How to Attract God’s Blessings

Daily Devotional – Wednesday, August 30, 2023
The ark of God remained with the family of Obed-Edom in his house three months. And the LORD blessed the house of Obed-Edom and all that he had.
1 Chronicles 13:14 (NKJV)

In the early days of David’s reign in Israel, the king realized that a critical aspect of temporal and spiritual prosperity was missing. The Ark of God was in Kirjath Jearim, instead of the capital city, Jerusalem. What followed was a practical demonstration of how to attract God’s blessings.

The Blessings of God’s Presence

The monarch and his military and civilian leaders gathered all the citizens of Israel and the priests and Levites. The clarion call was, “Let us bring the ark of our God back to us, for we have not inquired at it since the days of Saul.” (1 Chronicles 13:3). This multitude then journeyed to Kirjath Jearim to collect and escort the ark to Jerusalem.

Here is a beautiful description of the events of that joyous day: “So they carried the ark of God on a new cart from the house of Abinadab, and Uzza and Ahio drove the cart. Then David and all Israel played music before God with all their might, with singing, on harps, on stringed instruments, on tambourines, on cymbals, and with trumpets.” (1 Chronicles 13:7-8).

How Can I Bring God’s Blessings to Me?

The death of Uzziah, though, punctured these celebrations. Uzziah had stretched out his hand to touch the ark, thinking it was about to fall. David became angry and worried, perhaps thinking that many more people would die like Uzzah before the ark could reach Jerusalem. The fearful king asked, “How can I bring the ark of God to me?” (1 Chronicles 13:12).

David had to halt the ark’s journey to Jerusalem for the time being. Meanwhile, he took the ark and placed it in the house of Obed-Edom the Gittite. Scripture does not explain David’s choice of Obed-Edom as the host of this divine treasurer. What is evident is that Obed-Edom never regretted this privilege.

The LORD Blessed the House of Obed-Edom

The reason? “The ark of God remained with the family of Obed-Edom in his house three months. And the LORD blessed the house of Obed-Edom and all that he had.” (1 Chronicles 13:14). The ark symbolized the presence of God, and this man and his family enjoyed the unfathomable blessings of welcoming God into their midst.

To enjoy God’s blessings, imitate Obed-Edom. Welcome God into your life and family. Allow the Holy Spirit to dwell in you and cleanse your thoughts, speech, and character. Let Him imbue you with love and kindness. Get ready to receive material blessings, too, so that you can spread God’s kindness to the needy.

How to Attract God’s Blessings

Now that you know how to attract God’s blessings into your personal and spiritual life, how differently will you live? What changes will you make in your life to ensure He feels at home? God is waiting for your invitation. Once inside, He will bring countless blessings into your life. Will you welcome Him?

Prayer
Dear God, come and live in my heart. I desire the blessings of Your presence.