As we begin this New Year, like getting your wheels aligned after a year of swerves, bumps, and potholes, we’d like to reflect on whether our lives are aligned with God’s will. This third devotion assures us that God’s favor enfolds us even in the midst of trials:

IN WORD – When we observe the world around us, it’s easy to become negative. We often see righteous people suffer, and we see the wicked prosper. But what we see are the circumstances that surround someone. What we don’t usually see is God’s attitude toward that person. They are not always the same. Sometimes His favor results in visible blessing; sometimes it doesn’t.
As in so many other psalms, David cried out to God for help in Psalm 5:2. His conclusion at the end of the psalm is that he will be blessed. Why? He knows who God is. Though he is suffering at the hands of evil, he knows that this will not always be his situation. We, too, may not see justice at a given moment, but over the course of time we will see two unalterable trends: the blessing of those who pursue righteousness and the destruction of those who pursue evil.
IN DEED – We need to know this when we wonder whether our pursuit of godliness is worth the cost. It always is. We may not see it right away, but we will see it eventually. God has never withheld blessing from anyone whose heart was right toward Him. Never. That would contradict His character and it would violate His promise. He blesses the righteous and He surrounds them with favor.
Do you wonder about your future? Are you afraid for your welfare? Don’t be, not if your heart belongs to God and you live for Him. It is not in His nature to forsake His faithful ones. He may let you experience a hard time, but never without abundant grace and never indefinitely. There will be relief. His favor already surrounds you like a shield. “Sooner or later you will see it. God’s investment in us is so great He could not possibly abandon us.” —Erwin Lutzer (in “Walk with God” by Chris Tiegreen)

Are you in need to be reminded that God only desires our good and that His favor rests with those who trust in Him? Take time to read Psalms 90 – 96 this week, a psalm a day. Use each psalm to reflect how God faithfully cares for His people and ask the Holy Spirit to help you find assurance and peace in God’s favor. If you have time, memorize a section of verses from Psalm 91 that you feel are especially significant to you. Have a blessed week! – from Singapore, Pastor Sam