Let My Life Bring No Sorrow!.(Prayer Of Jabez) Series

LET MY LIFE BRING NO SORROW!

By Rev. Samuel Arimoro

Main Text: 1 Chronicles 4:9-10

"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."

Supporting Texts: Proverbs 10:22, Psalm 16:11, Isaiah 61:3, John 15:11, Philippians 4:4

INTRODUCTION

Jabez was a man whose life began with sorrow. His very name meant "pain" because his mother bore him in hardship. However, he refused to accept sorrow as his destiny. Instead, he cried out to God, asking for blessings, divine favour, and most importantly, that his life would not bring grief.

Many people today carry burdens of sorrow, whether from generational struggles, personal mistakes, or unexpected trials. Some live under the weight of regret, depression, or a sense of unfulfillment. Like Jabez, we must turn to God and pray for a life that brings joy, peace, and positive impact.

A life free from sorrow does not mean a life without challenges, but it is a life where God's grace lifts us above grief. This sermon will explore how we can live joyfully, overcome sorrow, and make a lasting impact on our world.

1. REJECTING A LIFE OF SORROW

Jabez recognised that sorrow was not his portion and sought God's intervention.

a) Sorrow is Not God’s Plan (Jeremiah 29:11)

God's plans for us are of peace and hope, not of affliction and regret.

b) The Devil Brings Sorrow (John 10:10)

The enemy seeks to bring pain and destruction, but Christ came to give abundant life.

c) Personal Decisions Can Attract Sorrow (Proverbs 14:12)

Wrong choices, sin, and disobedience can lead to painful consequences.

d) A Prayerful Life Overcomes Sorrow (Psalm 34:17)

When we cry to God like Jabez, He delivers us from sorrow and despair.

e) Biblical Example: Hannah was sorrowful because of barrenness, but after she prayed, God turned her sorrow into joy (1 Samuel 1:10-20).

2. LIVING A LIFE OF JOY

God desires that His children walk in joy and fulfilment, despite life's challenges.

a) Joy Comes from God’s Presence (Psalm 16:11)

True joy is not in material possessions but in God's presence.

b) The Holy Spirit is the Source of Joy (Galatians 5:22)

When we are filled with the Spirit, we experience joy beyond circumstances.

c) Gratitude Replaces Sorrow (1 Thessalonians 5:18)

A thankful heart focuses on God's goodness rather than life’s difficulties.

d) Rejoicing is a Choice (Philippians 4:4)

We must choose joy daily, regardless of trials.

e) Biblical Example: Paul and Silas rejoiced in prison, and their joy led to their deliverance (Acts 16:25-26).

3. OVERCOMING GENERATIONAL PATTERNS OF PAIN

Jabez’s sorrow had a generational root, but he broke free through prayer.

a) Recognising Family Patterns (Exodus 20:5-6)

Some sorrows come from ancestral struggles that must be broken.

b) God Can Rewrite Your Story (Isaiah 61:3)

He replaces mourning with gladness and ashes with beauty.

c) Speak Life Over Your Destiny (Proverbs 18:21)

Declare God's promises instead of negative experiences.

d) Seek Deliverance Through Prayer (Matthew 7:7)

Like Jabez, persistent prayer can bring divine turnaround.

e) Biblical Example: Joseph broke the cycle of family misfortune and rose to greatness in Egypt (Genesis 50:20).

4. MAKING A POSITIVE IMPACT

A life without sorrow is a life that blesses others. Jabez was not only delivered from sorrow but also became an honourable man.

a) Serve Others with Love (Matthew 5:16)

A life that impacts others is a life that brings joy to God.

b) Use Your Gifts for God’s Glory (1 Peter 4:10)

Your talents and resources should be channels of blessing.

c) Be a Source of Encouragement (Hebrews 10:24-25)

Strengthen others through your words and actions.

d) Live a Life of Integrity (Proverbs 11:3)

A righteous life brings peace and honour.

e) Biblical Example: Dorcas lived a life of impact, and when she died, the people she blessed prayed until God restored her (Acts 9:36-41).

5. WALKING IN GOD’S BLESSINGS

Jabez prayed not just for sorrow to be removed but for a life filled with blessings.

a) God’s Blessings Add No Sorrow (Proverbs 10:22)

When God blesses, He does it without painful struggles.

b) A Righteous Life Attracts Blessings (Psalm 1:1-3)

Those who walk with God will flourish.

c) Faith Releases Supernatural Blessings (Hebrews 11:6)

Trusting God opens doors to divine favour.

d) Avoiding Sin Keeps You in Blessings (Isaiah 59:2)

Sin separates us from the blessings of God.

e) Biblical Example: Abraham walked with God, and his life was marked by generational blessings (Genesis 12:2-3).

CONCLUSION

Jabez refused to allow sorrow to define his destiny. His prayer changed his story, turning him into a man of honour. In the same way, we must reject sorrow, embrace the joy of the Lord, and walk in divine blessings.