Finding God's Favor

Day seventy-two

I was looking forward to the Sabbath with a hope to be filled spiritually and an opportunity for rest. My prayer reflected these desires.  I did get filled today, interestingly it came from some unusual sources, and I am grateful for that.  It shows me that the Lord is listening and knows exactly what I need.  However, the rest part is still to come.

I am focusing on Genesis 18:3 today:

"And said, My Lord, if now I have found favour in thy sight, pass not away, I pray thee, from thy servant". 

I am interested in finding favor in the sight of the Lord.  What does it mean to find the favor of the Lord, how does one get it and what are the benefits?

Favor:  an act of gracious kindness; an inclination to approve. (web dictionary)

So finding oneself in the Lord's favor is receiving God's grace and kindness and approval.  This sounds like something that every Christian should desire and seek for.  Even Jesus Christ had to find favor in the Lord: "And Jesus increased in wisdom and stature, and in favour with God and man " (Luke 2:52).  If He is our example then it seems important, even vital, that we find the favor of God.

So how do we get in God's favor? 

After researching more about this subject I think I would like to change the word 'get' to the word 'earn' in this question.  It is not something we just receive, there are requirements which need to be met to earn it.

So what are these requirements:
 
Praying (Job 33:26, Mosiah 10:13)
Keep the commandments (Prov 3:1-4)
Seeking and finding God (Prov 8:35)
Diligently seeking good ((Prov 11:27; 12:2)
Living righteously (Prov 14:9; 1 Ne 17:35)

What are the benefits of finding favor of the Lord:

Our petitions are more likely to be granted (Esther 7:3)
God will compass us with a shield (Psalm 5:12)
We will receive life (Psalm 30:5)
Our enemies will not triumph over us (Psalm 41:11)
God will show His mercy (Psalm 119:58)

I have read verses with the words "favor of the Lord" in them many times, but I think this is the first time that I really understand the importance of finding favor of the Lord.  This has to do with our salvation in a much deeper way than I have comprehended in the past.  Truly, every Christian should be seeking the Lord's favor everyday.  If we continually draw closer to the Lord we will come to dwell in His favor and in His favor is life (Psalm 30:5).