Worshipful Hearts

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Posted by Karen Kinnaird, February 21, 2024

Imagine this scene with me. The Ark of God, the Ark of the Covenant – the most sacred object of the Hebrew faith which had been neglected for decades was being transported to Jerusalem to make the city the nation’s center of worship. This marks the return of God’s presence and favor.  See all of Israel gathered together as the purified Levitical priests dressed in fine linen meticulously carry the majestic, sparkling gold chest with the poles on their shoulders. Hear the great musical procession, sounds of rams’ horns, cymbals and trumpets. Smell the bulls and rams being sacrificed. Excitement, joy, shouting and cheering fill the air as King David, wearing a linen prayer shawl, worships very unconventionally - with the people–singing and dancing with exuberance and abandonment.

But, something else is happening nearby. Michal, David’s wife, and daughter of Saul, is watching from a window. As King David worshiped, danced, and celebrated, she despised him in her heart. Despise is contempt. It’s a strong feeling of dislike, having no respect for someone or something.

This account takes place in the book of 1 Chronicles 15 and parallels 2 Samuel 6 which sheds light on this paradoxical scene.

We know from 2 Samuel 6 that at this grand celebration Michal, who is David’s first wife and Jonathan’s sister, comes down from her window, and sarcastically and unfairly accuses David of dressing and acting inappropriately. She accuses him of worshiping foolishly. Surely, there was way more going on deep within her heart. Notice that she was watching from a window – she had intentionally separated and isolated herself from everyone, and in this great moment in Israel’s history. Granted, Michal certainly had her share of painful things happen to her in life. But whatever the reasons, and there are probably several, she allowed her heart to be cluttered with bitterness and resentment. She hated David for loving God. The contempt Micah felt escalated into a confrontation that resulted in her never bearing David any children. What a heavy price to pay.

We can learn a lot from this passage:

1. Feelings of dislike, bitterness and resentment that go unchecked escalate in our hearts. This clutter can destroy a relationship and must be dealt with immediately. 

2. We must accept, respect and admire devoted people’s heartfelt expressions of worship even if they are different from ours, even if they may appear foolish.

3. We shouldn’t be afraid to share in others’ worship. Worship God with whatever expressions seem appropriate.

If you’re finding yourself watching from the window today, I encourage you to come down!  Ask God for His guidance. Seek Him in His Word. Respond to what He says. Reach out and get connected. What better place to do that than at Touching Hearts?

Search me, O God, and know my heart!

 Try me and know my thoughts! 

Psalm 139:23

Karen Kinnaird brings the vast experience of having served as a ministry wife for nearly 38 years. Her husband has served as a church planter, senior pastor, state denominational leader, agency specialist at NAMB, and Associational Missionary Strategist. Karen currently serves as the Executive Assistant for Forgiving Forward, a ministry dedicated to helping people experience the freedom of the Gospel through the power of forgiveness. Karen and Jimmy, also known as Gigi and Poppy, have 3 children and 3 grandchildren.