Obed-edom

Two years ago I dreamed a remarkably vivid dream in which I gave birth to an unexpected son. While in the hospital a steady stream of visitors came to admire my new baby boy and bless him with gifts. The last visitor asked his name and I replied, "Obed-edom."

The next morning I shared my dream in great detail with Ryan who asked me to spell the child's name as it sounded familiar to him. We found this story about Obed-edom in the book of 2nd Samuel, Chapter 6:

And David was unwilling to move the ark of the LORD into the city of David with him; but David took it aside to the house of Obed-edom the Gittite. Thus the ark of the LORD remained in the house of Obed-edom the Gittite three months, and the LORD blessed Obed-edom and all his household. Now it was told King David, saying, "The LORD has blessed the house of Obed-edom and all that belongs to him, on account of the ark of God." David went and brought up the ark of God from the house of Obed-edom into the city of David with gladness.

Because I rarely experience such vivid dreams, let alone remember them, Ryan and I decided to receive this dream as a gift from God. Furthermore, this gift from God arrived during a time of trial and great anxiety. For us, the name Obed-edom serves as a reminder that when we welcome the Spirit of the Lord to dwell in our home, we will forever enjoy His blessings. God is good all the time.

Here I Raise My Ebenezer

Translated from Hebrew, Ebenezer means literally "stone of help."

While the 12 tribes of Israel were still conquering new lands, the judge Samuel commemorated their God-ordained victory over the Philistines by positioning a large stone monument, naming it Ebenezer, and declaring "Thus far the LORD has helped us." This ebenezer was intended to be a visual reminder to the Israelites of God's powerful provision and protection over His chosen people.

In the book of Hebrews, we are reminded that "Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever." Just as God was a "stone of help" to the Israelites, He continues to help, provide and protect today.

Now, I choose to raise my own ebenezer of God's faithfulness in my life. May these written words serve to remind me that God is good, He cares for me, He fights on my behalf, He blesses me beyond comprehension, His plans for me are good.