DANCE LIKE NO ONE IS LOOKING
So David, the elders of Israel, and the commanders of thousands went with rejoicingH8057 to bring the ark of the covenant of the LORD from the house of Obed-edom. . . As the ark of the covenant of the LORD was entering the City of David, Saul’s daughter Michal looked down from a window and saw King David dancing and celebrating, and she despised him in her heart.
1 Chronicles 15:25, 29 (BSB)
As they carried the ark into Jerusalem, David and company continued to rejoice in the Lord. They were singing, playing instruments, and yes, even dancing in celebration of the Lord being present with them. David was wearing a simple linen tunic and ephod like the Levitical priests wore. He was dancing as he rejoiced in the Lord. However, his wife, Saul’s daughter Michael looked out the window and was embarrassed to see her husband, the king, dancing in the street. In 2 Samuel 6:21-22a, David responds to her criticism of his being vulnerable in front of others: “But David said to Michal, “I was dancing before the LORD, who chose me over your father and all his house when He appointed me ruler over the LORD’s people Israel. I will celebrate before the LORD, and I will humiliate and humble myself even more than this.” David danced as if the only One watching was God!
This is not an excuse to be disorderly in our worship, but it is a reminder that our praise, our song, our exuberance is to please God and God alone. We are not performing for others’ pleasure. We are not concerned with the criticism of those who worship differently than we do, nor should we be critical of them. Our worship is to please an audience of One. Some of us shout or sing loudly. Some worshipers jump up and down. Others are so deeply moved by the goodness of God they are completely consumed in silence for a time. If the Lord so moves you, sing like you’re in the shower with no one else home, dance like no human is looking, breathe in His goodness silently. Whatever the Lord moves you to do in response to Him, just do it, taking no thought of anyone but God.
Father, let our worship of You be unrestrained by what we think others are thinking about us. Let us be so intently focused on You that the world around us fades from our thoughts and our hearts are completely Yours.
For your worship pleasure: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4C31Fo0QEHQ