Celebrate Him
I love that David danced before the Lord. This is a famous biblical event where King David celebrated the return of the Ark of the Covenant to Jerusalem. Clad only in a priestly linen ephod, his unrestrained, enthusiastic worship caused a major family dispute but remains a key symbol of unashamed devotion.
The moment is recorded in 2 Samuel 6 and 1 Chronicles 15. The Ark was the most sacred object in Israel, representing God's very presence. After years of it being misplaced or kept elsewhere, David successfully brought it into the capital city amidst shouts of joy and trumpet blasts.
Overcome with gratitude, David stripped off his royal robes and danced passionately "with all his might" in the streets. By doing this, he set aside his earthly status as king to humble himself before God.
While the public celebrated, David’s wife, Michal (daughter of Saul), watched from a window. She despised his actions, believing his leaping and near-nudity were undignified and inappropriate for the King of Israel.
When David returned home, she confronted him with sharp sarcasm. David didn't apologize, defending his actions by stating he was dancing for the Lord—the One who chose him over her father's family. David told her he was entirely willing to look even more foolish in the eyes of others if it meant celebrating God.
The Hebrew word for praise, halal, often carries the connotation of acting madly or looking foolish. David's dance is often viewed by theologians as a prime example of pure, unselfconscious, and heartfelt worship.
Setting aside his royal garments demonstrated that God, not David, was the true King of Israel.
This story highlights that genuine, expressive displays of faith may invite judgment from others, but David's example prioritizes pleasing God over maintaining a flawless public image.
And unlike David or Ramona there are many like Janet or our good friend Ellen Martell. Ellen shares her thoughts.
There just isn’t anything more wonderful than being completely and totally uninhibited with joy for Jesus! I am and have always been Presbyterian and this picture of celebration and dancing is not something I see in my worship. And yet, when our choir and orchestra play and sing in worship I find my heart ready to jump out of my chest and I can hardly sit still. And when I hear our pastor speak and preach joyfully I am moved…when I see countless acts of kindness from strangers in the news every night and my grandchildren praying I am wrapped up in joy. I may not have danced with the consuming elation of many but my heart jumps with praise and thanksgiving for my God who loves me and cares for me
Awesome devotionals!!!🙌🙏🙌❤️
However you express your joy make it worshipping Wednesday! God is good…