Seeking favor is something we all understand. Those of us who work want to be well regarded by our boss or supervisor. Those of us who are children want the approval of our parents. Those of us with relationships want the support of our spouse, friends or peers. Everyone who cares desires favor. And the greatest favor we can obtain is from God. The question is how do we gain it?
What does God feel when He looks down on the world today? What thoughts run through His all-knowing mind? Is the condition of our world anything like what was described long ago in Genesis 6:5,6,8? “The Lord saw how great man’s wickedness on the earth had become and that every inclination of the thoughts of his heart was only evil all the time. The Lord was grieved that He had made man on the earth, and His heart was filled with pain . . . But Noah found favor in the eyes of the Lord.
Sinful people grieve God’s heart. Therefore, the way to find His approval must begin with personal examination—am I engaged in sin? If I am, there is no way I will please Him. In Genesis 6:9 we learn that there were three qualities about Noah that set him apart from the people of his era. First, he was a moral man. Second, he was blameless among the people of his time. His reputation was intact; there was no fault to be found in his character, attitude or conduct. Third, he walked with God. Essentially, he made a conscious decision to regularly communicate with Him, to follow His laws and do what pleased Him. God was Noah’s best friend.
The sons of Korah sang, “For the Lord God is a sun and shield; the Lord bestows favor and honor; no good thing does He withhold from those whose walk is blameless.” (Psalm 84:11) Moses told God in Exodus 33:13, “If You are pleased with me, teach me Your ways so I may know You and continue to find favor with You . . .”
Like a cup of hot chocolate on a cold winter day, is the affirming favor of our heavenly Father. Like the cool refreshing taste of water in a parched desert is the love He gives to those who please Him. Live to make Him proud; be like Noah and savor His favor.
Inspiration
The only ground on which God can forgive sin and reinstate us in His favor is through the Cross of Christ, and in no other way.—Oswald Chambers in My Utmost For His Highest
