A Life of Joy by Elle Cardelنموونە

David—A Heart That Delighted in God

“David danced before the Lord with all his might. And David was wearing a linen ephod.” —2 Samuel 6:14

Have you ever been so excited about something that you couldn’t hold it in? Maybe you got the job of your dreams, you got engaged, your child hit a big milestone, or you experienced some life-changing news.

In those moments, Joy overflows—you can’t help but smile, celebrate, and tell all your people.

This is the kind of Unrestrained Joy David had for the Lord. In 2 Samuel 6, the Ark of the Covenant (a box made according to God’s instructions that held the stone tablets containing the Ten Commandments) was brought back to Jerusalem. This was no ordinary event—the Ark represented God’s Presence among His people! Overwhelmed with Joy, David danced before the Lord with all his might, wearing only a linen ephod (a simple priestly garment).

But not everyone appreciated his passion. His wife, Michal, looked down on him for what she considered undignified behavior. David’s worship made her uncomfortable. Yet David wasn’t ashamed. His heart was set on delighting in God, not pleasing people. He responded, “I will become even more undignified than this, and I will be humiliated in my own eyes” (2 Samuel 6:22, NIV).

David’s actions remind us that worship is not about us—it’s about God. When we truly delight in Him, we care less about people’s opinions and more about pleasing Him.

Maybe you have been hesitant to raise your hands in worship at church because you’re worried about what others think.
Maybe you have held back from sharing your faith for fear of being judged.
Maybe you’ve been too busy or distracted to make space for worship in your daily life.

Consider the following lessons from David and be encouraged.

Principles for the Heart:

True delight in God leads to unashamed worship.

Worship isn’t just about singing at church—it’s a posture of the heart. When we delight in God, we express it in how we live, speak, and love others.

We’re meant to seek God’s approval over people’s opinions.

Like Michal, the world may not understand our devotion to God. But our Joy isn’t meant to be hidden—it’s meant to reflect His Glory, Goodness, and Faithfulness.

Delight in God is expressed in action.

David danced! His Joy moved him to worship. When we truly delight in God, it stirs something in us—whether through praise, gratitude, or acts of love.

Ponder This:

• When was the last time I felt Deep Joy in the Presence of God?
• How can I express my delight in God more freely in my daily life?
• What would it look like to prioritize God’s approval over the opinions of others?

Pray: Lord, give me a heart like David’s—one that delights in You above all else. Help me to worship without fear, to seek Your approval over the world’s, and to find Joy in Your Presence daily. May my delight in You overflow into my words, my actions, and my life. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.