By Solange Rodnez
Solange Rodnez is a retired registered nurse who has decades of experience teaching Sunday School lessons, Bible studies, and women’s groups. She wrote Daily Devotional as part of her time with God, studying the Word and sharing teachings on her daily prayer time.
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“Jabez was more honorable than his brothers. His mother had named him Jabez, saying, “I gave birth to him in pain.” Jabez cried out to the God of Israel, “Oh, that you would bless me and enlarge my territory! Let your hand be with me, and keep me from harm so that I will be free from pain.” And God granted his request.” -1 Chronicles 4:9-10 [1]
Upon reflecting on this passage, I couldn’t help but wonder what it would feel like to be in Jabez’s shoes. Maybe it was the sense of not being accepted in his early years or experiencing rejection, abandonment, or not being treated equally. Jabez’s mother named him, saying, “I gave birth to him with pain.” Despite his emotional state, Jabez chose to live a life of honor and distinction that brought glory to God. People admired his character and learned from his example. In Matthew 5:16, Jesus said, “Let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.” Jabez believed in this truth and did the right things to honor God’s name. He knew that his Father in heaven could make him whole and give him a new identity. So, he called on the God of Israel and made four significant requests that would enable him to live a contented life amidst crisis.
First, he asked God to bless him. A blessed life is peaceful, joyful, and filled with a sense of well-being, even ·in the midst of difficulties. A blessed person • finds favor and a good reputation in God’s and people’s eyes.· A blessed person is prosperous in everything they do, lives a quiet life, and reflects the mind of Christ. The Holy Spirit fills a blessed person with wisdom, knowledge, and understanding, making them feel safe, secure, and confident because they trust the Lord and have a good relationship with God. A blessed person lives an abundant life amidst chaos and blesses others in every opportune time with prayers, financial needs, or a word of encouragement.
Second, Jabez asked God to enlarge his territory. When God extends our territory, we find contentment and satisfaction as God provides. This enlargement can be physical, emotional, spiritual, or financial. It could be good health, having a good state of mind, unshakable faith in the Lord, or an increase in wealth and possessions.
Third, Jabez asked God to keep His hand on him. This means the constant presence of the Holy Spirit by our side. We need to trust Jesus’s invisible presence in every situation we face, allowing Him to fill our hearts with joy, love, and peace. Psalm ll5:1-2 says, Those who trust in the Lord are like Mount Zion, which cannot be shaken but endures forever.” As the mountains surround Jerusalem, so the Lord surrounds His people, both now and forever.” As Jabez desired God’s presence, we should yield to God closer and closer. His presence will always be with us if we abide in Him and do His will.
Finally. Jabez asked God to keep him from harm. Jabez experienced pain, both physical and emotional. and called on God for help. Good health and a sound mind are invaluable. Regardless of how rich we are, if we are not spiritually grounded in Christ, it is futile. As Jabez knew who to turn to, we should make our requests to our heavenly Father to keep us from harm and believe that He will answer us in His time, for God granted Jabez’s requests. God knows what we need, and we should trust Him.
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