Daily Delight
In 2 Samuel 6, we read of King David stripping down and worshiping the Lord with everything he has- naked and unashamed.
This passage has always moved me, perhaps because for most of my life there wasn’t anything I was willing to create such a display for.
I wasn’t happy.
At my core, I didn’t believe I had much to rejoice over. I dealt with insecurity and depression. If you’ve ever experienced it yourself, you know that it does everything it can to quiet you: your passions, relationships and destiny. It’ll convince you that you have nothing and can be nothing.
David knew what was at stake. He knew he had something for which to be thankful for, something worth appearing foolish. He later responds to criticism, “I will become even more undignified than this!” I wonder if this mind set of David’s, the “Go Big or Go Home” mentality, the fearlessness, applies to my entire life and not just to my devotional practices. If I am to offer my life as a sacrifice to the Lord, will I hand over something timid and incomplete? Or throw my self-consciousness and dignity to the wayside and be all in for the One who is undeniably all in for me?
David knew what was at stake. He knew he had something for which to be thankful for, something worth appearing foolish. He later responds to criticism, “I will become even more undignified than this!” I wonder if this mind set of David’s, the “Go Big or Go Home” mentality, the fearlessness, applies to my entire life and not just to my devotional practices. If I am to offer my life as a sacrifice to the Lord, will I hand over something timid and incomplete? Or throw my self-consciousness and dignity to the wayside and be all in for the One who is undeniably all in for me?
When I found God, I found my “Thank You,” my praise. Unashamedly pursuing God has been the only thing that could take the power of depression, insecurity, shame, and fear out of my life.
I cannot afford to waiver. I cannot compromise my destiny or my worship so that I can look like I have it together, appear cool, or not make public mistakes. This fear of man steals everything from us: connection, relationship, God’s presence, hope, support, encouragement, joy, and more.
I cannot afford to waiver. I cannot compromise my destiny or my worship so that I can look like I have it together, appear cool, or not make public mistakes. This fear of man steals everything from us: connection, relationship, God’s presence, hope, support, encouragement, joy, and more.
I have purposed it in my heart and pray my life will reflect it: I will become undignified in the sight of man if it will bring me closer to God. I can’t afford to live the rest of my life dignified, but hidden and sinking lower under shame — and neither can you.
"I will become even more undignified than this, and I will be humiliated in my own eyes.”
-2 Samuel 6:22
{photo: @mariadanielledoka}
About the Author
Alaina Stratton≫≫Alaina is a writer based in Nashville, TN, where she lives with her husband, Blake. They met in 7th grade band and spend most of their time flirting over cups of well made coffee. Through writing Alaina shares personal stories of moments and movements of the heart; thoughts on identity, marriage, life with God, and more. Her greatest desire is to encourage others towards deeper intimacy with themselves and the Lord.
She also writes for her personal blog (www.alainastratton.com) and podcasts alongside her husband for White Flag Wealth: a journey into God’s promise of abundant life (available in iTunes or wherever you download podcasts
{photo: @stefanie.madison}