How can we practically rely on God's favor as described in Psalm 89:17? Verse at the Center “ For You are the glory of their strength, and by Your favor our horn is exalted.” (Psalm 89:17) The Substance of Favor • God’s favor is His freely given goodwill that lifts, shields, and empowers His people. • In Psalm 89 the “horn” pictures strength and honor. Favor is therefore a real, present resource that raises believers above natural limitations. Ways to Rely on His Favor Daily • Anchor identity in covenant love. – Psalm 89 celebrates God’s sworn promise to David; believers stand in an even surer covenant through Christ (Hebrews 8:6). • Start the day acknowledging His favor. – “Trust in the LORD with all your heart…” (Proverbs 3:5-6). – Verbally thank Him that His face is shining on you (Numbers 6:24-26). • Walk in obedience that invites unhindered blessing. – “No good thing does He withhold from those who walk uprightly.” (Psalm 84:11) • Expect supernatural strength in weakness. – “My grace is sufficient for you, for My power is perfected in weakness.” (2 Corinthians 12:9) • Speak favor over challenges. – Declare Psalm 89:17 when confronting needs, opposition, or fatigue. • Align plans with His purposes. – Commit schedules, finances, and relationships to Him, confident He “will make your paths straight” (Proverbs 3:6). Strength for Each Season • In victory: Favor crowns achievements with humility and gratitude. • In hardship: Favor assures that trials cannot annul God’s covenant commitment. • In waiting: Favor sustains hope that promised exaltation is certain. Encouragement from the Broader Story • Romans 8:31-32 underscores unbreakable favor purchased at the cross. • Jeremiah 17:7 calls the favored person “blessed” because trust has shifted from self to the Lord. • Ephesians 2:4-7 shows favor raising believers and seating them with Christ—an already-begun exaltation. Putting It into Practice Today • Begin morning devotions by reading Psalm 89:17 aloud. • Keep a “favor journal,” recording daily moments when God opens doors or provides strength beyond measure. • Before meetings or tasks, whisper, “By Your favor my horn is exalted.” • When anxious thoughts arise, replace them with Romans 8:31-32, affirming that God is for you. • End the day recounting evidences of His favor to reinforce faith for tomorrow. Closing Thought God’s favor in Psalm 89:17 is not abstract; it is a tangible, covenant guarantee of strength and elevation. Living conscious of that favor transforms ordinary routines into arenas for His glory and His people’s exaltation. |