Seeking the favor of the Lord is an important goal for many Christians. Proverbs 8:35 says, “For whoever finds me (wisdom) finds life and obtains favor from the Lord.” This verse tells us that pursuing wisdom leads to life and favor from God. But what does it mean to obtain God’s favor, and how can we actively seek it?
What is the Favor of the Lord?
The favor of the Lord refers to gaining God’s approval, blessing, support, and grace. When we have the Lord’s favor, He is pleased with us and responds positively to our prayers and actions. God grants His favor to those who earnestly seek Him and strive to obey His Word (Proverbs 8:17).
Examples of God’s favor include:
- Material provision (Deuteronomy 28:1-14)
- Supernatural protection (Psalm 5:12)
- Victory over enemies (Psalm 44:3)
- Joy and peace (Psalm 90:17)
- Fulfillment of plans (Psalm 5:12)
- Strengthened relationships (Proverbs 16:7)
The favor of God is not something we can earn through good works; it is an undeserved gift from the Lord (Ephesians 2:8-9). However, when we seek God diligently, His favor will follow us. Let’s look at some biblical ways to pursue the Lord’s favor.
Seek Intimacy with God
Our relationship with God needs to be our highest priority if we want to walk in His favor. We cultivate intimacy with God by spending time talking to Him in prayer, listening to His voice through Scripture, fellowshipping with Him at church, and worshipping Him. The more we pursue knowing God, the more we will discover His heart and experience His grace (Jeremiah 9:23-24).
Psalm 25:14 says, “The friendship of the LORD is for those who fear him, and he makes known to them his covenant.” God befriends and entrusts His secrets to those who honor Him and seek His presence. As we chase after God, He promises to draw near to us in intimate relationship (James 4:8). This closeness with our Creator allows us to dwell in the shelter of His favor.
Trust and Obey God’s Word
If we want to live under God’s blessing and protection, we must take His Word seriously and obey it. The Bible contains God’s instructions, commands, and principles for how to walk in His will. As we meditate on Scripture, we begin to view life through the lens of God’s wisdom rather than our own limited understanding (Psalm 119:130).
The more we know God’s Word, the more we can apply it practically in everyday decisions and align our thoughts and actions with His truth. This obedience positions us to receive the fullness of the Lord’s favor. Deuteronomy 28:1-2 promises, “And if you faithfully obey the voice of the Lord your God, being careful to do all his commandments…all these blessings shall come upon you and overtake you, if you obey the voice of the Lord your God.”
Live in Holiness
God calls His people to pursue moral purity and excellence of character. As we yield every area of our lives to the refining fire of the Holy Spirit, He purifies us from unrighteousness and molds our hearts to reflect His goodness (Titus 2:11-14). Sin blocks the free flow of God’s favor, while holiness positions us to commune intimately with Him.
2 Corinthians 6:17-18 exhorts, “Therefore go out from their midst, and be separate from them, says the Lord, and touch no unclean thing; then I will welcome you, and I will be a father to you, and you shall be sons and daughters to me, says the Lord Almighty.” Setting ourselves apart from sin and unto God is key to walking in kingdom blessings.
Give Generously
Interestingly, the pathway to God’s favor also includes practical generosity with our time, talents, and treasures. As we sow financial blessings, gifts of service, compassionate support, and godly wisdom into others, we reap the Lord’s favor in return. Proverbs 11:25 promises, “Whoever brings blessing will be enriched, and one who waters will himself be watered.”
The Old Testament prophet Zechariah gave this word from the Lord, “Thus says the Lord of hosts: Render true judgments, show kindness and mercy to one another, do not oppress the widow, the fatherless, the sojourner, or the poor…Love truth and peace” (Zechariah 7:9-10; 8:16-17). As we reflect God’s heart through practical care and generosity, we unlock greater dimensions of His blessing.
Represent God Well
Our actions, attitudes, and mindset either attract people toward the Lord or repel them away. The way we treat others, conduct business, respond to trials, and walk in integrity speaks volumes. As we represent Jesus well in our daily lives, we give people a compelling, positive impression of God’s kingdom.
1 Peter 2:12 urges, “Keep your conduct among the Gentiles honorable, so that when they speak against you as evildoers, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day of visitation.” The favor we walk in will overflow to touch lives around us. Our Christlike character can point people to our gracious God.
Pray for God’s Favor
Finally, we simply must ask God to reveal His unmerited favor over our lives and grant us wisdom to steward it well. We don’t have to strive and sweat to earn God’s blessing – it’s available to us through faith and humility as a gift from Him. But we do need to recognize our constant dependence on the Giver through prayer.
James 4:2 explains, “You do not have, because you do not ask.” Let’s come boldly before God’s throne of grace and ask specifically for His favor to accomplish His purposes in and through us (Hebrews 4:16). As we acknowledge our need for Him, He will pour out His goodness.
In Closing…
Growing in intimacy with God, obeying His Word, living purely, giving generously, representing Christ well, and praying for favor – these habits open the door for us to walk under the Lord’s blessing and approval. His grace is not earned by works, but received by faith. As we seek God with all our hearts, His favor will follow us and changes everything.
Proverbs 8:35 promises, “For whoever finds me (wisdom) finds life and obtains favor from the Lord.” May we diligently pursue the Lord through His Word and Spirit, discovering the beauty of His friendship. Then His blessings will overflow us, accomplishing more than we could ask or imagine for His glory.