Crazy? I Hope So!
Last week I was fried. Having three kids in three sports, plus guitar lessons and choir is just about to kill me! The end is in sight, though, as the spring seasons will be winding up soon.
During this time, I have done well with spending time each morning with the Lord (what would I do if I didn’t? I’d have to be admitted!), but somedays, like a shot of espresso in the mid-day, I need an afternoon pick-me-up. I was sitting in the carpool, listening to a worship CD. As I began to sing, I could feel my heart and spirit being filled. My stress was melting away and I felt like I was in the front row at church. I felt like I wanted to raise my hands and thank Him for how me meets and fills me, any time any where, but my mind said, “Are you crazy? What would the guy next to you in the carpool line of a public school think if he looked over and saw you singing at the top of your lungs with your arms in the air?” Then my heart spoke up, “He stretched out His arms to die for you; you can stretch out your arms to praise Him”. So I did it! With complete abandonment to my love, complete freedom came as I felt my heart going from being filled to overflowing.
I know I am a bit crazy, but I’m so ok with that. Today, I found out that I am in good company. David had been out in the street, dancing and praising God. 2 Samuel 6:14 says, “And David danced before the Lord with all his might, wearing a priestly garment.” That is not exactly how his wife, Michal, say it. “How distinguished the king of Israel looked today, disrobing in the sight of the slave girls of his servants as any vulgar fellow would!” (NIV) David responded, “I was dancing before the Lord, who chose me…I celebrate before the Lord. Yes, and I am willing to look even more foolish than this, even to be humiliated in my own eyes!…”
Our King endured the ultimate humiliation for me. A little singing in the parking lot is nothing compared to Him…
WOW – good for you Lynn!
We often speak of the freedom of worship we enjoy in our Country. We are not like other countries who are imprisoned for their faith. Yet, a self-imposed prison often shackles me and holds me captive from complete abandoned worship. The urge to express myself is locked by the key of embarassement.
David seemed oblivious to those around him. Gazing eyes didn’t stifle his spirit..or God’s Spirit in him. He is at complete liberty to celebrate “with all his might” 2 Samuel 6:14. His action is ridiculed, but not restrained.
I struggle so much with throwing caution to the wind and following my heart in worship. I long to ‘let go’, but being a member of the “People Pleasing Association”, I place too much importance on the reactions of others.
Beth Moore writes, “Hard lessons learned well undoubtedly usher in a fresh respect and a new freedom. As strange as this statement may seem, the more we learn about God, the more freedom we have to worship Him.”
Trusting that as I continue this walk through the Bible this year, my love for the Lord will grow to such delight that I will not and can not remain part of the ‘frozen chosen’.
May inhibition turn to joyful, uncontrollable expression,
Joy