PSALM 30:11-12
11. You have turned my mourning into dancing for me: You have put off my sackcloth and girded me with gladness.
12. To the end that my tongue and my heart and everything glorious within me may sing praise to You, and not be silent. O Lord my God, I will give thanks to You forever. Amp.
When David danced before the Lord, it was after Israel anointed him king and he brought the ark of God out of the house of Abinadab. There was much celebrating with instruments but when the oxen stumbled and Uzzah reached out and touched the ark to steady it was slain by God because he was not a priest and was not allowed to touch the ark, David was offended and afraid.
The scripture says David was not willing to take the ark of the Lord to him into the city of David; but he took it aside to the house of Obed-edom, 2 Samuel 6:1-10. It was not until David saw how the Lord blessed the house of Obed-edom that he was willing to bring the ark into the city of David which is Zion. That is when he danced with all his might.
David had to learn the ways of the Lord are not to be disregarded but obeyed to every detail or there may be loss of life as in the case of Uzzah. He should have been much more careful and observant of his actions. He was king now and responsible for many.
But now how does David react? He has repented of his irresponsibility and the Lord is blessing him. He is reflecting on the road he has traveled to get to this day. All the battles, all the nights in the caves. All the very hard times have purified him and made him king just as the Lord promised.
He has actually been through many nights of weeping. So many battles when the Lord heard his prayer and cry. He has been his helper over and over and always will be. He can look back and see what the Lord has done and now is dancing with all his might. It is a definite victory dance, to the end that he will not be silent and forever sing praise and give thanks.
This is also the road for us to travel upon. We will have dark days and battle through many tears, but if we regard the ways of the Lord, obeying them and keeping him first, He will be our helper and bring us through turning our weeping into dancing. He is forever faithful and good, always true to His promises.