Rejoicing from Painful Lessons
by Dr. Paul Chappell
“Let the heavens be glad, and let the earth rejoice: and let men say among the nations, The LORD reigneth. Let the sea roar, and the fulness thereof: let the fields rejoice, and all that is therein. Then shall the trees of the wood sing out at the presence of the LORD, because he cometh to judge the earth. O give thanks unto the LORD; for he is good; for his mercy endureth for ever.”
1 Chronicles 16:31–34
David’s heart was in the right place when he first attempted to bring the Ark of the Covenant to Jerusalem, but his methods were not right. God does not grant exceptions to His commands for good intentions, and David did not follow the instructions Moses had given for transporting this visible symbol of God’s presence among His people. As a result of ignoring the instructions, Uzzah was killed when he reached out to steady the Ark. After some time passed, David set out to do the job using the methods God had laid out. This time the process was successful, and the arrival of the Ark in the Holy City was a time of national praise and rejoicing, where David penned one of his greatest songs of gratitude to God.
Many times it is our moments of failure and judgment that lead to a deeper level of relationship and joy in God’s work in our lives if we look for His hand. F. B. Meyer wrote, “Often God seems to place His children in positions of profound difficulty…It is a platform for the display of His almighty grace and power. He will not only deliver you, but in doing so He will give you a lesson that you will never forget; and to which, in many a psalm and song in after days, you will revert. You will never be able to thank God enough for having done just as He has.”
1 Chronicles 16:31–34
David’s heart was in the right place when he first attempted to bring the Ark of the Covenant to Jerusalem, but his methods were not right. God does not grant exceptions to His commands for good intentions, and David did not follow the instructions Moses had given for transporting this visible symbol of God’s presence among His people. As a result of ignoring the instructions, Uzzah was killed when he reached out to steady the Ark. After some time passed, David set out to do the job using the methods God had laid out. This time the process was successful, and the arrival of the Ark in the Holy City was a time of national praise and rejoicing, where David penned one of his greatest songs of gratitude to God.
Many times it is our moments of failure and judgment that lead to a deeper level of relationship and joy in God’s work in our lives if we look for His hand. F. B. Meyer wrote, “Often God seems to place His children in positions of profound difficulty…It is a platform for the display of His almighty grace and power. He will not only deliver you, but in doing so He will give you a lesson that you will never forget; and to which, in many a psalm and song in after days, you will revert. You will never be able to thank God enough for having done just as He has.”
Today’s Growth Principle:
When we endure difficult circumstances, we have an opportunity to see God work in mighty ways.
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