A Celebration of Joy

David knew how to praise God. And in many important moments, he turned to music to help express that praise. He led by example, teaching others how to use music to enter God’s presence.

One of these moments occurred when the Ark of the Covenant was brought to Jerusalem. David made sure the priests acted according to God’s instructions. Then, he assembled all Israel for a celebration of uninhibited joy. Instruments were to be played by skilled musicians. Special priests blew trumpets. Cymbals crashed with loud sounds. As the music played, David led the people in worship. They brought up the Ark with shouting. It was a loud, exuberant celebration.

The celebration continued after the Ark was placed “inside the tent which David had pitched for it” (v. 1). He made public worship an ongoing priority, appointing some Levites to celebrate, thank, and praise God. This worship, too, was to be loud, uninhibited, and joyful. Here, we see the kind of worship that blesses God. It is like the worship we see in Heaven, where “myriads of myriads, and thousands of thousands” of angels, living creatures, and elders praised God “with a loud voice” (Revelation 5:11-12).

Today, don’t stand on the outside just observing. Don’t worry about what others may think of you. Enter worship. Worship and praise are paths to victory. Don’t hold back, but celebrate the goodness of God loudly and joyfully.