– Scripture:

It was reported to King David that God had prospered Obed-Edom and his entire household because of the Chest of God. So David thought, “I’ll get that blessing for myself,” and went and brought up the Chest of God from the house of Obed-Edom to the City of David, celebrating extravagantly all the way, with frequent sacrifices of choice bulls. David, ceremonially dressed in priest’s linen, danced with great abandon before God. The whole country was with him as he accompanied the Chest of God with shouts and trumpet blasts. But as the Chest of God came into the City of David, Michal, Saul’s daughter, happened to be looking out a window. When she saw King David leaping and dancing before God, her heart filled with scorn.

                             2 Samuel 6:12–16 MSG

– Reflection:

               Keep Celebrating

There was a huge celebration, with shouts of joy, trumpets blowing, and cymbals crashing. David and his men had just recovered the ark of the covenant. David was so excited that he danced with all of his might. He was the distinguished king, but he didn’t hold back from celebrating the goodness of God. When his wife Michal saw him dancing and leaping, she was filled with contempt and criticized him for acting like a vulgar person. In response, David said, “I was celebrating before the Lord, not you. What you think of me is not going to keep me from being who I am.” David wasn’t controlled by what other people thought.

Where do we go from here?

When you honor God and strive to be your best, some people may find fault with you. They may withhold their approval unless you lower your standards and conform to their way of thinking. However, it’s important to maintain a steadfast attitude, akin to that of David. You shouldn’t seek their approval. Instead, keep God first in your life, live with integrity, and do what is right even when it’s difficult.

Our Prayer for Today

“Father, we are grateful for the people in our lives who celebrate and support us in our faith journey. Please help us to stay true to ourselves and honor you, even when others criticize and try to change us. We declare that we will freely worship and serve you with all our hearts. In Jesus’ name, amen.”