“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!
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11/05/2024 - 12/05/2024 All day“Now God has caused the official to show favor and compassion to Daniel” (Dan 1:9)
It can be said with certainty everyone in life would like to be favored- especially from God. Favor brings opportunity and comes with blessings. The Bible has many people who were indeed favored and the blessings on their life is clearly evident.
We have Joseph who had favor upon him whether working for Potiphar (Gen 39:5); down in jail (Gen 39:21); and finally being elevated as prime minister of great Egypt. When Abraham was 99 the Lord appeared to him and blessed him, “I will establish My covenant between Me and you, And I will multiply you exceedingly” (Gen 17:1- 8). Mary was selected among all women as the mother of Jesus (Luke 1:28-33).
Perhaps here one may ask, but how does one receive favor from God?If we may look at the above and other examples of those who were greatly favored by God, like Noah from the Great flood (Genesis 6:8), or Moses to lead the people of Israel (Exodus 33: 12-17), it was not because there was anything remarkably good in these people. Neither was perfect yet God showed favor upon them. The reason is, “For he says to Moses, “I will have mercy on whom I have mercy, and I will have compassion on whom I have compassion” (Romans 9:15).
A clear characteristic of those who receive favor is humility. Isaiah 66:2 says, “These are the ones I look on with favor: those who are humble and contrite in spirit, and those who tremble at my word.” As the preacher Charles Spurgeon once wrote, “God shows favor to those who seek his favor by loving Him, respecting Him, honoring Him, and by taking delight in His word.”
We can receive favor by asking God. Psalm 119 says, “I entreat your favor with all my heart; be gracious to me according to your promise” (Psalm 119:58). And God is calling us to have our hearts in tune with Him, for, “the Lord bestows favor and honor, no good thing does he withhold from those whose walk is blameless” (Psalm 84:11).Today, pray and walk in that assurance of being favored of the Lord Almighty.
Prayer for today: Lord Father God of Abraham, maker of heaven and earth, today I come to you in humility to ask of your favor to bless me in all that I do, this I pray in Jesus’ name.
