2 Samuel 6:21 (NLT)
21 David retorted to Michal, “I was dancing before the Lord, who chose me above your father and all his family! He appointed me as the leader of Israel, the people of the Lord, so I celebrate before the Lord.
I know that we are called the “Frozen Chosen” for a reason. Presbyterians have a reputation of elevating reason over emotion in our worship of God, and therefore it can be difficult for some to clap and lift their hands in worship. For some, it is just not their style, but for others who might want to, they can be self-conscious of what others folks might think, or even if they are doing it right. I know that whenever I start clapping, I take a mental note of who is clapping when and hope that I am not off rhythm. That can even impact our ability to sing and make a “joyful noise to the Lord!” Psalm 100. But our self-consciousness of what others might think must pale to how David felt when his wife, Michal, harshly criticized him for dancing before the Ark as it was being brought into Jerusalem. Albeit, Michal was King Saul’s daughter. Her dad and all of her brothers had been killed during their war with David and the Philistines. In truth, her father and older three brothers were killed by the Philistines, and her youngest brother was murdered by his own Benjaminite relatives. David had in fact killed the men who had killed her brother Ish-Bosheth, so he really wasn’t to blame. We can speculate why she was upset, but we do know that David wasn’t happy about her criticism. He tells her in our passage, that God chose him, not her dad or her brothers, but him to lead the people, so he will celebrate before the Lord. Consequently, Michal never had children as a result of her criticism of David rejoicing before the Lord. So, what is the lesson? We all have different ways to worship the Lord which are perfectly acceptable for even the Frozen Chosen. If you want to lift up your arms and hands, sway to the music, or even clap with joy, please feel free to do so. But, if you want to be less emotive, that is good as well. We are praise God differently, but however you do it, don’t be like Michal and criticize others. Let them rejoice in their way, you rejoice in your way, but let all of us rejoice for the Lord is Good! Peace and Blessings!
