2 Samuel 6:13
“When those who were carrying the ark of the Lord had taken six steps, he sacrificed a bull and a fattened calf.”
They did it God's way. A few months earlier, they attempted to bring the ark to their city. However, they did it in a careless way which brought on God's anger. It scared David in which he replied, "How can I bring the ark to me?" So, they left it at Obed's house. They learned that he was blessed because of the ark. Which leads to today's verse. They researched and learned of the proper manner to transport the ark.
When we ignore God's instructions consequences follow. They are usually natural consequences, but are meant as a warning to do it the right way. While these are negative, they are merciful. God wants to connect to us, but on His terms.
When we aren't believers we are separated from God which has hell as its end. Unfortunately in hell there's no repenting. So, the rough consequences in life are meant to turn us around. Believers can also be acting in disobedience. God also sends negative consequences as warnings. While hell isn't their end, separation from God and misery results.
God's ways are the best. Paul was doing it his way and was conflicted. When Jesus met him on the road to Damascus, He said, "It is hard for you to kick against the goads", (Acts 26:14). This is a plowing phrase. To prevent an ox from kicking the one who plows, a spike is placed. If the ox attempts to kick, he gets poked. Paul was acting in a manner against God's will and was experiencing discomfort somehow. It could have been psychological, spiritual, circumstantial and so on.
When we act outside of the allowances of the bible, we are kicking against the goads as well. We could get sick, have mental stress, encounter rough circumstances, have troubled relationships and so on. These are there to get our attention and look up. "God, give me wisdom."
When we are walking in His ways, we experience success. This could be prior to being a christian. If we apply the wisdom of proverbs, we will reap the rewards described there. Hard work, not speaking harshly, being honest are just a few.
However, if not in Christ, we are still kicking against the goads. God will put open doors in front of us to invite us in. Once in Christ, the fight is over. We gain peace with God. This peace is because our sins are forgiven, but also we are no longer at cross purposes with God. This peace is to abide in us forever.
If in Christ we don't have peace, it's because we are acting in disobedience or we are ignoring guidance signs. Colossians 3:15 says, "Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, for to this you were called as members of one body. And be thankful." It's up to us to allow Christ's peace to reign. We do this by following Christ's lordship. Those transporting the ark were following the instructions. Thus they were experiencing success.
Joshua 1:8 speaks of when we walk according to His ways, we experience success. It doesn't mean everything goes our way, but on balance we are blessed. We become advertisements for God. We become the light of the world and the salt of the earth.
God, thank You for giving us Your Word. You tell us the way to go. Your Spirit guides and blesses. Thank You!