2 Samuel 6:11 The Chest of God stayed at the house of Obed-Edom the Gittite for three months. And God prospered Obed-Edom and his entire household.

David arranged for the ark, the visible sign of God’s presence, to return to Jerusalem. But they made a mistake. Instead of the Levites carrying it, as instructed, it was transported on a cart. When the oxen stumbled, Uzza grabbed hold of it to stop it from falling. He died on the spot.

When David saw this, he was afraid and sent the ark in a different direction, to the house of Obed-Edom. Obed-Edom did not fear the ark like the others. He made room for it and received it with due respect.

And the net effect? He and his family were blessed beyond measure.

A man’s business was on the verge of bankruptcy. He stopped under a jacaranda tree and promised God that if he won the contract that could save his business, he would give 30% of his business to God. God heard and blessed.

Today, 70% of the business belongs to a trust that has supported thousands of people and organisations. People have been saved. Children were fed. They even helped our youth ministry, Roadtrip247, financially to get started.

Where some people only see hardship, others see light and are blessed. Yes, sometimes we focus only on the dark clouds on the horizon. We get scared and shift things to the wrong places, and then we miss out on the Lord’s blessing.

Yes, I know one does not do things for the blessing. One does it to honour God. But where you make room for God’s presence, God comes in lock, stock and barrel. He brings everything along. Including His blessing.

The darkest moments are often where God’s presence is felt most deeply. Let us therefore always make room for God in our lives. The rest will happen by itself. Just try it.

Prayer
Father, I miss You. I feel anxious because I know I don’t make enough time and space for You. Come in. Come into my life …

Questions
Is there really space for God in my daily life, or do I make room only when I need Him?
What things currently take up more of my time and attention than my relationship with God?
If someone looks at my life, can they see that God lives there?

Do this now
Set aside 15 minutes today just for God. Put your cell phone away, read a passage from the Bible, and talk to Him.
Look through your diary or calendar for the coming week and block out a set time each day for your quiet time with God.
Then ask yourself: “If God were to come stay in my home today, what would I change to make more room for Him?” Choose one practical thing and do it today.