Bless Me, Indeed

“Oh, that You would bless me indeed…” – 1 Chronicles 4:10

Jabez prayed, “Oh, that You would bless me indeed.” We sometimes water down the word “bless.” We say, “Bless the food,” or “Bless the missionaries,” or even, “Bless you” after someone sneezes. But Jabez’s prayer was personal and specific. He cried out for God’s favor in his life.

It’s okay to ask for God’s blessing. Deuteronomy 28 describes the blessings God promised to Israel for their obedience. ”Blessed shall you be in the city, and blessed shall you be in the country. Blessed shall be the fruit of your body, the produce of your ground, and the increase of your herds… Blessed shall you be when you come in, and blessed shall you be when you go out” (vv. 3-6).

Jabez prayed for blessing, but not selfishly. James 4:3 warns that selfish prayers go unanswered: ”You ask and do not receive because you ask amiss, that you may spend it on your pleasures.” Jabez’s prayer wasn’t about accumulating wealth or possessions for himself. He wanted God’s favor so he could honor Him and bless others.

When I pray over the offering on Sundays, I often ask God to bless His people. Why? Because as God blesses us, we can give more, serve more, and reach more people for Christ. Jabez’s prayer for blessing is one we should all pray - not for selfish gain, but to be a channel of God’s blessing to others.

Reflection Question: Are you asking God to bless you so you can be a blessing to others?

“Lord, I thank You for Your blessings in my life. Help me to use what You’ve given me for Your glory and to bless others. Pour out Your favor on my life, and help me to use it wisely for Your Kingdom. In Jesus’ Name, amen.”