THE MEANING OF THE PRAYER OF JABEZ
"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.”
1 Chronicles 4:10
Let’s have a look at those lines carefully and analyze what they mean.
“That you would bless me” Jabez knew that the God he believed in is the source of all blessings. For that reason, he asked God to bless him. And these blessings are more than just material; they can also be spiritual blessings, like good relationships, peace of mind, a compassionate heart, and a gentle demeanor, among other things. God blesses us with spiritual as well as material blessings when we ask Him. So we should always be reminded that
asking God for a blessing is not a bad thing.
“And enlarge my territory” Territory here does not really mean physical land. Jabez is more concerned about making an impact for the Kingdom of God. It is not a literal land territory. This may not be obvious at first glance, but when we look at the spiritual meaning of this line, it’s different. Jabez prayed that God would enlarge the territory of his heart, that it may overflow to those around him. He wanted to reach others for the sake of
God’s Kingdom.
“Let your hand be with me” Jabez recognized his limited, feeble nature as a person. Because of that, he knew he needed God’s help. He knew that God was all-powerful, so he asked God’s hand to be with him – to guide him into the right path and to hold him throughout his journey. In this line, Jabez recognizes that blessings can only be good things when it comes to God’s hand. Without God’s hand leading and guiding us, the blessings would be a
waste. They would not fulfill a good purpose...read more