Reverence and Blessing

Living Before the Presence of God

“The ark of God remained with the family of Obed-Edom in his house for three months, and the Lord blessed his household and everything he had.” — 1 Chronicles 13:14 

When David became king, his first desire was to bring the Ark of the Covenant—God’s symbolic presence—back to Jerusalem. But the attempt ended in tragedy when the Ark was mishandled. Uzzah’s irreverent touch cost him his life (1 Chronicles 13:9–10), showing that God’s presence is holy and must not be treated casually.

Yet when the Ark was placed in the home of Obed-Edom, who honored it, “the Lord blessed his household and everything he had.” Reverence brought joy and flourishing. This story may seem distant, but it speaks directly to our daily lives. Like David, we all make decisions—about our work, relationships, and priorities. When David inquired of the Lord before battle, he was victorious (1 Chronicles 14:10, 14). His strength came not from strategy but from seeking God’s guidance.

As Eugene Peterson put it, “We don’t invite God into our lives so He can do our bidding. He is God—we are not.”Our relationship with Him is not about using His power to fulfill our plans, but about surrendering to His will and aligning our hearts with His purposes. When we forget this, we risk treating His presence as a tool instead of a treasure—seeking blessings without bowing in reverence.

As ordinary people, we are called to treat God’s presence with reverence, not routine. We invite His blessing when we approach Him with awe, pray before making choices, and shape our homes as places where God is honored.

Matthew Henry reminds us, “Those are best prepared for public services who begin with private devotions.” Our homes, conversations, and small choices matter. God’s presence isn’t reserved for kings and prophets—it’s available to each of us through the Holy Spirit.

Prayer:

Lord, teach me to honor Your presence daily. May my life, my words, and my home reflect a reverence that welcomes Your blessing. Lead me in all I do. Amen.