What steps can we take to cultivate a heart of worship like David's? The Scene in 2 Samuel 6:16 “Now as the ark of the LORD was entering the City of David, Saul’s daughter Michal looked down from a window and saw King David leaping and dancing before the LORD, and she despised him in her heart.” Why David’s Response Matters • The arrival of the ark signaled God’s manifest presence among His people • David expressed unrestrained joy, disregarding royal dignity to honor the Lord • Scripture describes the event as historical fact, inviting us to learn from the king’s literal actions Step 1 – Treasure the Presence of God Above Position • David put worship before image or status (2 Samuel 6:14) • Choose God’s honor over self-promotion: Philippians 3:8; James 4:10 • Practice: privately and publicly magnify the Lord regardless of who is watching Step 2 – Engage the Whole Person in Praise • “David was dancing before the LORD with all his might” (2 Samuel 6:14) • Mind: meditate on God’s character (Psalm 145:5) • Emotions: rejoice aloud (Psalm 95:1) • Body: posture—kneel, lift hands, sing, even dance (Psalm 150:4) Step 3 – Celebrate God’s Past Faithfulness • The ark recalled covenant history; rehearsing God’s deeds fuels worship • Psalm 103:2 “Bless the LORD, O my soul, and do not forget all His benefits.” • Practice: keep a written record of answered prayers and share testimonies regularly Step 4 – Cultivate Holy Joy, Not Empty Formality • David’s worship was glad, not routine (1 Chronicles 16:8-10) • Nehemiah 8:10 “The joy of the LORD is your strength.” • Replace mere duty with delight by lingering in grateful reflection on salvation Step 5 – Remain Humble When Misunderstood • Michal despised David; he replied, “I will celebrate before the LORD” (2 Samuel 6:21) • Expect criticism; choose humility over resentment (1 Peter 5:5-6) • Keep worship God-focused, not people-pleasing Step 6 – Pursue Ongoing Repentance and Purity • David later prayed, “Create in me a clean heart, O God” (Psalm 51:10) • Sin dulls worship; confession restores it (1 John 1:9) • Practice regular self-examination in light of Scripture Step 7 – Seek the Lord Continually • David’s lifelong desire: “One thing I have asked of the LORD… to gaze upon the beauty of the LORD” (Psalm 27:4) • Daily disciplines: Scripture reading, prayer, and spontaneous praise keep the heart tender • John 4:24 reminds that true worshipers worship “in spirit and in truth” Putting It Together 1. Value God’s presence above personal pride 2. Worship with your entire being 3. Remember His works 4. Celebrate with joy 5. Stay humble under criticism 6. Repent quickly 7. Seek Him daily Follow these biblical steps, and like David you will grow a heart that leaps, sings, and lives for the honor of the Lord. |
    |