Imagine Jerusalem for a moment, but with one rather ridiculous addition: a 1990s boy band has somehow wandered into the celebration. Five fellows in robes and sandals are attempting synchronized dance moves, one has apparently lost his footing, and another is insisting that somebody turn up the bass. Meanwhile, a few distinguished spectators are watching with expressions suggesting that civilization has finally reached its end.

It's a completely imaginary scene, of course, but it's the playful idea behind our newest song, Shake It Like David. And while King David probably never attempted the Running Man, Scripture tells us he certainly knew how to celebrate.

In 2 Samuel 6, the ark of Yah was being brought into Jerusalem. The occasion was significant, and the chapter makes clear that approaching what was holy required reverence. Yet when the procession finally entered the city, David wasn't standing stiffly at the front, carefully maintaining his royal dignity. He was dancing before Yah with all his might.

Imagine that for a moment. The king of Israel, a man accustomed to commanding armies and carrying the responsibilities of a nation, was so overcome with joy that he danced openly before the people.

Not everyone appreciated the performance.

His wife Michal watched from a window and despised what she saw. She considered his behavior beneath the dignity of a king. David, however, wasn't particularly interested in protecting his reputation at the expense of celebrating before Yah. He made it clear that his dancing was an expression of worship.

I wonder whether we're sometimes a little more like Michal than we'd care to admit.

We understand solemn prayers, quiet reflection, and tears of repentance. Those expressions have their rightful place in worship, and they can be deeply meaningful. But when someone becomes genuinely excited about Yah's goodness, claps a little enthusiastically, or simply can't contain their happiness, we occasionally become suspicious.

Perhaps it's worth remembering that a serious face isn't necessarily evidence of a serious faith.

Yehoshua offered another wonderful picture of celebration in the parable of the prodigal son. In Luke 15:25, the older brother approaches the house and hears music and dancing. His younger brother has returned, and their father is celebrating a son he thought was lost.

The older brother wasn't terribly impressed, either.

There's a gentle lesson in both accounts. We should never confuse noisy enthusiasm with genuine worship, but neither should we assume that sincere worship must always be quiet. There are times for mourning, repentance, and humble reflection. There are also moments when gratitude is simply too wonderful to keep to ourselves.

That's the spirit behind Shake It Like David, our original 1990s-inspired dance-pop and New Jack Swing release. We wanted something fun, energetic, and just a little ridiculous, with a reminder that faith and happiness were never meant to be strangers.

If you're in the mood for a smile and a good groove, our newest song is available for $1.99.

Listen to Shake It Like David

And the next time you see someone joyfully celebrating Yah, perhaps resist the temptation to become the person watching disapprovingly from the window. You might even find yourself tapping your foot.

Sometimes you kneel before Yah. Sometimes you stand before Yah. And sometimes, like David, you just have to dance!