Have you ever observed how quickly the flavor of chewing gum evaporates? On a larger scale have you noticed that not only the flavor but also the favor of this world is at best a fleeting shadow? For this post the question is how do we, in the midst of a temporal world, experience the eternally fixed blessings of God.
God’s “forever favor” in your life is the result of two commitments described in Psalm 112:
- Embrace divine principles.
- Heavenly Principles
Psalm 112:1 “Blessed is the man that feareth the LORD, that delighteth greatly in his commandments.”
Someone recently stated, “It is often easier to fight for principles than to live up to them.” In the first verse of this Psalm, we are instructed to live by heavenly principles that evokes divine fear. This man described possesses a fearful disposition of a child, not a slave. Why is fearing the Lord so important? May I provide you with a few verses that connect the divine vocabulary of “fear” and “forever.”
Pr 10:27 “The fear of the LORD prolongeth days: but the years of the wicked shall be shortened.”
Pr 14:27 “The fear of the LORD is a fountain of life, to depart from the snares of death.”
Pr 19:23 “The fear of the LORD tendeth to life: and he that hath it shall abide satisfied; he shall not be visited with evil.”
Pr 22:4 “By humility and the fear of the LORD are riches, and honour, and life.”
Second notice that this man takes pleasure in his heavenly duty. Psalm 37:23 declares, “The steps of a good man are ordered by the LORD: and he delighteth in his way.” There is no more lasting joy than that which oozes out of ordering your life at home, play, work, and church according to the Word of God!
- Humble Principles (4b-5)
Ps 112:4 “He is gracious, and full of compassion, and righteous.”
Ps 112:5 “A good man sheweth favour, and lendeth: he will guide his affairs with discretion.”
From what I have read of those who experience war, it is NOT glamorous but the most gruesome, vile, scary, and humiliating experience known to man. On the heels of this Memorial Day, I am so thankful for those willing to be humble, sacrificial patriots of the United States. Though the source of our principles is high, our application must always be with humility. One of the greatest evidence of humility is our willingness to give! Calvin Coolidge once observed, “No person was ever honored for what he received. Honor has been the reward for what he gave.”
First we must response with humility to the needs of others. This man in Psalm 112 dares not do any wrong to any man, but does to every man all the good he can, and that from a principle of compassion and kindness. It was said of God, in the foregoing psalm (v. 4), He is gracious, and full of compassion; and here it is said of the good man that he is so. Patterning your heart after God’s heart will lead to lasting influence!
The second area of humility is demonstrated in our stewardship. The motto of beverage giant Snapple is “made from the best stuff on earth.” Do you realize that your “best stuff” is not the end but the means to the end of “forever favor!” This man not only possesses the right attitude but also the right actions toward the needs of others. The Godly steward is always looking for how to use God’s blessings to benefit others.
According to Dwight D. Eisenhower, “A people that values its privileges above its principles soon loses both.” To experience the divinely-sustained blessing of the Lord, you must elevate your principles! Stop the pursuit of low living, hollow dreams, and shallow relationships. Set your affections on that which is heavenly; express your humility with compassion and empathy toward those in your realm of influence. With the Lord’s help, you can avoid the sensation of being “chewed up and spit out” by subsequent generations in our homes, churches, and culture!
Our next post will look at the second commitment we need to experience this memorialized favor.
What are specific ways that we can elevate our principles?
Here is the video link to this entire study “Forever Favor.”
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