And David danced before the LORD with all his might, wearing a priestly garment.So David and all the people of Israel brought up the Ark of the LORD with shouts of joy and the blowing of rams’ horns. But as the Ark of the LORD entered the City of David, Michal, the daughter of Saul, looked down from her window. When she saw King David leaping and dancing before the LORD, she was filled with contempt for him. They brought the Ark of the LORD and set it in its place inside the special tent David had prepared for it. And David sacrificed burnt offerings and peace offerings to the LORD. When he had finished his sacrifices, David blessed the people in the name of the LORD of Heaven’s Armies. Then he gave to every Israelite man and woman in the crowd a loaf of bread, a cake of dates, and a cake of raisins. Then all the people returned to their homes. When David returned home to bless his own family, Michal, the daughter of Saul, came out to meet him. She said in disgust, “How distinguished the king of Israel looked today, shamelessly exposing himself to the servant girls like any vulgar person might do!” David retorted to Michal, “I was dancing before the LORD, who chose me above your father and all his family! He appointed me as the leader of Israel, the people of the LORD, so I celebrate before the LORD. Yes, and I am willing to look even more foolish than this, even to be humiliated in my own eyes! But those servant girls you mentioned will indeed think I am distinguished!” 2 SAMUEL 6:14-22 NLT
Able to bring and/or find joy in all situations
Visionary, versatile and resilient, helping to inspire people and projects
Engaging and fun, desiring to make the world a more joy-filled place
Pleasure dictates their life choices
Escaping pain at all cost
Can become impulsive, reckless, and behave irresponsibly
I have learned how to be content with whatever I have… I have learned the secret of living in every situation… For I can do everything through Christ, who gives me strength. PHILIPPIANS 4:11-13 NLT
Practice contentment by learning to reflect and thank God for what he has done.
But the Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in our lives: love, joy,… and self-control. GALATIANS 5:22-23 NLT
You will show me the way of life, granting me the joy of your presence and the pleasures of living with you forever. PSALM 16:11 NLT
And Jonathan made David reaffirm his vow of friendship again, for Jonathan loved David as he loved himself. 1 SAMUEL 20:17 NLT
God help me to run to you and not from pain or toward all pleasure. Help me develop deep and lasting friendships with people who want to have fun, but that can keep me grounded. Help me to have the tough conversations real life requires and remind me to be thankful for what you have done!
Sign up for the Self-Discovery assessment at www.move.sc/selfdiscovery
“… but we also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope.” Romans 5:3-4 NIV
Spend some time during the week meditating on this verse. As you do, ask God to reveal areas and patterns in your life where you run from trials (painful experiences) and toward pleasure. Set aside specific time to slow down, embracing the practice of silence before God. Fight the urge to escape living in the present moment, and instead engage it as fully as you can, inviting God into the silence. Ask God to show you his fullness in your present circumstances. Consider journaling your time with God to refer back to when tough times arise.