by Jordy van Gaalen

Equipped in Our Struggles

You can listen to today’s devotion by clicking this SoundCloud link.

“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.”
Psalm 90:17 NIV

Another word for the Lord’s favor is delight or gracious kindness. The favor of the Lord is demonstrated as God’s approval. 

Favor is not a one way street. As God’s children we seek out God’s favor. Part of that is in humbling our hearts before God. The Lord’s favor is more important than anyone else’s. It should be worth more than how other people or how the world views us. It is in our relationship with Our Savior that we find life and acceptance. The Lord delights in us, His children.

“For those who find me, find life and receive favor from the LORD.”
Proverbs 8:35 NIV

We will still have trouble and suffering. Our earthly lives will not be perfect for having the Lord’s favor. Biblical examples show that they still had to endure much suffering. We saw those that found favor in the Lord on a boat at sea for forty days with no knowledge of how or when it would come to an end, wandering in the desert, and thrown into a den with lions. Talk about enduring some trials! Noah, Moses, Daniel, and Mary all found favor in the eyes of the Lord, and yet they faced obstacles and challenges of great magnitude. Yet, they had the tools to overcome such obstacles.  

God promises to never leave us. Through the favor of the Lord, we see that God is protecting us, connecting with us, and guiding us through life. With the Lord’s favor, we have peace from the Spirit. We have the comfort of a loving Father. God equips us in our struggles and he walks alongside us. 

We saw the biblical examples of those who suffered being rewarded. In the end, Noah and his family were saved from the flood, enduring the ridicule and the confinements of a boat with all the animals in existence. We too will be rewarded in a way unique to us and hand selected by God. God will open our eyes to see the blessings in our situations, even in the midst of hardships through that continual connection and relationship.

“Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.”
Luke 2:14 NIV

Copyright Holy Cross Lutheran Church, Colorado Springs, Colorado