LEAPING AND DANCING
Carey Madding
Today's Scripture: “As the ark of the Lord came into the city of David, Michal the daughter of Saul looked out of the window and saw King David leaping and dancing before the Lord, and she despised him in her heart.” 2 Samuel 6:16, ESV
Theme: Usually, you either worship with all your heart or you stand in judgment of those who do (or don’t). Occasionally, those who are hurting or who are not yet believers are on the sidelines.
CONFIDENT OR NOT
Though I am an extrovert, I am not confident in the spotlight. The ladies who wear hats or bright colors, those whose stylish outfits turn heads? They have my admiration. I shiver to consider everyone turning their heads to look at me! Maybe that’s why I’m aways early for meetings and events. Walking in and being the center of attention, even for that moment, is nerve-wracking for me. Greeting at the door is fine; ushering people to their seats, up and down the aisles, sounds horrifying. (Thank you to those who serve in this way!)
WHEN WE WORSHIP
We tend to think “worship” is just what we do when we are in the music portion of the weekly service. That’s not the case. Serving is worship; giving is worship; prayer is worship; and there are many other aspects. However, we really get hung up on the praise and worship, musical part of the meeting. We may raise our hands in abandon. We may raise our hands because it feels like we are supposed to, even when we don’t feel like it. We may raise them or not raise them in order not to be judged by others as too fanatical or too reserved. Sometimes, due to the guests we’ve brought or a tightly packed row, it may be more courteous to worship a bit more sedately. Over-thinking about it is the issue.
DAVID WORSHIPPED
When David finally brought the Ark up to the tabernacle he had prepared under God’s direction, he was relieved. He felt God’s pleasure. He knew God’s goodness would dwell among the people and bless them. He was “leaping and dancing before the Lord.” His heart was turned towards God. His excitement and joy were directed at God’s holiness and majesty. He did not consider what others would think.
Of course, the people were there and saw him. I’m sure some participated. Some were encouraged and possibly, some judged him. We know his wife did, for sure! But in the moment, David was worshipping only “before the Lord,” not for show or to lead the people.
WHEN I WORSHIP
At one service many years ago, the worship leader told us that if we held our hands out at elbow length, instead of raising them to the heavens, we were repressing our worship; that true worship meant hands held high. I understand his hope was to show freedom and joy in the Spirit. But when I judge you – hands high, hands low, hands clasped in prayer, hands by your sides – I am in the wrong. And when you look at me and try to decide my spiritual state, you are in the wrong, also.
My desire is to close my eyes, or at least put blinders on myself, so that I focus only on God. I resist songs that tell me, “Put your hands up” at a certain point. Maybe that is pride or rebellion, because I don’t want to be told what to do. But really, I need to be willing to lift them high when God prompts or His majesty becomes evident to me. Or to kneel in prayer as He directs. Or—scary as it seems—leap and dance before the Lord.
Make It Personal: Do you worship in spirit and in truth? Are you worshipping to fit in? If you are quiet and still in your worship, is that because you are hearing from and concentrating on God? Or because you are self-conscious, unwilling to look undignified? If you are judging others in either direction–too emotional or too uninvolved, then take care. Judging from the sidelines does not please God. Entering fully into worship means everything; it pleases the Lord God Almighty.
Pray: Father, allow me to come before You with a pure heart and total focus. Help me not to consider others, but to use my body to express my love and adoration of You. When others stand silent, help me not to judge or become self-conscious. Help me to remain focused on worshipping You in Your holiness. Your mercy undoes me. Help me to express my love for You in whatever way You desire. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
Read: 2 Samuel 6:12-23
Weekly Memory Verse: “Give thanks to the Lord,
call upon his name,
make known his deeds among the peoples,
proclaim that his name is exalted.” Isaiah 12:4b, ESV