Unrestrained Praise

2 Samuel 6:14-16, 21-22

“Wearing a linen ephod, David was dancing before the LORD with all his might, 15 while he and all Israel were bringing up the ark of the LORD with shouts and the sound of trumpets.16 As the ark of the LORD was entering the City of David, Michal daughter of Saul watched from a window. And when she saw King David leaping and dancing before the LORD, she despised him in her heart… 21I will celebrate before the LORD. 22 I will become even more undignified than this, and I will be humiliated in my own eyes…”

David put the Lord first in every part of his life. When it was time to bring the Ark of God to the City of David, all of Israel rejoiced with David and his men. There was a great ceremony surrounding the procession, and David was unashamed to dance before the Lord with all his might.

David knew that thanksgiving and praise ushered one into the presence of God. He was celebrating the goodness and faithfulness of God. His worshipful act at the time was all out joyful dancing, and he did not care what others thought, or how undignified it might have been for their king to be without restraint in his praise.

Why should we ever be embarrassed to openly and exuberantly worship and praise our God? Jesus places great importance on acknowledging Him before others, so much so that if we do not, He will not acknowledge us before His Father in Heaven (Matthew 10:32-33).

The Psalms are full of encouragement to sing, shout, and dance before the Lord. Be bold and unashamed!

TODAY’S CHALLENGE:

Tell the Father you will be unafraid to praise Him exuberantly even in front of other people!

Dive Deeper: Study 2 Samuel 6; Matthew 10:32-33; Psalm 100:1-5; Psalm 47:1, 5-6; Psalm 32:11; Psalm 95:1-7; Zechariah 2:10; John 7:37-39; John 11:43.