As David attempted to bring the ark of the covenant to Jerusalem, he learned how important it is to obey God’s commands and to know that the Lord is a holy God. We cannot presume that God is like us, nor can we treat Him casually. At the same time, our response should not be to keep God at a distance. The Lord is the source of life and blessing for His people; without Him in our lives, we would be lost in darkness and sin. David sees the Lord bless Obed-edom and his family while the ark rested in his home, and David rightly concludes that the Lord’s presence in Jerusalem is necessary for the nation to be blessed. This time, David is careful to obey God's commandments regarding the transportation of the ark, and David is joyous as the ark makes its way into the capital. But in Michal’s reaction, we also get a glimpse into a heart that cares more for people's opinions than the presence of the Lord. For Michal, David’s joy was an outrageous display. But we must remember as we come to the Lord that His commands and order never contradict “Joy in the Lord” (2 Samuel 6:12-23)

I. Obedience

II. Joy

III. Submission