“I will tell of your wonders. I will be glad and rejoice in you. I will sing praise to your name, O most High” - Psalm 9:2 (NIV).
The Christian life is amazing because of the liberty it offers for those who know Christ. Unfortunately, every now and then, there is that deliberate puritan streak on the part of some to rob of others the liberty they want to express in Christ. Just as we find a Hannah crying out to the Lord for a child (1 Samuel 1:10); there is also a King David, who takes to the streets, dances with elliptic moves, bursting with excitement once a prayer has been answered (2 Samuel 6:14-22).
There was a recent case of a church priest who was captured on video his body gyrating with dance strokes soon after his mother was released from hospital, a survival of Covid -19. Many related to this dancer with his bold strokes. But there were others, for whom, it was, no way! They also took issue with the blaring music of guitar sound!
When King David took to the floor with his moves, someone seethed. It is written, “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” (vv 16). Raised as a princess and now a Queen, Michal had strong ideas about decorum and propriety. She was so taken up by her status in society that even if the moment expected no less she just could not let herself loose.
In life we find several of us who are so bound by the status of our present station that even for things of the Lord we are held back. We shall not raise our hands in praise for the Lord since that could make us appear less dignified. We shall not declare our faith in Jesus Christ because within certain eyes it may make us look less sophisticated. We shall not venture some places even for a mission of Christ because how else can we be spotted in such undignified places.
When David got back to his house Queen Micah was ready for him. “How the king of Israel honored himself today, uncovering himself today before the eyes of his servants' female servants, as one of the vulgar fellows shamelessly uncovers himself!” (vv 20). But her husband had a fast one. “It was before the Lord, who chose me above your father and above all his house, to appoint me as prince over Israel, the people of the Lord—and I will celebrate before the Lord. (vv 21).
Perhaps you have had a recent moment that has left you besides yourself. Just like that priest who sent tongues wagging, do not hesitate, but just get on, and dance to the Lord!
Prayer for today: Lord Father God of Abraham, maker of heaven and earth, today I rise full of thanksgiving, for you have been so good to me, that is why I must dance with joy, full of praise!
