A Purposed Creation

WORSHIP WITH ABANDON

By Kerri Bridges

“And David danced before the Lord with all his might.” II Samuel 6:14

King David was a man after the heart of God. He actively sought after God’s heart, the key to intimacy in any relationship. He chased after that which would please the Father. His worship was an outward display of His devotion to God.

David danced before the Lord with everything in him. He was not afraid to look foolish in the eyes of man. As a king, there was a measure of dignity that culture required a Sovereign to display. The king of Israel, with intention, cast off the garments that distinguished him and his authority in order to honor the Highest Authority, the Creator of all. As far as his wife, Michal, was concerned, he might as well have been naked before his people, and she despised him as such.

“As the ark of the LORD came into the city of David, Michal the daughter of Saul looked out of the window and saw King David leaping and dancing before the LORD, and she despised him in her heart.” II Samuel 6:16 ESV

David was unaffected and unashamed of his open show of honor and worship to the Lord. He only had eyes for the object of his devotion and adoration.

In my life, my mother was a personal example of this kind of zeal and faithfulness. She worshiped with an openness that was unmatched. I would watch her as a child, arms raised, eyes closed, swaying with the music, dancing with freedom, completely unconcerned with what others would think, wholly absorbed in the presence of God. She couldn’t play an instrument or carry a tune in a bucket, but, oh, how she could worship!

My mom loved to tell the story of when I was a little girl and she was at the altar, deep in prayer and worship. I was sitting on her knees as she had her arms raised and eyes closed; I innocently had begun playing with her shirt and the pretty buttons lining the front. Upon returning to awareness, she realized I had completely unbuttoned her shirt! A funny story, but a perfect example of how, like David, she worshiped unconstrained.

May we be like her. May we be like David. Worship with abandon. Worship like no one is watching. Worship like you’re seeking after God’s heart. Worship with all your might.

“Lift up a great shout of joy to the Lord! Go ahead and do it - everyone, everywhere! As you serve Him, be glad and worship Him. Sing your way into His presence with joy!” Psalm 100:1-2 TPT