A wonderful prayer in the midst of pain

Escrito el 10/03/2022
Vida y Fe Church


Jabes was more important than his brothers. When his mother gave him that name, she said, "In affliction have I borne him".


Jabesh prayed to the God of Israel, "Bless me and enlarge my territory; help me and deliver me from evil, that I may not suffer affliction." And God granted his request.
(1 Chronicles 4:9-10)

The prayer of Jabes is a short prayer that appears in the middle of a huge list of names and families in the first book of the Chronicles of Israel. Jabesh belonged to the lineage of Judah and was a man of valor among his relatives. The biblical text says very little about his story, only highlighting that God answered his prayer. The meaning of the name Jabes, "he who causes suffering", shows the feeling of pain in which he was engendered. But precisely he, who suffered and caused pain in the beginning, received grace and deliverance from God.

So it is in the lives of those who trust in God and surrender to him. Jesus can transform us even if we have a past full of pain and suffering to grant us a new life with joy and peace. In spite of the problems experienced at the beginning, the difficulties or whatever you are suffering now, stay connected to the Lord in prayer. Trust in God who can make everything new. He is good, He will always help you and listen to your request.

The Lord can change your story:

 

  • Pray and trust. Jabes knew to whom he should turn. Only God can really help you.
  • Seek the Lord in times of distress and affliction. Believe that he is good and faithful.
  • Do not live imprisoned by the painful past. In spite of what he had suffered (and the name he had received), Jabes became a worthy and respected man in his family.
  • Hold firmly to the arms of the Lord and go forward. Strive along the way, always accompanied by your Father God.
  • Read Psalm 118. Meditate and reflect on God's love and goodness.
  • Do not live in isolation! Seek the company of your family, friends and brothers and sisters in Christ.
  • Seek out someone more mature in the faith to talk about what ails you and to pray together.

To pray:
Lord God, you are the same yesterday, today and for eternity. You heard and responded to so many people (like Jabes, David, Hannah...) who sought you in their times of pain and affliction. I too cry out to you at this hour: please bless me, Father! I need you to help me. Watch over my life and keep me safe in your arms. Make me prosper physically and spiritually and deliver me from evil. In Jesus' name I pray, amen.