Valuing God's Presence: Worship Through Obedience and Surrender

Devotional

Day 1: Valuing the Presence of God Above All Else

To truly follow Jesus, we must honestly evaluate whether we value the presence of God above everything else in our lives. It's easy to say we do, especially in church, but our real priorities are revealed by how we live, what we make time for, and how we worship. If someone else were to look at your life, would they see that God is your highest value? When we stop valuing God's presence, worship becomes about us—our preferences, our comfort, our convenience—instead of about honoring the God who loves us and gave everything for us. The call is to move beyond just playing the game of Christianity and to become people who truly seek and treasure God's presence in every part of life. [30:30]

2 Samuel 6:1-2 (ESV)
"David again gathered all the chosen men of Israel, thirty thousand. And David arose and went with all the people who were with him from Baale-judah to bring up from there the ark of God, which is called by the name of the Lord of hosts who sits enthroned on the cherubim."

Reflection: What is one practical way you can show today that you value God's presence above your own comfort or convenience?

Day 2: Obedience Over Convenience in Worship

When we truly value God's presence, we learn to value obedience over convenience, even when it challenges our routines or expectations. The Israelites tried to bring the ark back to Jerusalem in a way that was easier for them, copying the methods of the world rather than following God's specific instructions. This led to tragic consequences, reminding us that God calls us to honor Him in the way He has prescribed, not just in the way that feels easiest or most efficient. True worship means doing what God asks, even when it's not the most convenient path, because His holiness and authority deserve our full respect and obedience. [45:24]

Numbers 4:15 (ESV)
"And when Aaron and his sons have finished covering the sanctuary and all the furnishings of the sanctuary, as the camp sets out, after that the sons of Kohath shall come to carry these, but they must not touch the holy things, lest they die. These are the things of the tent of meeting that the sons of Kohath are to carry."

Reflection: Is there an area where you’ve chosen convenience over obedience to God? What step can you take today to honor Him with full obedience?

Day 3: Reverence Over Reputation

David learned that valuing God's presence means caring more about reverence for God than about what others think of us. When he brought the ark into Jerusalem the right way, he worshiped with abandon, dancing with all his might and sacrificing every six steps, not caring about his royal image or reputation. He set aside his kingly robes and joined the people as a humble worshiper, showing that true worship is about honoring God’s holiness, not maintaining appearances. Reverence for God means letting go of pride and being willing to look foolish in the eyes of others if it means honoring the One who is truly worthy. [53:54]

2 Samuel 6:14-15 (ESV)
"And David danced before the Lord with all his might. And David was wearing a linen ephod. So David and all the house of Israel brought up the ark of the Lord with shouting and with the sound of the horn."

Reflection: What is one way you can express your reverence for God today, even if it means risking what others might think of you?

Day 4: Surrender Over Control

True worship is about surrender, not control. Michael, David’s wife, despised him for his uninhibited worship because she valued reputation and control over surrendering to God’s presence. In contrast, David declared that his worship was “before the Lord,” not for the approval of people. When we surrender our need to control how we look or what others think, we find freedom in worship and in life. Surrendering to God means letting go of our own agendas and allowing Him to lead us, even if it means stepping out of our comfort zones or traditions. [01:02:08]

Romans 12:1 (ESV)
"I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship."

Reflection: Where are you holding on to control in your relationship with God? What would it look like to surrender that area to Him today?

Day 5: Worship Expressed in Spirit and Truth

Worship is not just an internal feeling but is meant to be expressed with our whole selves—body, soul, and spirit. David’s example shows that physical expression in worship—whether dancing, kneeling, or raising hands—can help connect our hearts to God and demonstrate the value we place on His presence. We are invited to worship freely, not limited by style or tradition, but led by the Spirit and rooted in truth. As temples of the Holy Spirit, our worship is not confined to a place or a moment; it is a lifestyle that flows from valuing God’s presence every day. [01:13:21]

John 4:23-24 (ESV)
"But the hour is coming, and is now here, when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth, for the Father is seeking such people to worship him. God is spirit, and those who worship him must worship in spirit and truth."

Reflection: What is one new way you can physically or practically express your worship to God today, inviting His Spirit to lead you?

Sermon Summary

This morning, we explored what it truly means to value the presence of God in our lives. The story of David bringing the Ark of the Covenant back to Jerusalem is a powerful reminder that God’s presence is not something to be taken lightly or treated as a mere accessory to our routines. David recognized that, for too long, Israel had neglected the presence of God—Saul’s entire reign had been marked by a lack of inquiry and reverence for God’s guidance. David’s desire to restore the Ark to the center of Israel’s life was about more than a symbolic gesture; it was a call to put God back at the center of everything.

We saw that worship is not just about music or style, but about what we truly value. Everyone worships something, whether it’s God, success, comfort, or reputation. The way we prioritize our lives reveals what we value most. When David first attempted to bring the Ark back, he did it in a way that was convenient, copying the methods of the world rather than following God’s specific instructions. This led to tragedy, reminding us that obedience to God’s ways matters more than our good intentions or convenience.

