Joy Gems

Never Mind What Others Think

I Chronicles 15:25-29 "So David and the elders of Israel and the commanders of units of a thousand went to bring up the ark of the covenant of the LORD from the house of Obed-Edom, with rejoicing."

As the ark of the covenant of the LORD was entering the City of David, Michel daughter of Saul watched from a window. And when she saw King David dancing and celebrating, she despised him in her heart.

Ah... how sad! When we are praising and worshiping and rejoicing in God's provisions and presence, someone is likely to observe as an outsider and despise us in their hearts. Not everyone rejoices with us when we rejoice in the Lord's presence.

It didn't seem to stop David though when I look on into the next chapter. His worship of God was more important to him than his wife's disgust. Nor did he mind being seen worshiping in public.

I have to admit I do my best worship in private. (But then so did David all those years he was herding sheep for his father). In fact, that's probably where we learn to truly worship from our hearts, and to have our intimate relationship with our Lord.

Yet David learned to also worship God publicly, and it set a good example for the people. It taught them to worship too. So I really ought to make an effort to do some of my worship publicly, so that others can see how much I adore my Lord, how I delight in Him, and how I am fully surrendered to Him.

Lesson: Be joyful in worship - never mind who may despise me for it, or draw wrong conclusions. Many others will be blessed.

PRAYER: Okay, Lord. I see the point here. But I still need Your help to do this right. I've seen too many whose worship did not strike me as sincere or right either, and I really don't want others to not like me. Help me to focus on who You are, and how worthy You are of all my praise and respect and worship!

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