The ark of the Covenant was neglected during the reign of Saul. So, David wanted to bring the ark to Jerusalem, the capital of Israel. He conferred with all his leaders and gained their accord. He invited the Israelites to celebrate the occasion.

But, as the cart carrying the ark passed the threshing floor of Kidon, the oxen stumbled. Uzzah reached out and touched the ark, and God struck him dead. Despite David’s good intentions regarding the ark, he didn’t do it God’s way. According to the law, the ark should be hand-carried by the Levites and should not be touched (Num 4:15). Even the finest of godly intentions are not enough. God’s work is to be done according to God’s own prescribed way. We need to know God’s way to do his work through his words.

David stopped the celebration and stored the ark in the house of Obed-Edom. Despite knowing about Uzzah’s death, Obed-Edom welcomed the ark. The ark stayed there for 3 months, and God blessed Obed-Edom's household.
Application: Lord, help me find your way when I do your work. Show us your way through your words.
One Word: God’s work is to be done in his way