Jerusalem was buzzing with excitement. After a reported twenty years their new King would bring the cherished Arc Of The Covenant back into the holy city. Rich and poor, young and old, everyone would be a part of the celebration of this joyous day.
A most conspicuous absence was that of the Queen. The daughter of Saul remained inside the palace walls and watched the jubilant display from the height of her arrogance. Annoyance turned to disdain as she witnessed the ardent dance of her husband King. Little did she know, the loathing of her own heart wold curse her womb and erase her life’s legacy that very day.
Rehearsing choice words she welcome home her King. “How the king of Israel has dignified himself today, exposing himself this day in the sight of his servant’s slave girls, like one of the rabble might shamelessly expose himself.”
(2Samuel 6:20)
We have all experienced the bleeding cut of the tongue’s sword from those who say they love us. This darkly inspired accusation was noteworthy but then again, the enemy of our soul is not particular. He will use anyone. “It was before the Lord” David answered…“I was celebrating before the Lord. I will humble myself even more than this and be abased in my own eyes…”
We have much to learn from David’s response. No flexing of his Kingly muscle, no retaliatory remark, but rather a statement of glory to God and self-abasement from this humble King. I like David have found love’s reproach to be well worth its cost. I too pant for the Lord as the deer pants for water (Psalm 42:1) and in those moments exchange heartfelt praise for His holy presence. For losing myself in praise, worship and adoration my broken heart has found repair, my spirit renewal and my body? Miraculously healed.
PRAISE: It is the kiss of our spirits to the feet of Jesus. It is the opening of the alabaster box of our hearts to pour forth its sweetest fragrance. The fragrance our humble and holy King most cherishes.