The King’s Favor

Proverbs 16:15

In the light of a king's face there is life,
and his favor is like the clouds that bring the spring rain.

If the previous proverb impresses upon us the danger of being under the thunder storm of our King’s wrath, this one stirs us with the refreshment of being under his favor. To know God’s favor is to know life. And that is what Christ came to bring – life to the fullest (John 10:10). He has removed our guilt so that our King looks upon us with divine favor.


We need not hide from God. We know that when we come before the throne we come before the mercy seat where we find mercy. We are not weighted down with the impossible task of making enough amends to make ourselves acceptable. Christ has done the work of reconciliation and of cleansing us. That work is done! And what we receive now – now, not some day if we work hard enough – is the favor of the great King!

Whatever this day may bring, know that God’s favor is upon you. He is not angry with you. He is not punishing you. He is working all things – even those which are hard to bear – for your good (Romans 8:28) because the light of his face shines upon you.