“Now God had caused the official to show favor and compassion to Daniel.” (Daniel 1:9)

Everyone desires favor—especially the favor that comes from God. Favor opens doors, brings opportunities, and releases blessings. The Bible is filled with stories of ordinary people upon whom God’s favor rested, and the results were extraordinary.

Consider Joseph. The favor of God was upon him whether he was serving in Potiphar’s house, imprisoned, and eventually elevated to Prime Minister of Egypt. Abraham received God’s favor at the age of 99 when the Lord appeared to him and declared, “I will establish my covenant between me and you and will greatly increase your numbers” (Genesis 17:1-8). Mary was chosen above all women to be the mother of Jesus, greeted with the words, “The Lord is with you… you have found favor with God” (Luke 1:28-30).

How then does one receive such favor? Looking at the lives of Noah, Moses, Daniel, and others, it becomes clear that God’s favor is not earned by human perfection. These were not flawless people, yet God chose to show them mercy. As He declared to Moses: “I will have mercy on whom I have mercy, and I will have compassion on whom I have compassion” (Romans 9:15).

One other consistent mark of those who walk in God’s favor is humility. The Lord says in Isaiah 66:2:

“These are the ones I look on with favor: those who are humble and contrite in spirit, and who tremble at my word.”

Charles Spurgeon captured it well when he said that God shows favor to those who seek Him by loving Him, honoring Him, and delighting in His Word. But we can also receive favor by boldly asking for it. The Psalmist prayed, “I entreat your favor with all my heart; be gracious to me according to your promise” (Psalm 119:58). And God promises:

“The Lord bestows favor and honor; no good thing does he withhold from those whose walk is blameless” (Psalm 84:11).

Today, approach God with humility and confidence. Walk in the assurance that the Lord Almighty is able and willing to show you favor.

Prayer: Heavenly Father, God of Abraham, Maker of heaven and earth, I come before You in humility. Show me Your favor and bless the work of my hands. Let Your compassion rest upon my life. I ask this in the mighty name of Jesus!