FAVOR of 2021

"See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland."  ~ Isaiah 43:19

As we near the end of the turbulent year that has been 2020, I began hearing a word that I rarely hear. The word "favor" is not one that I recall hearing very often. However, I have heard it frequently, almost daily, for weeks from various sources - including from devotions, Scripture verses, songs, and social media. I decided to accept that God was indeed confirming this was my word for 2021. As usual, I decided to explore the dictionary and found a variety of definitions for the word "favor." 

Per Merriam-Webster, the definition of "favor" is: 

• friendly regard shown toward another especially by a superior
• approving consideration or attention
• gracious kindness
• effort in one's behalf or interest
• a token of love usually worn conspicuously
• a special privilege or right granted or conceded
• in accord or sympathy with
• to the benefit of: in support of
• to treat gently or carefully
• to show partiality toward
• to give support or confirmation to
• to bear a resemblance to

So, essentially, it means doing something kind for someone, resembling someone, being cautious in how you treat someone, supporting someone, or providing a small gift to someone. Per BibleStudyTools.com, the term "favor" means "gaining approval, acceptance, or special benefits or blessings. There is also a close association among favor, grace, and mercy."

My next move was to turn to the Bible to see what it says about the word "favor." 

"The LORD said to Moses, 'I will also do this thing of which you have spoken; for you have found favor in My sight and I have known you by name.'" ~ Exodus 33:17 (NASB) 

"Surely, LORD, you bless the righteous; you surround them with your favor as with a shield." ~ Psalms 5:12 (NIV)

"May the favor of the Lord our God rest on us; establish the work of our hands for us - yes, establish the work of our hands." ~ Psalms 90:17 (NIV)

"Remember me, LORD, when you show favor to your people, come to my aid when you save them, that I may share in the joy of your nation and join in your inheritance in giving praise." ~ Psalm 106:4-5 (NIV)

 "Let love and faithfulness never leave you; bind them around your neck, write them on the tablet of your heart. Then you will win favor and a good name in the sight of God and man." ~ Proverbs 3:3-4 (NIV)

"Good judgment wins favor, but the way of the unfaithful leads to their destruction." ~  Proverbs 13:15 (NIV)

"A good name is to be more desired than great wealth; Favor is better than silver and gold." ~ Proverbs 22:1 (NASB)

"Now God had caused the official to show favor and compassion to Daniel...." ~ Daniel 1:9 (NIV)

"For am I now seeking the favor of people, or of God? Or am I striving to please people? If I were still trying to please people, I would not be a bond-servant of Christ." ~ Galations 1:10 (NASB) 

There were many other passages, including several that mentioned people who were chosen and granted favor by God as part of their journey. Genesis 6 tells of Noah finding favor in God's eyes, resulting in Noah and his family being saved from the destruction of the world by a flood. Also in Genesis 39, Joseph was granted favor by God, setting things in motion to ultimately rescue God's people during famine. In Luke 1, we find that Jesus' mother, Mary, was chosen to birth God's son after finding favor with God.

For a word that I rarely hear, I never realized how often it is used in Scripture and in so many different scenarios. After spending the past year in the "middle," this journey of "favor" looks to be quite interesting. Have I found favor in God? Does God plan on giving me favor? I would love to believe that I favor the One in who's image I was created. What does 2021 hold? I have ideas. I have hopes. I am indeed curious. 

all contents (c) 2021 Laura Inglis