I get David’s dance.
Reading over this scripture, I thought of a very recent time in my life where I was moving along in a happy procession, and in an instant it all changed. Something meant to be joyous turned desperate, and time that followed was numbing–on good days.
When Uzzah reached out to steady the Ark of God, he was struck dead in an instant. David was angry. David was afraid.
“How can I ever bring the Ark of the Lord back into my care?” he asked. 2 Samuel 6:9 NLT.
I saw those months behind me, keeping God at a comfortable distance from my heartache and my fear–like a friend you hesitate to call because the wounding is still fresh. It didn’t make sense to keep God back the way I did. He is my comforter and healer. But that’s what I did.
David had the Ark of God delivered to another household in another city. He learned of God’s blessing upon that family. After many months, David goes to the Obed-edoms to retrieve the Ark. Maybe his fear and anger finally dissipated. Maybe he saw that God was still good and God was still love, even after a tragedy. He brings the Ark back to the City of David with a great celebration. David danced his heart out for the Lord.
You have turned my mourning into joyful dancing.
You have taken away my clothes of mourning and clothed me with joy,
that I might sing praises to you and not be silent.
O Lord my God, I will give you thanks forever! Psalm 30:11-12 NLT
For me, joy was a keyword focus, but I wondered if it was more wishful thinking than purposeful living. The day it all changed from wishing and striving to a platform to stand on was the day I chose to run hard the race marked out for me–crafted, chosen by a loving God.
Lord, my singing is more like a joyful noise than a melody, but I’ll do it anyway. There is nothing like walking my days with you in my heart. Thank you for the new perspective that day standing in the weeds.
Courtney (66books365)
Sixty-six books in a year 
Your heart is so much like my own! I understand that dance; the joy of knowing God’s presence, especially after desperate times, is uncontainable. Even in the midst of tears, I stand, lift my hands, and sing my heart out for God. (I’ve learned to put a seat or two around me in church so as not to step on anyone’s toes, figuratively and literally!) What special grace and tender mercies come from His hand. I cannot help but love Him.
Oy. The comparison between David and Michal is strong. Both suffered great loss and pain in the previous years. David moved on to embrace God and Michal stayed stuck in anger and resentment. Umm…who do I want to be? I have a little anger in my life right now and this post is making me consider my next move.