What causes Jesus to remove His favor from your life?

This narrative discusses what motivates Jesus in the life of a believer.

The words written below by the Sons of Korah describe the favor of God upon the Israelites. The Israelites were delivered by God and given the Promised Land. God also defeated all their enemies. The Israelites did nothing except follow the instructions of God and praise Him.

For they did not gain possession of the land by their own sword, nor did their own arm save them; But it was Your right hand, Your arm, and the light of Your countenance, Because You favored them. (You can read all of this text in Psalm 44.)

Now we fast forward approximately 500 years and the Israelites have suffered greatly, are scattered into desolations and Jerusalem is in shambles.

But You have cast us off and put us to shame, and You do not go out with our armies. You make us turn back from the enemy, and those who hate us have taken spoil for themselves. You have given us up like sheep intended for food, And have scattered us among the nations.You sell Your people for next to nothing, and are not enriched by selling them.

What caused God to remove His favor from the Israelites?

The Israelites fell into disobedience to God. They failed to listen to the voice of God. They were the “set apart” people of God and were told to operate with the renown, praise and glory of God.

They worshipped false gods and did not keep the commandments of God.

God saw the despicable behaviors of the Israelites, removed His favor and severely punished them.

This microcosm takes place in the lives of many believers. We make a decision for Jesus and start off on the right track but eventually drift away from God. The judgment is probably not as severe as what happened to the Israelites but we are all accountable for our actions. If we fail or disrespect God there will be consequences.

Believers get into trouble primarily for two reasons:

We are tempted by Satan and become lured into darkness.

We give power to our fleshy desires to satisfy self.

These behaviors can be overcome by living under the authority of the Holy Spirit who is sealed in all believers. He is the life of Christ and will keep you on track with God. However, you have to invite the Holy Spirit to have authority over your life and listen for His voice.

Pray to God each day and submit your works to Him. This will cause the Holy Spirit to infuse you with wisdom over the course of your day. If in doubt about something take a timeout and inquire of the Holy Spirit.

Read the Bible for at least a few minutes each day asking the Holy Spirit to show you how to apply the values of God into your life.

Ask the Holy Spirit to convict you of anything in your life not pleasing to God.

Walk by faith and not by what you see with your eyes. He who is in you is greater than he who is in the world. Make the Holy Spirit your best friend. He speaks for Jesus!