"As they came to the threshing place of Nacon, the oxen stumbled, and Uzzah reached out and took hold of the Ark of God. At once the Lord God became angry with Uzzah and killed him because of his irreverence. Uzzah died there beside the Ark of God and so that place has been called 'Punishment of Uzzah' ever since. David was furious because the Lord had punished Uzzah in anger. Then David was afraid of the Lord and said: 'How can I ever bring the Ark of God back into my care?'" (2Sm 6:6-9)

How do we react when we experience something so seriously disturbing that it causes the emotions of anger, fear and confusion to arise powerfully within us? It may be the sudden, tragic loss of a loved-one; even a child or close relative. It could be a totally unfair dismissal and the loss of a career, being scammed and losing one's life savings, being abandoned by one's spouse, etc. In such cases, we will surely experience anger, fear and confusion and possibly a host of other negative feelings. But how will we come to terms with them? More importantly, how will we overcome them so that our close relationship with the Lord is restored as quickly as possible? Or might such an experience drive us away from him altogether and prove our faith to be no more than skin deep?

David addressed the matter immediately, asking in effect "How can I get back on track with God?" The bottom line was that he trusted God even when he had no explanation. The Ark of God was left with Obed Edom and God's blessing rested upon him and his family. When David was told of this he boldly went to retrieve it, but this time he transported it precisely as the Law had commanded. And what happened? His anger, fear and confusion were turned to joy and extravagant worship and praise! We may never be given an explanation. Will we be able to accept that? Do we trust God enough?

I am reading a new short book by Terry Virgo about Moses entitled "God's Treasured Possession". What is impacting me is that the terrible experiences God's people and God's leaders may go through are not actually about them and their performance, but about God and his purposes. Their perceived successes or failures are not the important things. God is looking for obedience so that he will be glorified and honoured. However we might be treated in the process, God's plans and promises will ultimately be fulfilled and that is the important thing. The on-going hardening of Pharaoh's heart and its painful consequences for Moses and the people of God ended with the most stunning victory over the so-called gods of Egypt, the liberation of the Israelites and the formation of the family of God: his treasured possession. That's us!