Blog post November 5, 2026

For it is You who blesses the righteous one, O Lord, you surround him with favor as with a large shield. Psalm 5:12

Once again the idea of a shield comes up or is presented. We shield or protect things we want to preserve. What does it look like when the Lord surrounds one with favor?

When my wife and I did foster care we learned a lot about trauma and its effects on children. It is like shackles that bind them and holds them back. They struggle in almost every area. But when trauma is removed and replaced with safety the child begins to flourish and open up like a butterfly coming out of its cocoon.

That's the image I get when I read this verse. When the Lord surrounds us with His favor He provides a sense of safety that allows us to flourish. We have an inner stillness, a quiet, unshakable peace that may not make sense given our outward situation. We have an unexplainable sense of gladness or hope - even in the middle of waiting, testing, or difficult seasons.

We get a clear sense that our steps are being ordered or guided toward a specific purpose, often confirmed through scripture, wise counsel, and answered prayer.

In short, God blesses the ones He deems righteous and the beauty is He makes us righteous in the first place. So how can we not read a verse like this and begin to visualize what it is to be blessed and surrounded with God's favor.

Thank you Heavenly Father for Jesus Christ through whom we are declared righteous. Thank you for Your blessings and favor. Thank you that we can flourish under your protection. Help us to meditate on this today and thrive through Your leading. I pray in Jesus name. AMEN