WE VALUE WORSHIP – EXPERIENCING THE PRESENCE OF GOD IN ALL OF LIFE

“Worship is our response to what we value most.” – Louie Giglio

2 Samuel 6:14-15 (NLT)

And David danced before the Lord with all his might, wearing a priestly garment. So David and all the people of Israel brought up the Ark of the Lord with shouts of joy and the blowing of rams’ horns.

2 Samuel 6:16

But as the Ark of the Lord entered the City of David, Michal, the daughter of Saul, looked down from her window. When she saw King David leaping and dancing before the Lord, she was filled with contempt for him.

2 Samuel 6:20

When David returned home to bless his own family, Michal, the daughter of Saul, came out to meet him. She said in disgust, “How distinguished the king of Israel looked today, shamelessly exposing himself to the servant girls like any vulgar person might do!”

2 Samuel 6:21

David retorted to Michal, “I was dancing before the Lord, who chose me above your father and all his family! He appointed me as the leader of Israel, the people of the Lord, so I celebrate before the Lord.

2 Samuel 6:22

Yes, and I am willing to look even more foolish than this, even to be humiliated in my own eyes! But those servant girls you mentioned will indeed think I am distinguished!”

2 Samuel 6:23

So Michal, the daughter of Saul, remained childless throughout her entire life.

2 Samuel 6:21b (KJV)

Therefore will I play before the Lord.

Psalm 8:2 (TPT)

You have built a stronghold by the songs of babies. Strength rises up with the chorus of singing children. This kind of praise has the power to shut Satan's mouth. Childlike worship will silence the madness of those who oppose You.

1. Start with Humility in Worship

Mark 10:13-14 (NLT)

One day some parents brought their children to Jesus so He could touch and bless them. But the disciples scolded the parents for bothering Him. When Jesus saw what was happening, He was angry with His disciples. He said to them, “Let the children come to Me. Don’t stop them! For the Kingdom of God belongs to those who are like these children.”

Mark 10:15

“I tell you the truth, anyone who doesn’t receive the Kingdom of God like a child will never enter it.”

Matthew 18:1-2

About that time the disciples came to Jesus and asked, “Who is greatest in the Kingdom of Heaven?” Jesus called a little child to him and put the child among them.

Matthew 18:3-4

Then He said, “I tell you the truth, unless you turn from your sins and become like little children, you will never get into the Kingdom of Heaven. So anyone who becomes as humble as this little child is the greatest in the Kingdom of Heaven.

Mark 12:30

And you must love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, all your mind, and all your strength.

Mark 12:30a (MSG)

…So love the Lord God with all your passion and prayer and intelligence and energy.

2. Engage Your Emotions in Worship

Psalm 51:17 (NKJV)

The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit, a broken and contrite heart – these O God, You will not despise.

Psalm 51:16-17 (MSG)

Going through the motions doesn’t please You, a flawless performance is nothing to You. I learned God-worship when my pride was shattered. Heart-shattered lives ready for love don’t for a moment escape God’s notice.

3. Activate Your Body in Worship!

Psalm 103:1 (NLT)

Let all that I am praise the Lord; with my whole heart, I will praise His holy Name.

Psalm 103:1 (MSG)

O my soul, bless God. From head to toe, I’ll bless His holy Name!

“There’s the key to knowing whether you have a heart for God: Are you disgusted by exuberant worship or drawn into it? Inhibited or actively involved? Concerned about looking foolish or being fervent?” – Doug Fields

Discussion Questions:

1. Share a few things that you think might compete for the throne in your life.

2. Do you believe you have something uniquely valuable to bring to God? Why or why not?

3. What is your gut reaction to the story of David and Michal? Is there a character you relate to or feel distance from? Why?

4. Share of a time you felt led to do something uncomfortable. Did you step out in obedience?

5. What does coming to God as a child look like to you?

6. Does emotional (or physical) engagement in worship make you uncomfortable? Why?

7. What does fully engaged (body, emotions, will, mind, and spirit) worship look like for you?