“For You, O LORD, will bless the righteous; With favor You will surround him as with a shield.” Psalm 5:12
Thanks be to the Lord for His unfailing love which has brought us into the fifth month of the year 2025. The number five stands for Grace. In the Bible, grace is often understood as unearned favor or kindness from God toward humanity. Grace, though freely given, is not without cost—it was paid for through Jesus’ sacrifice. May His Grace and favor empower and help us to live righteous lives despite our weaknesses in Jesus’ name.
Psalm 5:12, is a powerful verse that speaks of God’s protection and favor over those who work and walk in righteously. It conveys a deep assurance that the Lord not only blesses the righteous but also surrounds them with His favor, acting as a shield against adversity.
The imagery of a shield is significant. In ancient times, a shield was a warrior’s primary defense, offering protection from attacks. Here, God’s favor is likened to a shield, meaning His blessings and grace serve as a safeguard for those who seek Him. This verse reassures believers that righteousness is not in vain—God sees, blesses, and surrounds His people with divine favor.
Some of the ways this information help in Daily Life
1. Divine Protection – This verse reminds us that God’s favor is not just a passive blessing but an active defense against harm, discouragement, and opposition. Psalm 91:4 – “He shall cover you with His feathers, and under His wings you shall take refuge; His truth shall be your shield and buckler.” This verse reinforces the idea of divine protection, comparing God’s care to a shield. Genesis 15:1 – “Do not be afraid, Abram. I am your shield, your exceedingly great reward.” God directly tells Abraham that He is his shield, emphasizing divine protection and provision.
2. Encouragement to Live Righteously – It encourages believers to pursue righteousness, knowing that God rewards those who walk in His ways. Proverbs 3:3-4 – “Let not mercy and truth forsake you; Bind them around your neck, write them on the tablet of your heart, and so find favor and high esteem in the sight of God and man.” Living in righteousness brings favor from God and others.
3. Faith in God’s Promises – In times of uncertainty, this verse serves as a reminder that God’s favor is ever-present, shielding His people from unseen dangers. Ephesians 6:16 – “Above all, taking the shield of faith with which you will be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked one.” Faith itself is described as a shield, showing how trust in God provides defense. Psalm 84:11 – “For the LORD God is a sun and shield; The LORD will give grace and glory; No good thing will He withhold from those who walk uprightly.” God’s favor is linked to His promises, provision and protection.
Examples of biblical people surrounded with favor as with a shield.
Throughout the Bible, many individuals experienced God’s favor, which acted as a shield of protection and blessing. Here are a few examples:
1. Noah – In Genesis 6:8, it says, “But Noah found favor in the eyes of the Lord.” Despite the wickedness around him, Noah was chosen to build the ark and was protected from the flood.
2. Abraham – In Genesis 12:2-3, God promises Abraham, “I will bless you and make your name great, and you shall be a blessing.” His favor led to the establishment of a great nation.
3. Joseph – In Genesis 39:21, “But the Lord was with Joseph and showed him steadfast love and gave him favor in the sight of the keeper of the prison.” Despite hardships, Joseph rose to power in Egypt.
4. Moses – In Exodus 33:17, God tells Moses, “You have found favor in my sight, and I know you by name.” Moses was chosen to lead Israel out of Egypt.
5. Esther – In Esther 2:15-17, she found favor with King Ahasuerus, which led to her becoming queen and saving her people.
6. Daniel – In Daniel 1:9, “Now God had brought Daniel into favor and goodwill of the chief of the eunuchs.” His favor allowed him to thrive in Babylon despite challenges.
7. Mary, the mother of Jesus – In Luke 1:30, the angel tells her, “Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God.” She was chosen to bear the Savior.
Each of these individuals was surrounded by God’s favor, which acted as a shield, guiding and protecting them.
PRAYERS
Seeking God’s favor through prayer is a powerful way to invite His blessings, guidance, and protection into our lives:
1. Prayer of Thanks for God’s Favor
“Heavenly Father, I come before You with a heart full of gratitude. Thank You for Your unending favor that surrounds me like a shield. You have blessed me beyond measure, guiding my steps and opening doors I never imagined. Psalm 5:12 – “For You, O LORD, will bless the righteous; With favor You will surround him as with a shield.”
2. Prayer for Divine Favor
“Lord, I seek Your favor in my life. Let Your grace surround me like a shield, guiding my steps and opening doors that no one can shut. May Your presence be with me in all I do, and may I walk in righteousness to receive Your blessings. Amen.” Psalm 5:12 – “For You, O LORD, will bless the righteous; With favor You will surround him as with a shield.”
3. Prayer for Favor in Difficult Times
“Father, in moments of struggle, I ask for Your favor to sustain me. Let Your mercy uplifts me and may Your hand lead me through challenges. Surround me with Your protection and grant me peace. Amen.” Psalm 90:17 – “May the favor of the Lord our God rest upon us; establish for us the work of our hands—yes, establish the work of our hands!”
4. Prayer for Favor in Relationships
“Lord, bless my relationships with Your favor. Help me to walk in love, kindness, and understanding. May Your grace strengthen my connections with others and bring harmony into my life. Amen.” Proverbs 3:3-4 – “Let not mercy and truth forsake you; Bind them around your neck, write them on the tablet of your heart, And so find favor and high esteem In the sight of God and man.”
5. Prayer for Favor in Work and Opportunities
“Heavenly Father, I ask for Your favor in my career and endeavors. Open doors of opportunity, grant me wisdom, and let my efforts be fruitful. May Your blessings be upon my work, and may I glorify You in all I do. Amen.” Genesis 39:21 – “But the Lord was with Joseph and showed him steadfast love and gave him favor in the sight of the keeper of the prison.”
6. Prayer for Favor and Protection
“God, I trust in Your promises. Surround me with Your favor as with a shield, protecting me from harm and leading me in the right path. May Your presence be my refuge, and may I always walk in Your light. Amen.” Genesis 15:1 – “Do not be afraid, Abram. I am your shield, your exceedingly great reward.”
7. Thank you, Father. Your grace sustains me, and Your love uplifts me. Lord, I acknowledge that every good thing in my life comes from You. May I always walk in Your righteousness and remain in Your favor. I praise You for Your faithfulness and give You all the glory. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
“Psalm 5:12 reassures believers that God surrounds the righteous with favor like a shield, offering security and grace. This helps with receiving divine blessing, overcoming struggles, strengthening relationships, advancing in work, and finding protection in God’s presence. Biblical figures such as Joseph and David demonstrate how God’s favor led them through trials to triumph. Living righteously, trusting God, and praying for His favor help believers experience His blessings in their lives.
Welcome to May 2025, the month of God’s Favor. May His favor surround us as with a shield in Jesus’ name.
Yours in the Lord,
Pastor Lillian Haastrup
