Undignified

"And I'll become even more undignified than this." (David Crowder Band, Undignified)

Does the groove ever hit you and you become undignified in dancing before the Lord? I love it when that happens (and my kids think it is hysterical). Sometimes we just need to dance before our Lord (and being from a Baptist background brings some baggage here).

I was reading from 2 Samuel chapter 6 this morning and we see David (from the Bible, not the Crowder Band) dancing with all his might and shouting to the music, with gladness. When chastised by his wife for his behavior in public he says, "And I will be even more undignified than this, and will be humble in my own sight."

He was simply saying that out of his humility of heart, and worship of His God, he will dance. There is freedom in Christ, freedom to sing, freedom to worship, and freedom to dance. And though we all struggle with what others think at times, it comes down to an audience of One.

So turn it up and become undignified!

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This (IM)Perfect World

Perfectionism. My husband sat through a course recently where the instructor asked the students to name one positive and one negative about themselves. He said, "Perfectionism" for both (which I would have said the exact same thing about myself so you can imagine the lot for our poor children). Anyway, the instructor's comment was that there was actually nothing positive about perfectionism. This statement left us pondering.

Yes we should strive to "be and do our best" in every situation, (translation in God terms: do everything to His glory) but the problem with perfectionism is the inner turmoil that arises with the imperfect. When things aren't "perfect" (which is always), a perfectionist gets all twisted up inside. When my house is in disarray (which is very often with three kids) I can let it affect my mood. Or when my kids disobey a basic tenet of our home for the 5th time before 8 a.m., I get all mangled. Why? Because things should be perfect. (WRONG!)

Things in this life will not be perfect: dings will happen, sickness will come, people will disappoint, spills on just-mopped floors will occur, and money will vanish. But God. His desire for His child is that we rise up inside this rain, amidst the imperfect, and shout "Jesus is Lord!" We cannot do this in our own strength, it's not even possible (especially if you are a perfectionist). But God has given His Spirit to indwell all who name Jesus as their savior. As His child you have the power of God to live victorious in a very imperfect world.

In fact Paul, in 2 Corinthians 12:9-10 explains the victory through the imperfect. "'(God's) grace is sufficient for you, for (His) strength is made perfect in weakness.' Therefore most gladly I will rather boast in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me...For when I am weak, then I am strong." Did you get that? When we are faced with the imperfections of this life (sicknesses, reproaches, needs, persecutions, distresses...for Christ's sake), there is strength available from El-Elyon (God Most High) if we seek and trust in Him.

Instead of crying over spilled milk, bless your cat with a drink.

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No Goliath too Big

I know why God constantly says in His Word "Remember," simply because we as humans too easily forget!

The example of David's confidence in the Lord refreshes my soul. (And if you know the full story of David's life, I am speaking specifically of his early years.) David, probably a young teen at the time, comes to the valley where the Philistines are at war with Israel. Sent by his father, David is on a mission to bring food to his three oldest brothers and check on their welfare. When he arrives he hears this 9 foot tall Philistine, Goliath, taunting the Israelites and challenging a "winner-takes-all" dual.

David, shocked at the fear evoked within the Israelites, proclaims, "Who is this...Philistine that he should defy the armies of the living God?" Then, after he volunteers to fight this giant of a man, he says, "The Lord, who delivered me from the paw of the lion and from the paw of the bear, He will deliver me from the hand of this Philistine."

Such fresh faith! When everyone around him feared, David (the youngest of the bunch!) looked to the God who has shown Himself faithful time and time again. He remembered and therefore trusted.

I don't know what Goliath you face today. We all have stuff, which means we all have opportunities: either I can trust in the living God who is forever faithful or respond to the ever-changing circumstances of life in fear and trembling. No decision, no illness, no relationship, no difficulty is outside of the power of God. We just have to make the choice to turn to Him in faith. I am not naive; I am not proclaiming this is always easy, in fact it may be the most difficult thing you ever do, but I am more than certain it is always best.

Just before the battle David declares to Goliath, "I come to you in the name of the Lord of hosts, the God of the armies of Israel, whom you have defied...the Lord will deliver you into my hand...then all will know (that) the battle is the Lord's." Did you catch that last phrase? That is the point: the glory of God most high. He will become famous in our own little corner of the world as we allow Him to show His great power in the midst of seeming despair.

Keep at it, sweet friend; His Word to you is waiting.

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