Power in Praise –Part 3

Machowl. As the ark of the LORD was entering the City of David, Michal daughter of Saul watched from a window. And when she saw King David leaping and dancing before the LORD, she despised him in her heart. (2 Sam 6:16)

Dancing especially leaping is an obvious product of jubilation. You cannot stand still while you are celebrating. Back to the analogy of a football game; when a team scores people leap and jump up and down with excitement. It is natural to move your feet while excited.

This is what David did when the ark of the Lord was recovered from the enemy. David was full of excitement. He danced before the Lord with all his strength. But notice his wife, Michal, thought this display of jubilation was vulgar. It seemed crass to her.

When David arrived to his house to bless her, she blurted out, “How the king of Israel has distinguished himself today, disrobing in the sight of the slave girls of his servants as any vulgar fellow would!” (2 Sam 6:20)

Many people do not appreciate the value of dancing before the Lord. Don’t be caught looking down at those who love to dance before the Lord. In fact, go a step further and join them.

I know at first you may feel embarrassed, but this shows how carnal and self-centered you have become. David told his wife, “Honey, you haven’t seen anything yet. You think I look like a fool in your eyes. Well, I am going to get so wild for the Lord that I will even embarrass myself.”

If the world can get wild on alcohol and do such embarrassing and truly vulgar things like strip for TV, then how much more jubilant we should become for the Lord. We should let down our hair and be happy to serve the Lord.
Something about dancing I have noticed. No one is a big shot in church when all dance. Lawyers and doctors become equal with teachers and janitors. If you cannot dance before the Lord, then you need a real release in the Spirit. Try dancing alone at first. Get free in the Spirit in your bedroom and when you are ready, let loose in church. David refused to back down from celebrating the Lord’s victory.

Shabach. Shout with joy to God, all the earth! (Ps 66:1)

This means to command and show your approval in a loud voice. Some are uncomfortable with a loud religion. However, I do not know how Christianity can be quiet. It is amazing how religion turned Christianity into a subdued religion, when our faith is in such things that should make us shout with joy—the incarnation, the resurrection, and the coming of the Spirit—should put a “shout” into our spirits.

When Jesus healed the ten lepers, who did he commend? He complemented the one who came back, praising God in a loud voice (Luke 17:15). This man was so grateful for his health that he could not hold back the shouts. He shouted with the voice of victory.

If you can shout when your team scores, then you should doubly shout when Christ gives you victory.

Towdah. He who sacrifices thank offerings honors me, and he prepares the way so that I may show him the salvation of God. (Ps 50:23)

The most impressive form of praise is sacrificial. Praise is called a sacrifice. A sacrifice is to give up something in order to obtain something greater.

In baseball, there is a play called a sacrifice. This is when the batter purposely hits the ball high in the outfield or bunts so a runner on base can advance. He gets out, but his team moves forward.

At times, the last thing you want to do emotionally is to praise God. How often have you been depressed and then went to church. Your flesh wanted to sit down in the chair while the music was played. You did not want to praise God. You just wanted to be quiet and alone.

It is at those times when you need to sacrifice your lips to God and praise him with all your heart. Do you know what God does in return? He exchanges your sacrifices with salvation, health and deliverance. When everything else seems to fail—your prayers, your confession of faith, your Bible reading—then try praise. Praise often works when nothing else does.

I hope this little three part Power in Praise series has helped you learn a little more about praise and worship. If I can help you anymore with this subject, let me know!

God bless!

Pastor Ken