Dance Before the Lord (a Christian’s distinct honor)
We act like fools for our sports teams, our favorite political candidates, and even our children’s activities. Yet when it comes to rejoicing in our God we play it safe.
Where we wildly celebrate a World Series win, we become anemic in our celebration of the One who rescued us from our sins. Where we mark in permanent ink on our calendars the next big game or that all-important shopping spree, we pencil in the next worship service.
Rejoice in the Lord
Yet throughout Scripture, we’re told to rejoice in the Lord, to sing to Him, even to dance before Him. We’re repeatedly called to express our joy and passion for Him.
Scripture repeatedly calls us to express our joy and passion for our Lord and Savior. Click To Tweet
“Honor His holy name; let the hearts of those who seek Yahweh rejoice.” 1 Chronicles 16:10
“Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! 5 Let your graciousness be known to everyone. The Lord is near.” Philippians 4:4-5
“But let all who take refuge in You rejoice; let them shout for joy forever. May You shelter them, and may those who love Your name boast about You.” Psalm 5:11
“Be glad in the Lord and rejoice, you righteous ones; shout for joy, all you upright in heart.” Psalm 32:11
“Let us be glad, rejoice, and give Him glory, because the marriage of the Lamb has come, and His wife has prepared herself.” Revelation 19:7
Be glad.
Rejoice.
Give Him glory.
Honor His holy name.
Shout for joy.
Boast about Him.
It’s all about expressing our love and awe for the Creator of the universe and the Redeemer of our lives. But do we?
King David’s Example
King David demonstrated such fervor when returning the ark of God to Jerusalem.
“So David went and had the ark of God brought up from Obed-edom’s house to the city of David with rejoicing. 13 When those carrying the ark of the Lord advanced six steps, he sacrificed an ox and a fattened calf. 14 David was dancing with all his might before the Lord to the city of David with rejoicing.” Samuel 6:12-14
David sacrificed to the Lord, rejoicing in Him with dancing. What a beautiful scene that must have been!
His faith demonstrated. His joy in his Lord evident.
Might we be called to the same? Might we also be ridiculed for our Savior?
Read King David’s response when his wife shared her disgust at his very public celebration of the Lord.
21 David replied to Michal, “I was dancing before the Lord who chose me over your father and his whole family to appoint me ruler over the Lord’s people Israel. I will celebrate before the Lord, 22 and I will humble myself even more and humiliate myself. I will be honored by the slave girls you spoke about.” 2 Samuel 6:21-22, HCSB
“I will celebrate before the Lord!” he exclaimed, declaring “I will humble myself even more and humiliate myself.”
King David looked a fool to honor His God. He was willing to be less in the eyes of others, so his Lord could be exalted.
Are we willing to be less in the eyes of others, so our Lord is exalted? #bgbg2 Click To Tweet
Reason to Dance
David danced because God chose him. He humbled himself because God appointed him. He felt it an honor to worship his Father.
We are chosen. We are appointed. It, too, is our privilege to humble ourselves in worship and praise to our Lord and Savior.
It a Christian's privilege to humble ourselves in worship and praise to our Lord and Savior. #bgbg2 Click To Tweet
I have a beautiful example of unhindered worship in my daughter. Rachel celebrates God with unbridled passion.
She dances and shouts for joy at a song that mentions Jesus. She high fives during worship when the Lord is mentioned in a reading or the sermon. While she may not understand much about her faith, Rachel demonstrates her love for her Savior raw and real.
While I’m not suggesting we all start dancing and high-fiving during worship services and in our work places (although that might be fun), I am suggesting we let our adoration and reverence for the Lord show.
Let’s Dance
In our homes, at our places of employment, while going about our daily lives, let’s show people we rejoice in our God. Let’s look a fool, if that’s what it takes, to glorify our King.
Let's show people we rejoice in our God. Let's look a fool, if that's what it takes, to glorify our King! Click To Tweet
In whatever situation we find ourselves, let’s make a point to dance before the Lord. For humbling ourselves before Him in worship is a Christian’s distinct honor and blessing.
It just might be time to dance before the Lord: a Christian's distinct honor and blessing. Click To Tweet
1 Hallelujah!
Praise God in His sanctuary.
Praise Him in His mighty heavens.
2 Praise Him for His powerful acts;
praise Him for His abundant greatness.3 Praise Him with trumpet blast;
praise Him with harp and lyre.
4 Praise Him with tambourine and dance;
praise Him with flute and strings.
5 Praise Him with resounding cymbals;
praise Him with clashing cymbals.6 Let everything that breathes praise the Lord.
Hallelujah! Psalm 150
Reflections: What might it look like for you to dance before the Lord, to demonstrate unbridled worship?
Looking to explore praise deeper? Pick up your copy of Everyday Praise: Walking in Greater Peace. Don’t forget one for a friend. Gift-giving is right around the corner! Click here!
I am always thrilled to link up with Suzie Eller for #livefreeThursday and this week’s prompt, “dance if you feel like it.” Click on the image to check out the wonderful encouragement.
By His grace ≈ Julie
Find hope in your real-life struggles. We'll chase it together! I am a wife; mom of 4 (including a young adult daughter with special needs); miscarriage mom of 5; author & follower of Jesus Christ. I write, edit, speak and enjoy everything outdoors.
Getting caught up on my friends. I love this post. It reminds me of what I heard just this weekend at a woman’s conference. We can respond with JOY when he blesses us. You are a blessing to me.