Let them praise his name with dancing and make music to him with tambourine and lyre. (Psalms 149:3)⠀
Dancing and making music were normal ways of worship for the Israelites. It was a way of expressing their joy, gratitude, and victory in God. We see this when God made the Red Sea collapse on Pharoah and all his chariots. And then the very next moment, Miriam and all the women took out their tambourines and began dancing on the shore (Exod. 15:20). Another moment in Scripture that shows this worshipful vibe is when the ark of the covenant finally returned to the people Israel. The passage tells us that “David and the whole house of Israel were dancing before the Lord with all kinds of fir wood instruments, lyres, harps, tambourines, sistrums, and cymbals” (2 Sam. 6:5). In fact, David wasn’t just casually bumping his head or swaying to the right and left, but he was so ecstatic that it tells us that “he was dancing with all his might before the Lord” (2 Sam. 6:14).⠀
It is obvious that God created us to move. We do it every day. But could God have created us to also dance a little? Many cultures would shout “Of course!” And so, when was the last time you danced for the Lord in worship? Sure, maybe you might end up hurting the person next to you if you “busted a move.” But have you ever just let your body move a bit in worship? Sway a bit? God created your body for him, just as much as he created your heart and soul for him. If you ever been to a concert where everyone is moving to the rhythm, or a sporting event where the fans are jumping up and down, then you know how invigorating it is! ⠀
So for those who love to break it down, spend sometime dancing in worship before the Lord! And for the frozen chosen, give it a few attempts at home. Loosen up those shoulders and hips, and let your body do one of the things it was created to do! A little side-step isn’t gonna hurt anybody. Either way, whenever you worship, bring this kind of heart to the Lord that David had when he worshiped, saying “I will dance before the Lord, and I will dishonor myself and humble myself even more” (2 Samuel 6:21-22).⠀