2 Samuel 6:11
“The ark of the Lord remained in the house of Obed-Edom the Gittite for three months, and the Lord blessed him and his entire household.”
The ark was symbolic of God's presence. This family had Him abiding with them for this season and they were all blessed. This is what God does. He blesses those that welcome Him.
These blessings look different than we would suppose. They are not like wishes from a genie. Those are things that we want. They may be the same as blessings. Many things that we want would destroy us. Riches are a common one. While God can and does bless with them, they can also become an idol that takes us from God.
That's the problem with some of our wishes, they replace God. This is breaking a commandment, no idols. These are the stumbling blocks which keep us from God. Matthew 7:13, 14 says, “Enter through the narrow gate; for the gate is wide and the way is broad that leads to destruction, and there are many who enter through it. For the gate is narrow and the way is constricted that leads to life, and there are few who find it." Those that choose their wants over God's are on the broad path. That is the popular way.
Oddly enough, one would think that the broad way is the happy one. That's partially true as sin and self enjoys passing pleasures. But those are empty. God's way is the way of joy and fulfillment. Today's passage says that Obed and his family were blessed.
We've seen what it's not, so what is it to be blessed. In terms of joy, it's fulfilling on an authentic deep level. Jesus talks about "rest for your souls" in Matthew 11:29. That's joy. Romans 8:16 speaks of the Spirit bearing witness with our spirit. God affirms us; where we are at and the path we're on. That's an "atta boy". This is all joy and it's what God gives to those that follow Him.
God also blesses our work and our way. This doesn't mean everything goes according to our plans. That's a wish. God wisely knows what's best for us. Failing at something might be best. That may be a bad path and failure may divert us. It may be our attitude is poor and failing puts us in a better place. An all wise God knows that and if we ask Him, He will guide us.
God blesses our relationships. It doesn't mean that we are popular and all relationships work as we want. Hurt can be involved on God's way. That may be one we aren't to be involved in. This teaches us to sow to the people that want our time. Avoid those that don't. Hurt can also be used to better a relationship.
God's work in relationships is primary in the home. They may not appear to be as we would want. Pray for them; lead and influence them according to His Word and He will bless them. Iron sharpens iron, so the friction that's present is God's way of helping them.
The gospel is good news. This is all possible through the death and resurrection of Jesus. Through that we have access to God. The wall of sin was dealt with. We now have open access to God. We go to Him as lord and savior and we too can be blessed.
The blessed life is a wonderful thing. But it all boils down to being with God. All that comes with that was the focus of today's entry; the blessings. In time we realize that He is the prize. Many have stars, heroes and leaders that we would like to meet. They don't hold a candle to being with God.
Thank You God for Yourself and all the blessings You give. We are so underserving, yet You seek to bless us. Thank You.