Glad, not Grieved

Bible Reading Today: 1 Chronicles 3-5

1 Chronicles 4:10 And Jabez called on the God of Israel, saying, Oh that thou wouldest bless me indeed, and enlarge my coast, and that thine hand might be with me, and that thou wouldest keep me from evil, that it may not grieve me! And God granted him that which he requested.

I know I've mentioned Jabez in posts from previous years' readings, but this little insert of information among so many names in a genealogy list is so interesting! Many names are listed out in 1 Chronicles, but special attention is given to a man named Jabez. Basically, he wanted to be blessed by God & he didn't want to do anything evil-not just so God would not be grieved, but so Jabez himself would not be grieved! What a heart he must have had that he was THAT upset with himself for doing evil! How much does it grieve us to displease The Lord? How much do we want God's favor upon our lives? Something to consider! Now of course, God is full of mercy, grace & patience beyond our understanding, but how pleased He must be when pleasing Him becomes our goal & purpose! When we become grieved over evil just like God is! Let's hold ourselves to that kind of standard-because in doing so, we will be glad! This Scripture says Jabez was granted all his request! Let's be glad in God, not living a life that grieves us!