Despising Joy is Dangerous!

If ever there was a moment to celebrate, this was it. The ark of the Lord was coming back to Jerusalem, signifying a return of God’s presence and blessing upon the people of Israel. The first attempt to bring back the ark was a disaster because God had given very specific instructions about the ark and He wouldn’t allow it to be handled carelessly. This time, David sought God, ensured everything was done according to Scripture, and at long last, the ark was coming back!

David knew that where the ark was, God was. The ark wasn’t just a sacred object; it was a focal point for the actual presence of God. When David danced in front of the ark, he was literally dancing “before the Lord.” No wonder David was elated. It was God’s role to defend and prosper Israel, and restoration of the ark meant God Himself was among them to carry out that role and fulfill His promises to His people.

Michal really should have been out there rejoicing with everyone else. Instead she looked at the unbridled joy of David’s response to the ark’s return and she “despised him.” I wish I could say Michal’s reaction was unusual, but too often, rather than rejoice with those who are close to God, many folks retreat into anger, jealousy, and petty fault-finding.

In answer to Michal’s criticism, David said, “I will make myself yet more contemptible than this!” David didn’t care what anybody thought—he was going to dance and rejoice in God “with all his might.” If we really want to know the joy of the Lord, the first thing we need deliverance from is public opinion. This is vital—don’t ever let someone else’s criticism and fault-finding rob you of the joy of praising God with all your might!

Michal suffered greatly in her bitterness. Along with David’s disdain, she also suffered perhaps the most humiliating fate possible for a woman in that day—she “had no child till the day of her death.” I can’t find Michal’s name anywhere after the events told here. She simply disappears from the pages of Scripture. It’s not too difficult to imagine the loneliness and despair of her remaining years. The contrast between David and Michal could not be more stark. One knew spectacular joy in the presence of God, but the other knew only bitterness and emptiness for the rest of her life. Don’t ever despise the joy of the Lord—it’s downright dangerous!