I Longed for Something More

[soso]

I Longed for Something More
GLYNNIS WHITWER

“… It was before the LORD, who chose me rather than your father or anyone /from his house /when he appointed me ruler

/over the LORD’s people Israel — I will celebrate before the LORD. I will become even more undignified than this …”

2 Samuel 6:21-22a (NIV)

[Growing up in a traditional church, singing traditional hymns, meant being a Christian] was very matter-of-fact for me.

I was a Christian in the same way () I would have told you I was a student. It was very … academic.

Nothing much changed in my faith experience. Every Sunday, I gathered with faithful men and women of God, who taught Sunday School and served on committees. It was wonderful, and I grew up /loving God’s Word and His church. Yet, something in me longed /for more.

Then during high school, I was introduced to a new style of Christian music.

These songs depicted a faith in God //that was passionate and alive.

Something stirred within me /as I listened /to that music.

[The “more” () I wanted] was taking shape. My faith was expanding /from head-knowledge to life-changing.

I can still picture myself /in a sold-out symphony hall /before a live concert /as half the room yelled, “We love Jesus, yes we do. We love Jesus, how ’bout you?” I was on the other side, and we answered /as loudly as we could, repeating the challenge.

Joy and celebration vibrated /through the hall as we shouted, jumped up and down,

and waved our arms in the air for love of Jesus.

It was completely undignified and I was completely undone … never to be the same. I knew () I wanted a faith like that. I wanted to be so excited about Jesus that it overflowed, and I didn’t care what my worship of Him looked like to others.

A few years ago, I read the story of King David /dancing before the Lord. Now there was someone //who didn’t worry what others thought. David had overseen the return of the ark of the Lord, and as it neared, he couldn’t contain his joy. He replaced his kingly attire /with a simple outfit and danced /with all his might.

His wife, Michal, watched from the window and didn’t approve of David’s behavior. She was disgusted with him and told him so. David wasn’t fazed and responded /with words that encourage me today:

“… It was before the LORD, who chose me rather than your father or anyone from his house when he appointed me ruler over the LORD’s people Israel — I will celebrate before the LORD. I will become even more undignified than this …” (2 Samuel 6:21-22a).

David was so in tune with God’s heart that he was unconcerned /with any judgmental comments.

David’s only focus was on worshipping his God /with sincerity and abandon.

That’s my hope and prayer for myself. I want my longing for more of God /to help me completely release my fears

and worship with uncontained joy. One day, when I’m too old to dance, in some people’s opinions, I hope () you’ll find my wrinkled hands raised, my gray head /bobbing and my body swaying in worship — still wanting more. And then one day, beyond that, all my longings will be fulfilled. Oh, what a day that will be!

Dear Lord, King David got it right, and I want to as well. You are worthy of all my worship and adoration. Forgive me for letting other’s opinions influence how I worship You. Help me focus /more /on Your majesty and less on myself.
In Jesus’ Name, Amen.