Daily Devotion: Ask For God's Blessings

Scripture:
1 Chronicles 4: 9-10

Main Verse:
1 Chronicles 4: 10
Jabez cried out to the God of Israel, "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." And God granted his request.

Observation:
The prayer of Jabez is a short, one sentence prayer, but what's interesting is that it seemed to be so powerful that God granted his request. His first "prayer request" was for God to bless him. At the beginning of his prayer, he started with "Oh!" When we use such expressions, we are exclaiming a strong emotion, so I believe Jabez was earnestly asking God for His blessings when he uttered that short interjection.

Application:
When was the last time we earnestly asked God to bless us? How did we pray our prayer request to the Lord? We can all learn a thing from Jabez. He prayed a short prayer, yet there was a sense of urgency in His plea, of total surrender to the Lord, and an admission that only God alone can indeed bless him. Jabez was not as famous as Abraham, Moses, or David, but the Lord was pleased in his prayer that the Lord granted his request. God's goodness abundantly overflows, and He wants us to take part in His blessings despite being unworthy to receive them BECAUSE it is his divine nature to be good to all. So let us not hesitate to ask, so He can generously pour His blessings unto our lives.

Prayer:
My gracious and generous Father, nothing is impossible with you. Lord, let me experience your blessings in my life according to your greater will and purpose. And when I receive such blessings from you, let others see how you have favored me, so that your holy name may be glorified and that others may also get to experience your blessings. This I pray in Jesus's name. AMEN.