I Chronicles 4: 9-10
There was a man named Jabez who was more honorable than any of his brothers. His mother named him Jabez because his birth had been so painful. He was the one who prayed to the God of Israel , "O that You would bless me and expand my territory! Please be with me in all that I do, and keep me from all trouble and pain!" And God granted his request.
Jabez, whose name means "pain," didn't want to "be a pain"! We don't know his genealogy, we aren't even told which tribe he was from; we only know that God answered this prayer of his.
O my Father, I also pray that You would enlarge my "boundaries." Teach me to open up my life to others, and not just live in my own little world. Help me not to "be a pain" in others' lives, but to live up to my name, which means "good," to do good to others, and to be a blessing to them. Show me how to be and stay "in the moment," to be aware of my surroundings and the people You have given to me. Grant me Your compassion so that I will have compassion on others who have not realized that You have blessed them as I have recognized Your abundant blessings in my life. Keep me ever and always mindful of You, Father, and may You receive all the credit, all the honor and glory for what You are doing in, on and through me.
Even so, come, Lord Jesus!
