Bless Me
Today’s Verse:
And Jabez called on the God of Israel, saying, Oh that thou wouldest bless me indeed, and enlarge my coast, and that thine hand might be with me, and that thou wouldest keep me from evil, that it may not grieve me! And God granted him that which he requested. ~1 Chronicles 4:10
If I were to choose a model prayer for how to pray for a successful New Year, the prayer of Jabez would be at the top of my list. Only two verses tell us something about him. However, the content of these two verses teaches us that no matter how difficult things were for us in the past, they do not have to keep us from having the blessing of God upon us. Consider with me some vital lessons on how to pray for God to work in your life this year.
We see a maternal regret.
We are told that his mother gave birth to him in sorrow. We are not sure what this sorrow was, but it was definitely something that caused regret in her heart. It could be that she passed from this life after giving birth. It could be that she would have to raise and care for him all by herself. Whatever it was, she named him “sorrow.” When we enter into this world, there is the reality of sorrow. Job 14:1 says, “Man that is born of a woman is of few days, and full of trouble.” Maternally speaking, Jabez got off to a rocky start in life. His name indicated sorrow. As you start the New Year, is there a sorrow that is keeping you from taking the next step?
We see his manly reputation.
He was more honorable than his brethren. Jabez did not allow his name and family circumstance to impede his life. He lived a life that was reputable. He had a good testimony among men. He did not blame his past. He did not blame God. Instead, he became honorable through hard work, honesty, holiness, and a heart for God. "A good name is rather to be chosen than great riches, and loving favour rather than silver and gold." His priority growing up was people seeing that he was an overcomer.
We see his magnificent request.
It is a prayer that is biblical and bold. Consider with me the preciseness and power in this prayer. His prayer indicated an alliance: he called on the God of Israel. This is the God of his forefathers. This is the God Who prevails. This is the God Who is the Creator of Heaven and earth. This is the God Who was his Savior. His prayer involved ambition. He prayed for God to enlarge his coasts, or borders. He asked God to bless him. What made his prayer dynamic is that he prayed according to God’s will so that God would be glorified. What great things have you asked God to do through you? His prayer involved admission. He prayed that God’s hand would be with him. He told the Lord that he needed Him all the way. His prayer depicts faith and utter dependence. His prayer requested God’s authority. He asked the Lord to keep him from evil. He did not want his privileges to become a means for the devil, the flesh, or the world to sidetrack him. He knew that he could not get anything done aside from God’s authority in his life. He prayed for success, a circle, and in submission.
We see his monumental result.
God granted him that which he requested. What an amazing prayer! It was short but on target. God was pleased with his prayer. God was called upon as the One Who could assure him a life of blessing!
We would do well to learn and imitate the spirit of Jabez in this prayer. Make a decision to get out of the doldrums of vain repetitions and call on God like Jabez did. Enlarge your borders with a Jabez-type prayer!
Have a prayer-enabled God Morning!
Bible Reading Schedule: Genesis 4-7