I Samuel 18:5
“And David went into battle wherever Saul sent him, and always achieved success; so Saul put him in charge of the men of war. And it was pleasing in the sight of all the people, and also in the sight of Saul’s servants.”
God's favor is a wonderful thing. David had it with everyone at this point. He would soon lose it with Saul. He began to see that David was a threat to his rule. God's favor wasn't lifted from David. He had some tough years while on the run from Saul. He always had people supporting him.
God wants to give us His favor. Psalm 23 says, "He prepares a table for me in the presence of my enemies". He wants to provide an honor banquet for us.
Why does He do this? He wants to bless our obedience. We aren't perfect in this, but we want to do His will. We want to be flexible and say, "Thy will be done". He returns to us a hundred fold.
God also blesses us because He is a generous and gracious God. I've heard the acronym for GRACE: God's Riches at Christ's Expense. We don't deserve this blessing. It's His nature. It's like the children of the wealthy, they receive much by way of relationship.
God wants to draw all people to Himself (John 12:32). By blessing us others want the same thing. God wants it to be attractive to be a christian. It's a godly marketing plan.
We are His children. He wants the best for us, so He brings honor. It doesn't mean all our plans will work out perfectly. We have to say, "Thy will be done". He steers us in His way. Blessings are the result as well as honor.
David understood this when he said, "How precious also are Your thoughts for me, God! How vast is the sum of them! Were I to count them, they would outnumber the sand. When I awake, I am still with You", (Psalm 139:17,18). This type of love is so deep, it's difficult for us to grasp. Only God has the capacity to love all of us like this. We all have people we love in our lives. We could recount the reasons for that love. We will find that it has limits. Not with God. His love for us is innumerable.
He can bless us because we are in Christ. I Corinthians 1:20 says, "For as many as the promises of God are, in Him they are yes; therefore through Him also is our Amen to the glory of God through us." While God has always loved us, we were separated by our sin. Jesus' death forgave that and we are now right with God. All the promises are yes, His blessing and favor come flowing in.
All of us were lost to some degree. Some slightly others wildly. God's redemption plans are like walking down skid row and choosing and healing. Some may not appeared to have needed much. However, below the surface there were issues. More than enough to have them damned for ever. Others needed much help. We can all look back with great gratitude.
Lord, thank You for your love and favor towards us. You chose us in our lost states, repaired us, set us on a good path and forever blessed us. Thank You God.