Read

2 Samuel 6:12-23
1 Chronicles 15:1-29
1 Chronicles 16:1-43

Think

1 Chronicles 15:29, "But as the Ark of the LORD's Covenant entered the City of David, Michal, the daughter of Saul, looked down from her window. When she saw King David skipping about and laughing with joy, she was filled with contempt for him."

2 Samuel 6:20-23, "When David returned home to bless his household, Michal ... said, ‘How the king of Israel has distinguished himself today, going around half-naked in full view of the slave girls of his servants as any vulgar fellow would!' David said to Michal, ... ‘I will celebrate before the Lord. I will become even more undignified than this, and I will be humiliated in my own eyes. But by these slave girls you spoke of, I will be held in honor.' And Michal, daughter of Saul, had no children to the day of her death."

It was a day of celebration! The ark had been lost in battle, then kept in a remote place. Now it was finally returning to its rightful place in the tabernacle. It was a big deal, and David pulled out all the stops to make it a momentous occasion. This was vitally important because it represented God's presence and glory in Israel. So, the people flooded the streets for this one-float parade and enjoyed a time of fellowship, singing, dancing, and feasting.

But, every party has a pooper, and Michal, David's wife, proved to be the spoiler. Thinking David's response to God's presence was undignified, she was far more concerned with appearances than glorifying God. As she fixated her negativity on David's style of worship, David performed for an audience of One - God. In fact, in a display of humility, he put aside his royal robes to dress in a simple priestly garment so that he could join in worshipping the King of kings. His expression of worship wasn't a display to show others how spiritual he was; it was sincere outrageous, contagious joy.

Michal's negativity that day became her greatest burden. Although she remained David's wife, she never had a child - a HUGE disappointment for someone wanting to birth the successor to the throne. Her physical barrenness became a reflection of her spiritual barrenness. Her concern about appearances kept her from fully worshipping God.

So, we can either be a David or a Michal in our approach to God. Choose the former without worrying what others might think about your devotion and heartfelt desire to worship your King. Remember, you are playing for an audience of One!

Pray

Heavenly Father, I adore You. The presence of Your Spirit floods my heart with joy and ushers in a peace that transcends all understanding. May You be glorified in me. Amen.