Despised for Dancing

Text: 2 Samuel 6:1-23

“Be glad in the Lord, and rejoice, O righteous, and shout for joy, all you upright in heart!”—Psalm 32:11 ESV

People who don’t understand your pain will never fully understand your praise. When they haven’t experienced your hurt, they won’t appreciate your hallelujahs! That’s okay, because your worship isn’t about them, it’s about the God who is worthy of every breath of your rejoicing. Think about the disgruntled churchgoer who griped: “I didn’t like worship today.” Which was met with the response: “That’s okay, we weren’t worshiping you.”

In ancient Israel, the ark of the covenant wasn’t just a golden box, it was indicative of God’s presence going with God’s people in all their undertakings. When it was missing, the “glory” of God had departed from them (1 Samuel 4:21) and they had defeat rather than victory over their enemies. So, it is no surprise that as the ark of God’s presence was being ushered back to Israel, the people would be rejoicing exceedingly.

As the ark of the Lord was coming into the city, David “danced before the Lord with all his might.” As he leapt and danced before the Lord, his wife looked out the window and “despised him in her heart.” That word “despise” means to feel contempt or a deep repugnance for. Synonyms include: detest, hate, loathe, and abhor. These are some strong feelings for a person to have for their spouse. Michal missed the significance of this moment. Her focus was not on God, and it led to resentment.

Michal wasn’t there when David faced failure earlier in the chapter as God’s wrath broke out against Uzzah. She wasn’t there when David was so “angry” with God he wanted to give up, so she couldn’t appreciate his present “adoration” for God after the situation was redeemed. If people weren’t there with you when you cried in the valley, they will have a hard time understanding why you worship the way you do when God brings you to the mountain top. But that’s okay, because your worship isn’t for them.

David said to Michal, “It was before the Lord, who chose me above your father and above all his house, to appoint me as prince over Israel, the people of the Lord—and I will celebrate before the Lord. I will make myself yet more contemptible than this, and I will be abased in your eyes.”

David refused to apologize for the way he worshiped his God. Which makes his worship even more precious, because it had no regard for anyone other than God. Jesus gave all that He had for you at the cross. Never be ashamed or apologize for the way you give yourself back to Him in worship. Sing and dance out of a LOVE response toward Christ, never for an acceptance response from man.

PRAYER

Heavenly Father, I praise you today. With all that is in me, I want to celebrate you more and more each day. Holy Spirit, teach my heart to worship, unapologetically and unashamedly, the God worthy of all my adoration. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Questions for Personal Reflection or Group Discussion:

1. When have you felt “angry” toward God?
2. When have you let the opinions of others keep you from giving yourself wholeheartedly to God’s pleasure?
3. When have you been like Michal, judging others by the way they worship and serve God?
4. How can you express worship to God this day, with all that is within you? What does that look like for you?
5. From today’s reading, what is the Good News that God may want you to share with someone else?

Categories: Abiding In Him Devotional and David Bible Study

Quotes

[Jimmy] preaches to crowds of German kids, teenagers and their parents in evangelistic services. During these always inspiring cross-cultural events, Jimmy has been a gifted spiritual leader and motivator in bringing the gospel to multitudes of young people in Germany

Holger Niehausmeier

Pastor, Germany

I would like to recommend Jimmy Larche as a passionate man for the cause of Christ. I have known him for a number of years and have witnessed his fervent and consistent desire to share the gospel and live the life of a true believer.

Craig Hartzog

Pastor, Georgia USA

Jimmy has a very positive way of interacting with children and teens, of imparting values and of teaching the gospel. He preached twice in our church and inspired listeners of every age with the vivid delivery of his sermon.

Nils Dollinger

Pastor, Germany

One thing that was very evident for me was that Jimmy took seriously our context for ministry and mission. He spoke at a service, and preached powerfully and with great articulation of the gospel challenge.

Steven Foster

Pastor, Republic of Ireland

We’ve seen Jimmy having a servant heart, willing to go an extra mile. He has also preached at the opening-service of the camp. His theology is scripture-based and his preaching is relevant, encouraging and Christ-centered.

Dieter Scholze

Pastor, Germany

Through the years of knowing Jimmy, I have had the privilege of hearing him speak at various functions we have hosted for Breakaway Outreach. Jimmy is a man deeply devoted to Christ. He is a very effective speaker and communicator.

Dwight Kilbourne

Pastor, Tennessee USA

Jimmy is a wonderful communicator who shared so effectively in multiple and versatile contexts. Regardless of the context Jimmy is able to share personally and effectively his story and about faith.

Alex Yarlett

Pastor, England

Jimmy preached for us on a Sunday morning service and was very well received and blessed us as a church both with his testimony and the preaching of the Word.