The heat and humidity of the Midwestern summer closed in on us all week at the discipleship conference, but on the last day we welcomed a front of cooler air. Giving thanks for the break in weather and the amazing work God had done, hundreds joined voices to worship God. Many felt liberated to sing wholeheartedly before God, offering hearts, souls, bodies, and minds to Him. As I think back to that day decades later, I’m reminded of the pure wonder and joy of praising God.
King David knew how to wholeheartedly worship God. He rejoiced when the ark of the covenant, which signified God’s presence, was placed in Jerusalem—by dancing, leaping, and celebrating (1 Chronicles 15:29). Even though his wife Michal observed his abandon and “despised him in her heart” (v. 29), David didn’t let her criticism stop him from worshiping the one true God. Even if he appeared undignified, he wanted to give thanks to God for choosing him to lead the nation (see 2 Samuel 6:21–22).
David “appointed Asaph and his associates to give praise to the Lord in this manner: Give praise to the Lord , proclaim his name; make known among the nations what he has done. Sing to him, sing praise to him; tell of all his wonderful acts” (1 Chronicles 16:7–9). May we too give ourselves fully to worshiping God by pouring out our praise and adoration.
By Amy Boucher Pye
REFLECT & PRAY
When have you felt free to worship God wholeheartedly? What led you to that sense of freedom and release?
Creator God, we proclaim Your name above all others. You’re worthy to be praised! We worship You!
The ark of the covenant was the most important piece of furniture in the tabernacle. The ark the craftsman Bezalel made was an oblong chest (measuring about 45 x 27 x 27 inches) made of acacia wood overlaid on the inside and outside with gold (see Exodus 31:1–5; 37:1–9). Inside the ark were the tablets containing the Law given to Moses (25:16), a pot of manna, and Aaron’s rod (Numbers 17:10). The lid of the ark was called the mercy seat, a slab of gold that fit over the top of the chest and featured two cherubim.
Alyson Kieda
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