- Kim Starr
- 7 hours ago
DAILY READING
REFLECTION
Jubilation
By Kim Starr
This psalm is attributed to David and many think it was written when he brought the Ark of the Covenant back to Jerusalem. Built by the Israelites under the guidance of Moses, the Ark of the Covenant was a sacred chest containing the Ten Commandments, Aaron’s rod, and a pot of manna. The Ark symbolized God’s presence and covenant with his people.
It took David two tries before he successfully brought the Ark to Jerusalem. The failure of the first attempt, recorded in 2 Samuel 6:1-11 and 1 Chronicles 13, made David fear the Lord and temporarily abandon his plan. The Ark was left at the home of Obed-edom the Gittite for 3 months and during that time, Obed-edom’s household received many blessings.

It was after David saw the blessings Obed-edom’s household received that he decided to try to bring the Ark to Jerusalem again. This time, David moved the Ark with greater reverence and in adherence to God’s instructions. The Ark's journey included sacrifices, music, and dancing and is recorded in 2 Samuel 6:12-19 and 1 Chronicles 15-16. David, wearing a sacred garment worn by the High Priest of Israel, danced with all his might, so much so that he embarrassed his wife who confronted him about his behavior. David responded, that he would continue to celebrate before the Lord.
This psalm speaks loudly to David’s celebrating. He acknowledges that the entire earth and everything in it belongs to the Lord: the land, the water, the people, and all the creatures. Then he says only the pure in heart who love God can stand in any of God’s holy places. There, all generations will receive blessings and pardon from God. David proclaims God is the King of Glory and that he should be lifted up and invited in. He, the King of Glory, shall be above everyone and everything.
Can’t you just see David wearing the priestly garment dancing around, lifting his arms, singing this psalm with joy? His exuberance is beyond anything we can fathom. He is so grateful to have the Ark in Jerusalem with him. He is so excited to be near God’s presence. He epitomizes the saying attributed to Mark Twain, “Sing like no one is listening, love like you've never been hurt, dance like no one is watching, and live like it is Heaven on earth.”
Every day God blesses us just like he blessed David in bringing the Ark to Jerusalem. When was the last time we sang, danced, and praised God to the point that David did? We need to lift up the King of Glory and invite Him in. We need to praise Him with vigor and excitement. If you need to see an example of what this looks like, come to Vacation Bible School next week and see the joy of the Lord in each child’s singing, dancing, and praising.
PRAYER
Oh, God, too often we think about how our praising you looks to others. Help us to be like David and show our joy in you with abandon. Let us lift you up, praise and honor you with every fiber of our being. Amen.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

KIM STARR
I have been a member of UALC since I was 2-years-old. Over my life I have participated in, and volunteered for, numerous ministries, programs, and activities, all of which have grown and strengthened my faith. I have been blessed beyond measure by not only being a part of this congregation, but also by being able to worship with three generations of my family.