After a period of reflection and repentance, David learned to approach God’s presence with reverence and humility. He set aside his royal garments, choosing instead to worship as a common man, unashamed and fully surrendered. His uninhibited worship was not about performance, but about surrender—valuing God’s presence above his own reputation. In contrast, Michael, Saul’s daughter, looked down on David’s freedom in worship, revealing her own bondage to the opinions of others.

True worship is about obedience, reverence, and surrender. It’s not about style or personality, but about whether we are willing to humble ourselves before God, value His presence above all else, and express that value in the way we live and worship. When we do, we invite God’s blessing into our homes, our church, and our lives. The invitation is to move beyond routine and reputation, and to become people who are marked by a deep, authentic hunger for God’s presence.

Key Takeaways

1. Obedience Over Convenience: God’s presence is holy and must be approached on His terms, not ours. When David and Israel tried to move the Ark in a way that was easier and more convenient, they suffered the consequences. True worship means valuing obedience to God’s instructions, even when it’s not the easiest or most popular path. [45:24]
2. Reverence Over Reputation: David’s willingness to set aside his royal dignity and worship with abandon shows that valuing God’s presence means caring more about what God thinks than what people think. Reverence for God will often require us to humble ourselves and risk misunderstanding or even ridicule from others. [53:54]
3. Surrender Over Control: Michael’s critical spirit revealed a heart more concerned with image and control than with surrender to God. True worship is about letting go of our need to manage how we are perceived and instead offering ourselves fully to God, trusting Him with our reputation and our hearts. [59:58]
4. Blessing Follows God’s Presence: When the Ark was placed in the home of Obed-Edom, his household was blessed. When we make space for God’s presence in our homes and lives—honoring Him and putting Him at the center—His blessing follows, not as a formula, but as a natural outflow of His nearness. [50:26]
5. Worship Is Expressive and Transformative: Worship is not just an internal feeling; it is meant to be expressed with our whole selves. Our bodies, voices, and actions are connected to our souls, and as we step out in worship—however that looks for us—we experience greater freedom and intimacy with God. Sometimes, the breakthrough we long for comes as we move beyond our comfort zones and express our love for God openly. [71:48]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[00:45] - Community Announcements & Justice Coalition
[04:30] - Prayer for Community Engagement
[06:00] - Introduction: Do You Value God’s Presence?
[08:56] - What Is Worship?
[10:30] - David’s Context: Becoming King
[13:15] - The Ark of the Covenant: Symbol of God’s Presence
[15:46] - Saul’s Neglect and David’s Restoration
[18:11] - The Ark’s Journey: Loss and Return
[22:20] - Mishandling the Holy: Uzzah’s Story
[25:24] - Obedience vs. Convenience in Worship
[28:58] - Blessing in Obed-Edom’s House
[31:56] - David’s Repentance and Reverence
[35:54] - Worship Without Shame: David’s Dance
[38:52] - Michael’s Critique: Reputation vs. Reverence
[42:08] - Surrender and Freedom in Worship
[47:28] - Humility and True Position Before God
[51:48] - Worship as a Whole-Person Response
[53:21] - The Presence of God: Now and Forever
[54:50] - Closing Prayer and Invitation to Worship

Bible Study Guide

Observation Questions

When David first tried to bring the Ark to Jerusalem, how did he and the people transport it, and what was the result? ([42:20])
According to 1 Chronicles 15, what did David realize about the way the Ark was supposed to be moved? ([51:56])
What was David’s attitude and behavior as the Ark was finally brought into Jerusalem? How did he express his worship? ([53:54])
How did Michael, Saul’s daughter, respond to David’s worship, and what does the text say about her reaction? ([58:52])

Interpretation Questions

Why do you think God responded so strongly when Uzzah touched the Ark, even though Uzzah’s intentions seemed good? What does this say about God’s holiness and our approach to Him? ([44:18])
What does David’s willingness to set aside his royal garments and dance before the Lord tell us about what he valued most? How does this contrast with Michael’s concern for reputation? ([56:25])
The sermon mentioned that “everyone worships something.” Based on the story, how can we tell what someone truly worships or values? ([29:36])
What does the blessing on Obed-Edom’s house reveal about the impact of making space for God’s presence in our lives? ([50:26])

Application Questions

The sermon challenged us to ask, “Do you actually value the presence of God?” If someone looked at your weekly schedule and priorities, what would they say you value most? Is there anything you want to change? ([30:30])
David’s first attempt to move the Ark was based on convenience and copying the world’s methods. Are there areas in your life or worship where you tend to choose convenience over obedience to God’s instructions? What would it look like to choose obedience instead? ([45:24])
David was willing to risk his reputation and humble himself in worship. Are there ways you hold back in worship or in your faith because of what others might think? What would it look like to value God’s opinion over people’s opinions this week? ([53:54])
Michael’s critical spirit kept her from experiencing the joy and freedom of worship. Have you ever found yourself judging someone else’s expression of faith or worship? What might be at the root of that, and how can you move toward greater freedom and grace? ([59:58])
The blessing on Obed-Edom’s house came when God’s presence was welcomed and honored. What are some practical ways you can make space for God’s presence in your home or daily life? ([50:26])
The sermon said, “Worship is not just an internal feeling; it is meant to be expressed with our whole selves.” What is one new way you could express your worship this week, either privately or publicly? ([01:11:48])
Sometimes, the breakthrough we long for comes as we move beyond our comfort zones in worship. Is there a step of faith or expression of worship that feels uncomfortable to you, but you sense God inviting you to try? What would help you take that step? ([01:11:48])

