Keep Me from Me

1 Chronicles 4:10 He was the one who prayed to the God of Israel, “Oh, 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 him his request. The name Jabez means "pain". I can imagine this being a problem for Jabez as a kid. No one would want a name like that. But he isn't remembered for his name, instead he is remembered for his simple but powerful prayer. Jabez asked for an expanded territory. This is a greater effectiveness, a larger impact, a bigger influence. He asked for God's presence to be with him in everything that he did. To know God as Immanuel is to live with hope, security and faith in the ever present Lord. Lastly, Jabez prayed that God would keep him from pain. This is interesting, especially since his name meant "pain". Essentially, Jabez was praying "God, keep me from myself!". What a prayer! Enlarge my territory, but be ever present in my growth, and keep me from me. Your name might not be Jabez, but you can pray this prayer believing that God will grant your request too!