[With] Reckless Abandon

Memory Verse: "David, ceremoniously dressed in priest's linen, danced with great abandon before GOD. (2 Sam.6:14, MSG)

Scripture Reading: 2 Sam.6:1-23 (PS.: Please, read these couple of verses using the MSG translation, alongside the KJV).

The ark (Chest of God) had been gone too long. 

First, it had been captured by the Philistines. Then, when they returned it to Israel, for a time it remained "in the field of Joshua of Beth Shemesh." After conquering Jerusalem, David decided to bring the ark (Chest of God) there, but the journey was interrupted when Uzzah was judged for touching the ark improperly. For three months, the ark remained in "the house of Obed-Edom the Gittite."

Finally, the time came to bring the ark (Chest of God) to Jerusalem. It was a glorious moment. David himself became overwhelmed with a spirit of celebration, dancing "before the Lord with great abandon." But his wife, Michal, remained detached, and would not enter into the celebration. When she saw David "playing (leaping and dancing) before the Lord," she did not share his joy. In fact, she "despised him in her heart." 

How many Christians are like Michal. Filled with a critical spirit. Focused on the reaction of other people. Thinking about the things of this world. They know God, but are not committed fully to Him. But David demonstrated an attitude that results when we shake off the world's inhibitions and completely commit ourselves to Him. When we don't care what other people think. This is what I call, reckless abandon.

By application of today's devotional in your individual lives, I ask that you commit yourself wholly to God. Ask God to purge your life of anything that holds you back. Don't remain aloof or reluctant, or allow yourself to be compromised. Immerse yourself in service to Him. Don’t live according to the world's standards. Abandon yourself to Jesus. Let go of your worldly inhibition and critical spirit. Find your joy in the Lord, and be free to celebrate in Him, anyhow and anywhere. 

Ponder Point: "I have one desire now- to live a life of reckless abandon for my Lord, putting all my energy and strength into it." -Elisabeth Elliot.

Action Point: Be a man or woman of reckless abandon before God.

Prayer Point: Father, I commit myself to You. Help me to abandon myself to seek You, and not be concerned about the reaction of people around me. Give me Your joy! I ask in Jesus name, Amen.

Blessings!