I am the one on the stage standing behind the keyboard, leading a congregation of men and women in a song about God.
I am on that stage singing to God, to an audience of one—praising Him who captured my gaze and saved my soul. I’m singing to the God who healed my heart, to the One who showed me the hope of my life held in His hands. And, yet, I am on that stage not merely singing for myself and by myself. No, I am singing with many, joining the mighty chorus of God’s children and praising Him for His faithfulness, in and through the ages, the generations.
All those years ago, as a worship leader on that stage, I was singing to the God who got me through the hardest days of high school, and yet, I was also singing with all the men and women of that small-town church in New York. I was singing to the God who deeply saw and still chose me. I was singing like David and all of Israel celebrating in today’s reading, “with all their might before God with songs and with lyres, harps, tambourines, cymbals, and trumpets” (1Chronicles 13:8).
This Lenten season, we can see ourselves in these Israelites story. Even in our modern exodus and exile, we seek to exalt and enthrone Him for all He is (Psalm 21:13). We seek to lift humble hands and dance undignified, just as Israel, to praise His name (1Chronicles 13:8). We surrender to and fear Him not only because He is faithful to us but because He is faithful to Himself (1Chronicles 13:9–14). We plot plans and make moves, just as David did, only to remember and revere God’s holy and wholly deserving name (1Chronicles 13:3).
In this season—and beyond forevermore—we join our voices with those who have seen the victory of the Lord in the valley (1Chronicles 14:8–12; Psalm 21). We bring pause into our present and peer into the past, all to pour out praise on the One who has proved Himself holy and faithful, time and time again.
We are the ones standing on stages, standing behind keyboards of all kinds, singing and typing away, telling others about the faithfulness of our God. We are His children, the very ones carrying the wind and witness of His presence. Not merely in palaces but in all the places we find ourselves planted, ever singing about His faithfulness that stretches to the sky.
Victoria E, I am heartbroken for your loss. I know that pain myself, and I pray the Lord wraps his loving arms around you today in comfort.
HeReads Truth devotional is super helpful this morning if you are wanting a bit more understanding about Uzzah being struck down after touching the ark.
Victoria E- I am so sorry to hear that. Heartbroken for you. Praying God’s covering over you and your family during this difficult time.
Sarah D- Praying for a new opportunity that allows you to continue with your bible studies/ evening activities.
1 Chronicles 13:8 “Then David and all Israel played music before God”
After becoming King, David decided to restore the long-neglected Ark of the Covenant to Jerusalem. While transporting it (incorrectly, by the way), David and a whole retinue were worshipping and carrying on with instruments and singing – in apparent celebration that they were doing a great thing. A great thing, done incorrectly in a manner that minimizes the reverence and worship due to God and maximizing the emotional energy building off of each other, is still done incorrectly. It resulted in the death of one of the priests (after a spur of the moment decision to brace the Ark from falling with is hand – something a priest should know NOT to do upon pain of death), and just a couple verses later David is seen being angry with God because of the death of the Priest. Another emotional response. Even from the “man after God’s own heart.”
God, I can be so emotional. I can get caught up in something I have deemed worthy and give my whole heart to it. And in my good intentions I give my worship to that, instead of where it SHOULD be directed. Forgive me. Help me to see through my emotions, to seek you with my whole heart and desire to see you glorified and worshipped as only Your sovereignty and holiness require.
David inquired of the Lord:
This is the same humility and dependence I need to adopt in prayer. My battle isn’t against flesh and blood but I have a spiritual enemy that has heard that God has raised me and my children up to be His own. The enemy comes against me and to be sure I need to be ready to take up my armor and fight. However, I should only do so after I have sought the leading of the Lord. There is where the victory lies, in the counsel of the Lord.
Lots of good comments here, on the podcast and on HRT about Uzzah and the Ark. The 2-13-23 podcast from Church of the City NYC by Suzy Silk “God Comes Where He’s Wanted: The Cry of the Lord” was about this very scripture. “If we truly want God to draw near, we must seek Him based on His terms.” (Also great message there on the Asbury Outpouring.) “Our obedience is the best way to welcome God.”
Dear Victoria, praying the Lord holds you and your husband in His hands and under His wings. May you feel His peace. So very sorry.
Sweet Victoria E., I saw posts of our sisters reaching out to you. It made me wonder, so I looked back. I am so sorry sweet girl so sorry. Please know that you are covered in prayer.
His faithfulness reaches to the sky…… Reminds me of the song by Third day: “Your Love Oh Lord”