Psalm 112:4 Even in darkness light dawns for the upright, for the gracious and compassionate and righteous man. Psalm 5:12 For surely, O LORD, you bless the righteous; you surround them with your favor as with a shield.

2011 heralded a tumultuous year on the world stage. Governments and dictators were overthrown, Europe suffered yet another financial melt down, cities were rocked by tsunamis and earthquakes, fires and floods. There were those predicting the end of the world, that great calamity would come as God began sending judgment upon the earth. Many Christians were even caught up in this wave of pessimism. Yet for those who have an understanding of the New Covenant we know the wrath of God for sin has already been poured out 2000 years ago. As Jesus hung upon a rough wooden cross, all the punishment for mankind’s rebellion was meted out upon his human frame. For those who have received the forgiveness of God through their faith in Jesus Christ there is no fear of punishment, only the great truth and delight of God’s abundant blessing and favour. The promise of God is clear to all those who believe, “He will surround them with favour” What a comforting thought, to be completely surrounded by the favour of God, a supernatural Holy force field that goes before us, that is always guarding from every direction.

What is the favour of God? It’s simply when everything else is shouting failure, God declares success. It goes everywhere you go, it’s designed to open doors and provide opportunities that no man can. It brings protection, provision and blessing when it seems impossible. Many know ‘of’ the favour of God, but sadly too few actually tap into it, they never experience the manifestation of God’s favour. How do we then tap into the vast reserve of heaven. Job 22:28 in the amplified Bible says “You shall also decide and decree a thing, and it shall be established for you; and the light [of God’s favor] shall shine upon your ways. To decree something requires a sound, it’s a declaration we make according to the Word of God. Many people fail to live in favour because they fail to make a demand upon the promises of God for them. To decree a promise in faith is to make a demand. The Bible is quite clear, God will always honour His Word. You want to live in His favour in 2012? Then I want to encourage you, don’t stop believing and declaring His Word over your life. It’s the key to living in favour.