14 April | EVERYONE
Now Jabez was more honorable than his brothers, and his mother called his name Jabez, saying, ‘Because I bore him in pain.’ And Jabez called on the God of Israel saying, ‘Oh, that You would bless me indeed, and enlarge my territory, that Your hand would be with me, and that You would keep me from evil, that I may not cause pain!’ So God granted him what he requested." 1 Chronicles 4:9-10
The pain of childbirth was terrible. That is why the mother called him Jabez, which means "painful." However, that pain became the smell of noonday, the smell of bread, of water, and the fragrance of fruit trees with a taste of joy. Then came the open afternoon, blue and splendid, to celebrate the birth of a child who, as he grew old, would be "more honorable than his brothers."
Why? He had the same ancestry and lineage as them. An ordinary man, with no nobility in his veins, no titles, no royal inheritance, a being like any other and yet the Bible says that he was illustrious because he "called on the God of Israel."
Meaningful living can only be the result of a humble search for divine direction. What did Jabez ask of God? That God would give him His blessing, that He would enlarge his territory, that His mighty hand would always be with him, and that He would deliver him from evil. Blessed are the human beings who are aware of their humanity, who feel the need for God and seek Him, who know what their mission on Earth is, and who turn to the Lord for wisdom and to "enlarge" their territory of influence.
We live in the midst of a culture that seeks power and success at any cost. Many grow old and die without achieving that for which they longed. They ran after a selfish, petty dream. Jabez sought to serve, to help others, and pleaded with God to deliver him from evil. He took the divine hand and walked in the path of righteousness.
Take Action
What decision might you make in your heart after reading Jabez's prayer? The answer is yours alone. Notice that although his prayer may seem self-centered, in it Jabez clings to God's hand. Sing "Jabez’s Prayer" (if possible, with your family).