Jabez called on the God of Israel, saying, Oh that you would bless me indeed, and enlarge my border, and that your hand might be with me, and that you would keep me from evil, that it not be to my sorrow! God granted him that which he requested.
So far as that was a blessing, we are thankful for it; but I would not like to declare that such times of my enjoyments were the main proof of God’s favor; or that they were the chief signs of his blessing. Perhaps it would be a greater blessing to me to be broken in spirit, and laid low before the Lord at the present time. When you ask for the greatest joy, and pray to be on the mountain with Christ, remember it may be as much a blessing; yes a true blessing to be brought into the Valley of Humiliation, to be laid very low, and constrained to cry out in anguish, “Lord, save me, or I will perish!”
