May I Have This Dance?

I love to dance. But I can’t seem to get myself on the dance floor unless other people are out there already. I admire those trailblazers that take the lead and go out on the dance floor at the first tune of music. Get a few more people to join first, and then I’ll mosey my way out.

When my oldest daughter, Maddy, was 2 years old, we attended my brother’s wedding. It was beautiful and full of love. So, when it was time for the reception, I was excited to dance the night away.  But of course, only after those brave souls paved the way for me. Little did I know, one of those brave souls was my 2-year-old daughter. It was the cutest thing to see her out there dancing all by herself. It was a slow song and while couples were casually making their way to the dance floor, there was Maddy, hugging herself and slowly swaying to the music. So, I walked up to her and asked if I could dance with her. “No.” She said, confidently. She would rather dance alone.

I wonder why we dance. Have you ever thought about that? Why do we have that instinct inside of us that wants to tap our feet or bob our heads whenever music comes on? Is it the sound of music entering our ears, registering in our brains, then signaling our muscles to respond? Or is it more of an overflow of rhythm that builds up in the heart, and then just bubbles over and pours out? Sort of like the words we speak are the overflow of the heart (Luke 6:45). King David danced before the Lord in 2 Samuel 6 when they successfully brought the ark of the covenant back to Israel. And Miriam danced before the Lord in Exodus 15 after He brought them through the Red Sea and safely to the other side, then killing their enemies. Both of them danced in joyous celebration!

And if you really think about it, we have the same reason to dance before the Lord in joyous celebration. Here are some reasons I came up with:

In the moments when we feel weak, that’s actually when we’re the strongest  (2 Corinthians 12:10)

God crowns us with love and compassion  (Psalm 103:4)

Everyone who believes in Jesus will be forgiven of their sins through the shedding of His blood  (Acts 10:43)

God is full of grace and mercy towards us  (Nehemiah 9:31)

If we seek God’s kingdom and righteousness before anything else, He will give us everything we need (Matthew 6:33)

God is our refuge and fortress, in Whom we can fully trust  (Psalm 91:2)

God will provide everything we need to thrive (Luke 12:24)

God has marvelous plans for each and every one of us (Jeremiah 29:11)

And countless other reasons to celebrate before the Lord! He has given us life and breath and the will to live. He has given us homes, food, families, and friends. AND…He has given us the joy of dancing. How about we celebrate like Maddy did, and dance before the Lord with all our hearts.

Prayer: Lord Jesus, thank You for the ability to dance before You! What a beautiful expression of the joy in our hearts. Thank You for all the reasons You’ve given us to celebrate.  Not only for the individual things You’ve done in each of our lives, but also for the overall promises You’ve given us in Your word. You make our hearts complete, and we’d be honored to dance with You.