1 Chronicles 13: Maybe I was never supposed to understand it all.

For the life of me, I can’t figure this one out. Maybe that’s the thing. Maybe I’m not supposed to. Maybe not everything is meant for my understanding. Where is faith if I have all the answers?

The ark was the tangible symbol of God’s holiness and presence. God had given very specific instructions for how it was to be carried—by Levites on poles, not on a cart. Uzza’s action, while it looked like “helping,” actually crossed into disobedience. He touched what God had clearly said was untouchable. Even if his heart was to protect it, the act disregarded God’s command.

The word anger shows us that God’s holiness isn’t casual. This isn’t about Him “losing His temper.”

Scripture uses this language to show the seriousness of His holiness—sin and disregard for His word simply can’t stand in His presence. Not because He is mean or intolerant, but because He is holy.

David’s fear makes sense to me, he should have been afraid, God is not a symbol I can casually handle. His holiness is beyond what my human mind can contain. Here’s where I land personally: God’s holiness doesn’t push me away—it draws me into awe. It calls me to approach Him with reverence and humility, not carelessness. The very same God who struck down Uzza is the one who, through Jesus, invites me to boldly approach His throne of grace (Hebrews 4:16).

What a reminder that I won’t always understand. I won’t always be able to make sense of why the Lord does what He does. But I can trust Him. He is working all things for my good. His ways are higher, and even when life doesn’t make sense, I can trust the Lord.