you places you’ve only dreamed of, doing things you never thought possible. God’s favor can even cause you to be at peace with your enemies and they may even end up blessing you!

Wherever you go, whatever circumstance occurs in your life, remember that God’s favor is with you, around you and on you. What a difference this truth can make in your perception regardless of what is happening in your world.

The more you practice reminding yourself of God’s desire to bless you and help you no matter what, the more God’s favor will show up! I have verbally declared God’s favor many times before an important phone call, dealing with creditors, or approaching someone with a suggestion, etc. Often during business transactions God’s favor has worked on my behalf to turn the situation around.

Recently I requested free shipping from a company I regularly order products from. They refused saying they could not do that. However, only a few days later they called me back and said they would be mailing my products with no shipping costs due to a delay with the processing of my order! Even small occurrences like that can show the favor of God working. God has shown His favor to me so many times that I truly know He can work through seemingly impossible circumstances and turn them around. And why does He do this? Because of His great love, covenant and blessing He has with His people.

Begin to expect God’s favor in your life. Speak the favor of God over your loved ones, your job, your household and everything that concerns you. Sincerely expect the favor of God to open doors that no man can shut.

Following are several scriptures that mention the benefits of having God’s favor in your life:

Psalm 119:58 KJV “I intreated thy favour with my whole heart: be merciful unto me according to thy word.”

Psalm 106:4 “Remember me, O Lord, with the favour that thou bearest unto thy people: O visit me with thy salvation;…”

Psalm 30:5 “For his anger endureth but a moment; in his favour is life: weeping may endure for a night, but joy cometh in the morning.”

Job 10:12 Thou hast granted me life and favour, and thy visitation hath preserved my spirit.

Proverbs 3:1-4 KJV “My son, forget not my law; but let thine heart keep my commandments: For length of days, and long life, and peace, shall they add to thee. Let not mercy and truth forsake thee: bind them about thy neck; write them upon the table of thine heart: So shalt thou find favour and good understanding in the sight of God and man.”

I’m praying for God’s favor in every area of your life.

Example of prayer for God’s favor:

“Lord, your word says you bless the righteous and you call me righteous, so I am blessed! I agree and declare that I am blessed because of what Christ has already done for me. Thank you for your favor which is like a shield surrounding me. Thank you that I can experience your favor and blessings every day. I expect your favor in all situations. I remind you of your word which says that our Heavenly Father gives us favor with men and even with the ungodly.

Thank you, Father, for opening doors for me that no man or devil can shut. I believe the works of my hands are blessed. I expect supernatural increase and provision in every area of my life because of your favor.

In Jesus’ name, Amen!”

“One day of God’s favor is worth more than a lifetime of labor.”