Canopy of Favor

I love to be outside just about any time of the day (or night for that matter).  Besides flying insects, not much can keep me from enjoying daily meals, tea breaks and times with God out at our picnic table or on the swing. There is however, something that can prevent me from spending an enormous amount of time in my garden like yard and that it the hot sun! 

Thankfully, we have a wonderful set of trees that blanket the area where we like to sit throughout the day that keeps the burning rays off us.  Their long branches coupled with the massive trumpet vines cascading along the fence, provide the protection we need all day long.  That is, until early spring this year when a tornadic activity came through and ripped out several of the trees.  Now there is a giant gap between the trees and that much needed shield from the elements is sadly gone. 

My husband and I loved having those trees in the yard because they provided a shield from the sun.  We sat under the canopy of branches that stretched out over the entire back area giving us a break from the intense heat.  Without those precious trees the pleasure of fellowshipping under the skimpy canopy that remains is not the same. 

Thinking about what those trees provided for us reminded me of one of my favorite verses I claim in prayer daily from the book of Psalm.  I am pretty sure you know which passage I am referring to as it is one that I have taught on so many times here on Daily Favor.   The latest was early this summer in the teaching Surrounded by His Favor Shield. 

“For You, O Lord, will bless the righteous; With favor You will surround him/her as with a shield.”
 (Psalm 5:12 NKJV) 

When I think of what a shield offers or provides and how it is used, the word protection or covering from harm pops into my head just like those trees did for us.  No matter where we sat in the back yard the shade from the branches wrapped around the area and surrounded us with a coolness that was only available when we were under it.  

If we walked away from the canopy of branches area, the protective shaded covering was immediately gone.  The comfort from the shade was only available while we stayed under the radius of the canopy over us. 

That scenario is the same for those who belong to Christ.  Each new morning the Lord has already set His mercy in motion for us.  His blessing on the righteous falls under the favor covering as kindness and joy unfolds throughout the day. 

"Lord, how wonderfully you bless the righteous. Your favor wraps around each one and covers them under your canopy of kindness and joy.” (Psalm 5:12 TPT) 

We have a canopy of favor (umbrella covering) as children of the Lord. When we use any umbrella in the natural realm, it is to keep something off us, such as the rain or sun. It is a source of protection from harmful elements. The umbrella opens like a canopy to shield us from the conditions around us.  It does not stop it from raining or keep the sun from shining, but prevents the outside conditions from touching us directly.  

There are even times when the rain will get you wet from the wind. The canopy umbrella is a shield only and does not change what is happening in the world.  It will however provide a shelter, a safe place from it.  

I want you to think of this example and apply it deeply into your thoughts.  The next time you are under the shade of a tree or raise an umbrella, remember that God’s shield is already in place for you if you stay under it.  His canopy of protection is always there for those who stay in fellowship with Him.  Step outside that boundary and the shield is no longer effective. 

Study God’s word and stay close to the Lord as He fulfills each promise of hope. His hand is open to give you the desires of your heart.  Daily spend time in fellowship thanking Him for the blessing of His favor that covers you like an umbrella and loving canopy shielding you continually.  

Although my trees are not there to cover me any longer, I have a greater covering source that even the harshest storms of life cannot destroy – the mighty hand of God’s Canopy of Favor.  

“The Lord is gracious and full of compassion, slow to anger and great in mercy. The Lord is good to all, and His tender mercies are over all His works. 

All Your works shall praise You, O Lord, and Your saints shall bless You. They shall speak of the glory of Your Kingdom, and talk of Your power, 
to make known to the sons of men His mighty acts, and the glorious majesty of His Kingdom. 

Your Kingdom is an everlasting Kingdom, and Your dominion endures throughout all generations.  The Lord upholds all who fall, and raises up all who are bowed down.  The eyes of all look expectantly to You, and You give them their food in due season. 

You open Your hand and satisfy the desire of every living thing. The Lord is righteous in all His ways,
 gracious in all His works.

The Lord is near to all who call upon Him, 
to all who call upon Him in truth." 
(Psalm 145:16-18 NKJV) 

Until next time, Favored Blessings

*For those who trust in Jesus Christ, God gives the promise of life here but also the gift of eternal life (in Heaven; a Kingdom that cannot be shaken) as an inheritance of being His child.  If you would like to have this gift also, click here to learn more.

Disclaimer: Article information is not meant to be used as treatment for mental or physical issues, but geared toward spiritual awareness.

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Unless noted, scripture reference in series was taken from the New King James Bible Version provided by Bible Gateway.  Image Creative Common License if not specified. 

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