2 Samuel 5:11
“Then Hiram king of Tyre sent messengers to David with cedar trees, carpenters, and stonemasons; and they built a house for David.”
This is amazing. It wasn't so long ago that David was being hunted by Saul with his life in serious danger. He was very vulnerable. He would be dead if it weren't for God's protecting hand. We know this was tough as we see David expressing himself in the Psalms. However, this directed to God. We don't see him complaining before others.
This verse show his favor with those that may have been his enemies. But that's what God does. Proverbs 16:7 says, "When a man’s ways please the LORD, He makes even the man’s enemies live at peace with him." It's not us doing this, but the Lord. True, we are to love all, but this favor is created by God. We aren't capable of doing this.
The wonderful part of this being God's work is that we don't have to maintain it. He gives us favor with those He wishes. It's His blessing to us, but also He gives us opportunities to perform His work. Once we stop obeying Him, it all dries up.
That can sound fearful, but just obey the next task before us. We do fail, but we ask forgiveness and ask for help in that area. He does it. Sometimes we look down the road and get intimidated. This Jesus' answer to that, "Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Today has enough trouble of its own", (Matthew 6:34).
There is an old hymn that has a helpful chorus, "Trust and obey, for there's no other way to be happy in Jesus, but to trust and obey." A child can do this.
We adults complicate things. Our education system often breeds confusion which distances us from God. Romans 1:20 tells us that we all know enough. "For since the creation of the world His invisible attributes, that is, His eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly perceived, being understood by what has been made, so that they are without excuse."
When we share Christ with others, share the hope we've received. We can point them towards resources, but don't let that get in the way the good news. I Peter 3:15 says, "But in your hearts sanctify Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give a defense to everyone who asks you the reason for the hope that is in you. But respond with gentleness and respect." We are talking about the hope in us. They are attracted to that hope.
Circling back to the favor God gave David. He does that for us also. It's a free gift. Just follow Him and that's one of the results. Part of His reasons for doing so are to draw others to Him. They want what God has to give.
It's all because of His love for us. It's all over our lives. When we participate with Him His love blesses us. Luke 6:38 talks about that with giving, "Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together, and running over will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured back to you.” His love overflows in and through our lives.
Thank You, Lord, for Your favor. You love us so much. You favor is just one of the ways You show it.