"And keep me from all trouble and pain!" 1 Chronicles 4:10d
As we have been looking at the prayer Jabez prayed in 1 Chronicles 4, there is one detail that we might miss if we are not careful. As we think of all of the things He prayed for, we must also take notice that Jabez prayed for protection. He wrote in verse 10, "Please be with me in all that I do, and keep me from all trouble and pain." This plea was a plea for protection. In his prayer, Jabez asked for God's protection as He asked the Lord to help him live a life that mattered, a life of significance, and you and I can ask God for protection, too.
The amazing thing, as we think about praying to God for protection while we seek to live lives of significance, is that Scripture describes Him as a protector. Psalm 46 tells us, "God is our refuge and strength, always ready to help in times of trouble (verse 1). In other words, God is a safe place to hide when we are going through times of trouble. He will protect us as we do our best to live lives of significance, making Christ known to those around us.
My friend, God is your refuge. He is your strength. He is, and always will be your protector. This means that you can trust Him with your life. Look what the Psalmist wrote in verse two of Psalm 46. "So we will not fear when earthquakes come and the mountains crumble into the sea." Even in the darkest time, we do not have to give in to fear. We can trust that the Lord will protect us.
As we think about the idea of God's protection, we must remember that protection may look different than we expect it to. In fact, a protected life is one that is in God's favor. Listen to the song "The Blessing," By Cody Carnes and Keri Jobe. Let this song be an anthem for you and your family as you seek the Lord's protection in your life.
Read Psalm 46:1-11 (NLT)
God is our refuge and strength, always ready to help in times of trouble.So we will not fear when earthquakes come and the mountains crumble into the sea.Let the oceans roar and foam. Let the mountains tremble as the waters surge! Interlude
A river brings joy to the city of our God, the sacred home of the Most High.God dwells in that city; it cannot be destroyed. From the very break of day, God will protect it.The nations are in chaos, and their kingdoms crumble!God’s voice thunders, and the earth melts!The Lord of Heaven’s Armies is here among us; the God of Israel is our fortress. Interlude
Come, see the glorious works of the Lord: See how he brings destruction upon the world.He causes wars to end throughout the earth. He breaks the bow and snaps the spear; he burns the shields with fire.
“Be still, and know that I am God! I will be honored by every nation. I will be honored throughout the world.”
The Lord of Heaven’s Armies is here among us; the God of Israel is our fortress.
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