Restoration and Favor
Expect good things to come. Believe that God will restore and favor you.
This is the last Saturday of 2020, which means this is the final Saturday Sip devotion before we enter the New Year. It’s been a wild ride, hasn’t it? There have been many unexpected twists and turns, and navigating the ups and downs of 2020 has not been easy. Nevertheless, God has been faithful.
Yesterday, on Christmas day, I spoke to my parents in Atlanta. They were having a joyous time filled with love and laughter. Though the pandemic has made it impossible to see them or to be physically close to loved ones outside my home, we chose to reflect on God’s goodness. Though we spoke about how much we miss each other, we spent the bulk of the time talking about the goodness of God and how thankful we are.
The Lord has truly blessed us in the midst of tumultuous times and taken care of us in this uncertain season, for He is faithful.
Faithful in affliction. Faithful in hard times. Faithful in difficult circumstances. Faithful even when we are not.
In Psalm 80, we see a picture of an unfaithful Israel, suffering the consequences of their own actions. Yet, the psalmist pleaded with God to show Israel mercy, restore them, smile upon them, and favor them.
“Restore us, O God; make your face shine on us, that we may be saved,” is a repeated refrain throughout this psalm and one that we would do well to repeat and pray over our lives.
When God smiles upon you, restores and favors you, He causes you to thrive and flourish in every season—bad or good. And friend, He is able do that for you even now, and He will do it.
Even as our economy fluctuates. Even as the pandemic rages on. Even as the future is uncertain. Even as opportunities are limited. Even as experts and statisticians predict the worst, God has proven over and over again, and He will continue to prove, that He brings triumph out of tragedy. He sends rain in the desert. He supplies where there is lack. And He restores where there is loss.
No matter what kind of year this has been for you or what circumstances may look like now, I am believing God for restoration and favor in your life. Expect it to manifest.
Now, let’s pray.
God, thank You for bringing me this far in 2020. Though there have been some difficult moments and dark days, You have proven faithful as always. As this year comes to a close, I thank You for all You have done, and I pray for Your restoration, continued favor and blessings over me and my family. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Get more inspiration from Dianna Hobbs weekdays, Monday through Friday, right here on Your Daily Cup of Inspiration. Be sure to catch up on encouragement that you missed, and if you need prayer, don’t hesitate to ask for it here. The ministry team is standing by 24 hours a day, 7 days per week, to intercede. Until next time, stay encouraged.
