The Fervour of Favour

May the favor of the Lord our God rest upon us; establish the work of our hands for us— yes, establish the work of our hands. Psalm 90:17

I’ve come to realise that favour is a big deal, that it is something worth praying for and seeking out in life. I’ve learnt that as we make plans or decisions and especially as we communicate them, it is of considerable value to have God’s favour. Lately I’ve felt the excitement of having a few plans and communications have that kind of favour.

The word favour is found 150 times in the NIV Bible (although you have to spell it “favor”). It’s a concept familiar and significant with the people of the Bible and within the culture of the Kingdom of God. It’s like a holy X-factor that takes a plan or a person and adds success in that season.

God, our loving Heavenly Father, is always looking to bless us, and indeed, we are blessed according simply to our status as His children. But there is a certain mysterious and wonderful way that God chooses His timing to answer a prayer or breathe on a plan.

I’ve had many ideas over the years that I have thought were fantastic, but they didn’t get anywhere. I remember when I was at uni and doing some volunteer tutoring in a high school, I went along to Sydney Uni’s Christians in Education group to inspire others to do the same thing. It inspired no-one. Looking back I realise that it’s not good to try and inspire a group the first time you meet them, at least that’s how it went for me.

It’s exciting to put an idea out there into the universe, to test it out and see if anyone agrees. It’s really exciting when God breathes on an idea. Then, momentum and interest come naturally without arm-waving and arm-twisting. We can just enjoy the flow.

I don’t think there’s a formula to it, but I think that’s what makes it so wonderful when His favour is there. That kind of success is somewhere beyond our efforts and determination. I think that we can pray for it, and it’s helpful to be using our gifts and pursuing His will, but we can’t force it.

We can do nothing but relax and trust in His timing. God is way beyond delivering a formulaic response to our prayers, I kind of like how the mystery sets us for an authentic relationship with Him and to rely on Him for the results.

What could you pray for now, for God’s favour?