Psalm 5:12
Surely, Lord, you bless the righteous; you surround them with your favour as with a shield.
How useful is "God's favour"? What difference does it make, knowing that the God who rules over all things welcomes you as a child instead of turning his back on you as a sinner? Why does it actually matter?
For many people, Christianity is irrelevant because they don't think they need God's favour. It’s a bit like a rainbow - very nice if
you happen to like that sort of thing, a beautiful addition to life, hovering in the background. But not useful. Not necessary.
Perhaps "God's favour" mostly matters to you because it'll keep you out of hell and get you into heaven. It's a bit like an
insurance policy - you'll need it one day, so it's comforting to know that it's there, ready. But it doesn't do anything for you right now.
David knows that God's favour surrounds him like a shield.
David knows what is like to face powerful enemies, intent on destroying him. David is a man who knows the value of a shield. If he likens God's favour to a shield, he must think it is important, something we truly need. Not a rainbow, mildly improving the look of our life, but something actually useful. Not an insurance policy, tucked away in a back pocket for when we die, but something for now.
Reading back through the whole Psalm we see the difference
that God's favour makes to David's life in practice. He can speak to God and God will listen (v1-3). He is welcome in God's presence, to worship him (v7). God leads him in the straight way of righteousness and truth (v8). God is his protection and refuge, so that he can rejoice (v11). God has blessed us with his favour. He has made us righteous. And so today is different. God hears me when I speak. He welcomes me when I am lonely or afraid, or conscious of my sin. He leads me when I am confused or weary and wanting to give up. He gives me reasons to rejoice in him. Surely nothing is more useful, more precious, more a reason for thankfulness, than God's favour? Let's thank him for it, and enjoy it, today.
