March 12

" N ow 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

In the midst of what seems to many like a wilderness of forgotten names, how refreshing it is to come across the brief story of Jabez. His name means “Sorrowful,” but through grace he was determined to rise above the sorrow that overshadowed his life and enter into the joy of fellowship with God. His prayer is fourfold. “Bless me indeed.” That is, “Give me true happiness.” This is only found as one prevails and walks with God. “Enlarge my territory.” He was not content to go on only with what he had. He would enter into and enjoy more of the inheritance of the Lord. “That Your hand would be with me.” He counted on God’s protecting care. And lastly he prayed, “Keep me from evil, that I may not cause pain!” Sin is the only thing that can rob a child of God of his joy in the Lord.

Do you know what happened on that day

When, burdened for souls, you tried to pray?

Did you think you failed to touch the Throne

When your lips were dumb, your prayer a groan?

Over the sea in a hot, dry land,

A sower sowed with faltering hand—

But, lo! in that hour refreshing came:

God’s servant spoke with a tongue of flame!

And souls long steeped in a land of night

Passed from gloom to marvelous light;

Away from idols they turned to God,

Finding their peace in Jesus’ blood.

Twas your faith had moved God’s mighty hand,

His blessings poured down in a desert land.

—Margaret D. Armstrong