God and Jabez

1 Chronicles 4 “God Knows Us…”             

The Chronicler noted the lineages of many people without descriptions until we get to chapter 4, verses 9 and 10. What was so important that the Chronicler mentioned Jabez out of the entire lineage he had been recording?

Jabez’s life seems like a mystery to us, but God has the answers. He poured out his heart to Him, who knows all things in eternity past, today, and tomorrow. Jabez was more honorable than all of his brothers, yet, in humility, he earnestly desired God’s best for himself. While others may have been busy with many things, Jabez was worshiping God.

Jabez began his prayer humbly, “if  you…” Jabez wanted the full scope of the blessing! He even noted what that blessing would entail and included protecting me. He wanted or sensed he needed a hedge of protection. And God answered his prayer; all. four. parts.

So why did the Chronicler insert this man out of all the many? Could we be busy “working”  rather than just seeking God’s best? Take a lesson from Jabez. Be bold and ask God to bless you.

Who is God to me?

God is God

Ps 91 As I wandered through my flower bed this a.m. I was thinking about this psalm. How encouraging this is to know that God is El Elyon, Yahweh; El Shaddai; Elohim, and Jehovah. His names evoke his character!

El Elyon is God’s name of safety and abiding. Jesus spoke of Himself as the vine and us as the branches. How often am I detracted from this abiding principle with “work, play, and more.” The psalmist instructs me in this way: “He who dwells in the secret place of the Most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty.” [Ps 91:1] Jesus further states “Abide in Me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in Me.” [Jn 15:14] Am I dwelling and abiding?

The Sovereign One; the El Shaddai is the All-Sufficient One, the Lord Almighty. He is the “I AM” who has great power. God says trust Me and follow Me for I am immutable/unchangeable. “He will order his angels to protect you in all you do.” [Ps 91:11] Am I trusting Him–especially when my plans go awry?

Elohim is Sovereign, the Mighty One overall. He cares, and He is steadfast to carry me; nothing comes to me but is filtered through His fingers. Do I recognize this and honor Him for this character quality?

God is available 24/7. Jesus said, Come unto me, and I will give you rest. [Matt 11:28] Is this why I am restless today?

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