Keep Me from Evil

Daily Devotional – Wednesday, April 3, 2024
and that thou wouldest keep me from evil, that it may not grieve me
1 Chronicles 4:10 (KJV)

Jabez continues with his prayer. He is concerned with another very critical issue in his life, which we can learn from. This time, he gives God the reason for wanting the Lord’s hand to be on him. He states, “and that thou wouldest keep me from evil, that it may not grieve me.” (1 Chronicles 4:10).

Keep Me from Harm

According to Benson Commentary, the phrase ‘keep me from evil’ suggests, “The evil of sin, the evil of trouble; all the evil designs of my enemies, and all disastrous events.” Further, “That it may not grieve me”, implies “That it may not oppress and overcome me.”

This commentator further observes that “He (Jabez) uses this expression in allusion to his name, which signifies grief: as if he had said, Lord, let me not have that grief which my name implies, and which my sin deserves.” (Read verse 9 to understand the story behind the name ‘Jabez’).

Keep Me from Evil

Life is spiritual as much as it is physical. Like Jabez, we are surrounded by many evil forces that seek to harm us. Our family backgrounds, the people we live with and interact with, and satanic forces may all have evil influences that can harm us.

Our only safety is in asking God to place His hand upon us. Under His wings, we will be safe from all forms of evil, many of which we cannot see with our bare eyes. God wants us to trust our lives in His hands so that He can keep us from evil.

Prayer
Almighty Father, keep me from evil so that it may not grieve me.