- Favor
Psalm 5.12
With favour wilt thou compass him as with a shield.
The promise is that the righteous one is compassed with favor as with a shield. Faith in Christ is righteous and so believers qualify for this promise of favor. What a difference it could make in our general outlook and attitude if we realized and acted like we were surrounded with favor like a shield that surrounds and protects.
Favor is mercy and good things granted unearned, granted just because…. Favor is never earned, paid back, or reciprocated; if so, it would not be a favor. Favor is a gift, free and clear, given simply out of love from the giver. This favor is abundant and more than adequate to keep us safe and secure, smiling and contented, calm and peaceful.
Favor surrounds like a shield: a large rectangular shield that protects most of the body. We could not feel more secure than when the Lord holds the shield between us, body and soul, and the sword, arrows and darts of the Evil One. No matter how fierce the battle feels we can calmly entrust ourselves to the protection and favor of the one who wields the shield for us. The love and wisdom and power of God will grant favor and protection like a shield. Keep an eye fixed on God’s great compassions. God was a shield for Abraham, for David, and for me.