Welcome to your daily devotional for October 1, Show Love for God. Today, we’re going to celebrate the freedom that comes when we stop worrying about human critics and focus on the one, true audience for our worship: God Himself.
Daily Devotional for October 1
“So David and all the house of Israel brought up the ark of the Lord with shouting, and with the sound of the trumpet. And as the ark of the Lord came into the city of David, Michal Saul’s daughter looked through a window, and saw king David leaping and dancing before the Lord; and she despised him in her heart.” – 2 Samuel 6:15-16 (NKJV)
Our Audience is God
The body of Christ is, unfortunately, full of Christians who feel it’s their job to critique the worship and ministry of others. But like a faithful friend who once told his Pastor, “The Lord is my audience,” we must learn to be unconcerned with the opinions of onlookers.
The story of King David dancing before the Ark is the perfect illustration. As David praised the Lord with all his might, his wife Michal looked on and despised him in her heart. She thought his passionate display was undignified and shameful for a king.
Imagine if David had stopped and worried about how he looked to others! He would have never experienced the freedom in praise that God desires for us.
David’s response to Michal cuts right to the heart of the matter. He declared, “It was before the Lord, which chose me… I will play before the Lord” (2 Samuel 6:21). David knew who his audience was and what God had done for him.
Worship is Not Entertainment
We must hold onto this truth: Praise and worship are not entertainment; they are simply a way for us to show love for God. They are not for the onlookers here on earth to give their opinion or to judge.
When we worship, we are seeking to honor God in spirit and in truth. In truth, there is freedom—freedom from the burden of appearance.
We are free to be passionate, free to be emotional, and free to look “foolish” by the world’s standards, because our worship is a response to who He is and what He has done for us.
Don’t let anybody tell you there’s something wrong with your worship or your praise if it is offered in sincerity. Fix your eyes on God, remember His goodness and mercy, and get free in your praise.
Devotional for every day: Daily Devotional
Prayer for Today
Father God, we thank you that we can praise you in spirit and in truth. We thank you Lord that you abide in our praises. Help us not to be concerned about those who would criticize us and point fingers. Let us remember that your goodness and mercy are new every day, and You alone are our audience. In Jesus name we pray, Amen.
To You
Identify one way you usually restrict your praise because of concern about how you appear to others. Choose today to let go of that worry and show your love for God freely and without restraint.
