1 Chronicles 13

“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)

The Ark of the Covenant was where the LORD dwelt with His people. Originally, it was at the center of the camp at Mount Sinai. During the time of the Judges, after the Ark had been captured by the Philistines, it ended up in Kirjath Jearim at the home of Abinadab. There it remained until after David became king of Israel. David desired to bring the LORD to himself so that he could worship and inquire of Him. He wanted God to be at the heart of the nation. So he built a tent for it on Mount Zion in Jerusalem. That nation is blessed who has the LORD in its center.

However, things didn’t work out as David planned because rather than having the Levites carry the Ark, as the Law specified, he put the Ark on a cart. When the oxen stumbled, Uzza put out his hand to hold it, and God struck him down. David became angry and took the Ark aside to the home of Obed-Edom where it remained for the next three months. But while it was there, the LORD blessed Obed-Edom and all he had.

Likewise, the LORD wants to dwell with us. He wants to be in the center of our lives. If we will invite Him into our hearts, then He will bless us. He does not come for a mere three months but to stay permanently. He will never leave us nor forsake us.

Have you invited the LORD to dwell in the home of your heart? Is He at the center of your thoughts and activity? Or by neglect have you moved Him to the periphery? Only those who dwell closely to Him experience the fullness of His blessings.