Sermon Clips

Do you actually value the presence of God? Because it's easy to say that's sitting here, but you know how you can tell what we value? It's what we make a priority. And so, one of the ways that we can measure that in our lives, besides just our words saying it, is how we live that out in our life. And one of the ways that we show our value for the presence of God is how we worship. [00:28:29] (27 seconds) Edit Clip

How the king of Israel, and this is how she said it, and I can't do it, like, this is a snarky voice. If I could do a snarky voice right now, it's like, oh, how the king of Israel is like, you're out there distinguishing yourself among the people. Look at David, right? Like, I gotta imagine it was one of those kind of tones. Not that any of you would ever speak that way to your husband or wife, right? But I'm just saying, like, people like this would. And so, how would you distinguish yourself going around half naked in full view of all the slave girls and the servants, like any crazy vulgar person would do, right? And she's got this disdain. You're going to hear the dripping, the anger at him for making her potentially look stupid. Because remember, she's his wife, like, so what King David did would have come down on her. Like, oh, you're married to that crazy guy? She's like, I don't want any of that. Right? So, she comes in and immediately, not going, man, what was that? The presence of the Lord. Not celebrating the presence of the Lord. She immediately goes after that thing that she's like, you looked like an idiot. [01:04:28] (48 seconds) Edit Clip

And he says to her, it was before the Lord. Which, number one, I love that response. Because he's like, I didn't do it for you. And I wasn't doing it for anybody else out there. Let's get this thing straight. Don't get it twisted, Michael. I was doing this before God. And I don't care when he always thinks, because that's all that matters to me. I was doing it before God. But oh, by the way, it was the same God who chose me, just saying, Michael, chose me over your father. And from anyone from his house who appointed, and he pointed me role over the people of Israel, and I will celebrate before God. [01:05:19] (30 seconds) Edit Clip

We oftentimes have to go to ourselves and go, okay, Lord, there might be some humility you got to do in me before I can get back to worshiping you for who you are. Like, I might need to be humbled here a little bit. I might need to be humbled in my own eyes, because sometimes we think we're the best thing to walk around. Right? We're like, man, you're lucky to be in my presence. Like, you don't know how good you got it. Right? We have that mindset a little bit. Like, I'm all that. And if, you know, you're a child of the 90s, I had a bag of chips. Right? Like, you have, like, we have that phrase. Like, we think that about ourselves. Right? And sometimes if we're going to get back to the place of true worship, reverent worship, valuing the presence of God, we need to recognize our true position before his authority. We need to bring some humility into that place. [01:07:02] (44 seconds) Edit Clip

Worship is an integral part of what we do. It is not optional. So getting here in time for worship, I'm just saying, if you can make it, don't think of it as an option because it clears the place. It opens up the heart. It allows us to hear the voice of the Lord in a way that just showing up for the word, we're not necessarily ready for that in that moment. Worship is an integral part of who we are. [01:02:35] (16 seconds) Edit Clip

Worshiping is not an option. Worshiping the God the way he's called us to worship him is not an option and David learns a valuable lesson about worship and when you value God's presence you value reverence over reputation when you learn to value the presence of God you will learn to value his holiness representing reverence before the God of this universe more than you will care about your reputation. [00:51:09] (28 seconds) Edit Clip

We are, psychologists will tell us, we are psychosomatic people, meaning that sometimes our bodies influence how we feel. Our actions influence how we feel. Meaning that you might come into worship being like, I don't really feel like worship. But when you raise your hands in worship, when you raise your hands in worship, it's not just trying to get people to look at you. There is something that it actually communicates to our soul and it starts to put us in a place of actually like, I feel a little more connected. There's a vulnerability. There's a connection here that's happening to my soul and my body. They're connected to each other. [01:10:29] (37 seconds) Edit Clip

When you worship in the spirit, right? And how many times do you think maybe the thing that you want to see God do in your life, you're not seeing him do because you've taken his presence way too lightly. And he's calling you to repent of that and to get back to a place of recognizing when you worship, you're worshiping a holy, God. And to see just how much he's done for you by making a way for you to be in his presence and to bring the spirit into that. It's not just the routine. [00:56:25] (24 seconds) Edit Clip

Do you value the presence of God? And what would it look like in your life if you were to say, well, not as much as I should, or not as much as I want to, what would need to change to make that happen? [01:08:18] (16 seconds) Edit Clip

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