Warriors Arise: February 9, 2023
1 Chronicles 15:25-26 (NKJV) So David, the elders of Israel, and the captains over thousands went to bring up the ark of the covenant of the Lord from the house of Obed-Edom with joy. 26 And so it was, when God helped the Levites who bore the ark of the covenant of the Lord, that they offered seven bulls and seven rams.
The excitement cannot be contained! David is so excited to bring the Lord, the ark of the covenant of the Lord back for all of Israel to worship God. He has taken the captains over thousands with him, the priests, Levites and Israel. This is a huge event in the history of Israel. The way David was so intent on bringing the ark to the capital makes me think he had this in his heart for years, possibly from the time he learned it had been captured in battle. I realize that is speculation; however, the excitement shows through his pressing into figure out why God struck out at Uzzah, the angst of Obed-Edom being blessed by the presence of the ark at his place, and his intent on getting in right this time.
He had upped the intensity the second time. He brought more people, sacrifices, worshippers, priests and Levites. He was ecstatic. They brought up the ark with joy. Joy was overflowing like a fountain. David was so excited and filled with explosive joy his wife rebukes him for worshipping so wildly. Have you worshipped God wildly? If not, why not?
I wonder why we are so contained in our worship? I wonder why we are so subdued in showing our gratitude? When we go to church are we prepared to worship God? Would you consider yourself to be like David in your worship or like his wife who rebuked him? When others are celebrating God do you allow thoughts of judgment to run through your brain?
This is where we have to be careful. We can judge someone for something, because it isn't the way we would worship. However, I wonder if those who don't, actually know how to give God praise?
I do not think David was worshipping like a wild man, because he was trying to draw attention to himself. I think he was worshipping like a wild man, because his worship was focused on God. He was so thankful for all God had done. He was so grateful to be protected by, provided for, and positioned with God. He worshipped with everything within him, because He recognized God's activity in his life. When people worship like that it can bother a lot of people.
Most of the time, we are way too dignified when it comes to worshipping God. We need to loosen up and lift up the name of Jesus and all He has done. We need to remember where we came from and that each one of us was one decision away from turning our back on the Lord. I do not think we can use our personality as an excuse to refrain from worshiping God. God deserves our worship. For the most part, it isn't our personality that is holding us back. It is our fears.
I have no idea why it seems so risky to worship God with every fiber of my being. It is something I have asked Him. Once I understood God is honored by my willingness to worship Him wholeheartedly, I had to address why I held back. It was fear of what others would say. I didn't want to seem weird nor showy. So I had to ask myself, do I honor man by continuing to resist singing out, raising my hands or dancing? Or do I honor God and allow the Spirit to lead me to sing out, raise my hands and dance?
I have been judged and ridiculed for the way I worship God. Sadly, Christians often are the worst. We judge each other, because we don't, instead of honoring others because of the freedom they have in Christ. It is not our place to judge a person's heart in how they worship. However, we could be held accountable by God for quenching their worship toward Him. Not to say that if a church is set up for ministry team people to address someone whose heart is not on God; but, I would error on the side of allowing their worship to go on rather than to quench it. If they are in error, God will address it. If they are not in error and we quench it then it is on us; and we may not be able to undo the damage we have done to the person. They may never allow themselves to be led by the Spirit to worship in public again. Most who worship corporately, singing out, raising their hands, or dancing have been doing this in their private worship as well.
Again, I ask, do you know when to worship God with all your heart? Do you allow yourself time to privately worship Him? Have you quenched the Spirit when He wants you to be more active in worship? If you had a great victory like David, would you know how to worship God?
Father, I do not want to be a closet worshiper. I do not want to be showy either. I want to be free to worship You with every fiber of my being because I want to give You honor and praise. I want to be free to worship You. It is scary. I have to put my personality aside and kick fear in the face. You deserve my worship. I will position myself before You. I will develop my worship of You in private, so fear will have no hold on me, if the Spirit leads me to worship more actively corporately. I will surrender to You. I will not be had captive by the negative words of others, the haughty looks and the judgements that come my way. I will praise Your name with every fiber in my being for You are worthy of my praise in Jesus' name amen.
A Warrior in the Lord’s Army,
Veridee Joy Hand
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