As part of an April challenge, I am working through the alphabet and sharing my thoughts about that letter. I’ve been using the article “More Bliss, Less Stress: A to Z Happiness Boosters to Try Today” by Jennifer Rainey Marquez in Good Housekeeping as my guide.

For the letter “d,” Ms. Marquez suggests that we dance. University of Derby researchers found salsa lessons improved the moods of depressed patients. Another team in Australia found the same results and the added bonus of less insomnia by patients who learned how to tango. It makes sense. Movement releases endorphins. And really, who doesn’t like music?

I don’t know if she didn’t like music, but she certainly didn’t like seeing her husband dance before the Lord. Michal, King Saul’s daughter who was given to King David as a bride, watched with hatred as King David brought the Ark of the Covenant into Jerusalem.

King David had been victorious against the Jebusites and the Philistines. He had regained the city of Jerusalem for Israel and set up his residence in the City of David. A large palace was built for David and he knew that God had established him as king over Israel.

It only made sense to bring the Ark of the Covenant to Jerusalem and to make this city the place to worship God. So the Ark was brought to Jerusalem. What a processional it was. Scripture tells us that the “entire house of Israel brought up the ark of the Lord with shouts and the sound of trumpets.” (2 Samuel 6:15 – NIV) King David led the group wearing a linen ephod and he danced before the Lord with all his might.

This parade of musicians, dancers and singers flooded into Jerusalem. It was at this moment that Michal saw King David. She was enraged.

Michal accused King David of showing himself to everyone and of not being very dignified. But King David was quick with an answer.

“It was before the Lord, who chose me rather than your father or anyone from his house when he appointed me ruler over the Lord’s people Israel—I will celebrate before the Lord. I will become even more undignified than this, and I will be humiliated in my own eyes. But by these slave girls you spoke of, I will be held in honor.” (2 Samuel 6:21-22 – NIV)

The lesson I learn from this encounter is that whatever you do, do it with all your might. Whether it is dancing, or singing, or creating, or selling, or administrating, or speaking, be passionate about it.

I also believe when we do anything for the Lord, there should never be a reason for not doing so with all our might. King David was passionate in his praise to God. We should be the same. Nothing should hold us back from praising God in any manner. Just remember all that He has done for you. That alone should be reason enough to dance before the Lord with all your might.

I know. I know. We just don’t do that.

You’re right. We don’t. But why not?

Perhaps we are afraid of being ridiculed by the “Michal’s” of our world. Perhaps we don’t know how to praise God. Perhaps we haven’t given ourselves completely to God. Perhaps.

Tomorrow morning we will join together with fellow believers to celebrate the resurrection of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. His resurrection is our reason for life as we know it. Jesus rose from the dead so that we might know peace beyond all understanding. Jesus rose from the dead so that we might live abundant lives. Jesus rose from the dead so that we could receive amazing grace. Jesus rose from the dead so that we could spend eternity with Him. Jesus rose from the dead to wipe away every sin. Jesus rose from the dead for you.

Of all Sunday mornings of the year, tomorrow morning, Resurrection Sunday should be the one we dance before the Lord without any hesitation. Are you with me? Are you willing to praise the Lord with all your might?

I know. I know.

At least let’s worship Jesus tomorrow morning with a renewed passion. I suspect a side benefit will be the lifting of your spirit. I can’t wait to be in the Lord’s house tomorrow morning and praise His Name among His people. I pray you are excited to do the same.

Grace and peace be yours in abundance,

Donna