Are You Barren?
- A Look a Michal
Is there a danger for those who continue to mock the worship of others, to become barren in their own worship before the Lord? Could we become dry in our expression to the Lord? As I visited with a friend on this matter, we began discussing why someone would make fun and look down on another who chose to worship differently. We came to the conclusion that it was out of their own lack of understanding, and possibly pride, that would lead them to ridicule the actions of another. There is a concern for me that I do not draw attention to myself while worshipping. That is a valid fear. However, if we are all worshipping, then this won't be an issue. If we are all focused on God and giving Him the praise and honor He deserves, we won't have time to worry about others. I challenge you to check the thermometer on your church's life. Where are your people in their worship? Where are you? Have you become barren and unable to express your love to God? Do you make fun of others because they do the very thing you desire to do, but are afraid of what others will say?
For me the danger of becoming barren was a reality. Although I sought to be a worshiper that loved the Lord and wanted Him to know it, it took a long time for me to bring myself to the place where I can worship Him how I want and not care about what others think. Remember that worship is not about you or me, it's about God. David was truly a man after God's own heart. I believe that which Michal saw as foolish, God saw as true praise from the heart of a worshiper. I have tried to teach our people to set aside preferences, personal tastes, inhibitions, and come before the Lord with a heart that is true. If you feel like shouting, then do it. If you feel like dancing, then do it! If you feel like raising your hands to the Lord, then do it! There is a need to be sensitive in worship, but if we would all look to God and seek what He desires, then it won't matter. He wants us to be fools for Him. He wants for us to die to ourselves and do His will.
The next time you see a brother who is worshipping in a different manner than you are accustomed to, thank God that he is able and willing to worship the Lord with everything he has. Ask the Lord what He would have you do in worship. What is God's heart in the matter? Why did David decide to dance instead of sing or some other form of worship? What caused him to strip down and jump around for the Lord? I believe it was because it was what God moved him to do at that moment. Did he say, I can't do that Lord? What will these slave girls think? I am King, not some lunatic. There is no way I am going to do that. I have a reputation to think about. A King wouldn't act like that in public. Instead he was obedient to the Spirit. There was a price to pay for his actions and worship, the price fell on the one who mocked it. I pray that we will keep from making fun lest we too become barren in our own worship and walk with the Lord.
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This is the debut album by EXW friend Paul Langford. Paul is a Chicago based singer, arranger, keyboardist, producer and conductor. Paul has a career that spans 14 years. Paul's work includes arranging for groups like GLAD, Voices of Liberty, VoiceTrek, The Chicago based "Caroling Party" and Day of Discovery Singers. His arranging has appeared on recordings side by side with greats like Gene Puerling and David Maddux, and he has sung with Don Shelton, Bonnie Herman and Bob Bowker, among others.