Praise ye the Lord. O give thanks unto the Lord; for he is good: for his mercy endureth forever. Psalm 106:1
We praise God in many ways; it is not only done with singing or when fellowshipping with others. This offering oozes from the heart and can happen anytime. It usually revolves around thankfulness, acknowledgment, and exaltation. Worship is a constant, spiritual transformation of the soul. It evokes paradigm shifts and brings us to contrition. We allow Christ to become more and we become less, and this change can be seen in our lives.
A few ways I praise God is through song, my thoughts, prayer, while reflecting on creation, or doing chores. And sometimes, I praise him with a dance. Before I continue, I must say that I don’t agree with the pointless praise dancing done in some worship gatherings because it doesn’t edify people (1 Corinthians 14:26). That kind of dancing can be done in private, where it’s just you and God, which is what I’m talking about here. Or, people could do it outside of worship gatherings or for fun or exercise. (Though I’m not against a dance act that edifies saints. A person can speak through movement.)
Anyway, the dancing I do does not follow a specific style. I am just moved by God’s grace and mercy and find myself dancing–regardless of current circumstances.
If someone caught me, they might think: “what is she doing?” But I don’t care, except those times I’m unclothe, of course. Yes, I notice my dancing is not confined to certain times. Truth is, that humbling state takes me back to the garden. It brings me to submission, repentance, and thankfulness. I’m covered with the robe of righteousness (Isaiah 61:10). No more shame. I find myself in a sacred forest where He communes with me. God knows my inner parts, and of course, he knows my outer parts. Both have flaws and parts I do not consider perfect, yet I praise & worship Him with my spirit, soul, and body.
I’ve noticed a few things about the dancing I do…
The dancing is uninhibited. I don’t worry about how my body looks or how I’m moving it. I just lift up my hands, dance, and be free.
I zone out distractions. Though I am aware of what’s around me, I zone out and focus on God, contemplating his Goodness, Love, Mercy, Grace, Peace. In the process, my soul becomes bare and ready for pruning.
It ushers in worship. I bow down and submit to God’s will. I worship in spirit and truth and get lost in him; it’s just me and God. I am open to hearing his voice.
I listen. As the Holy Spirit communes with me, he lets me know my offering is a pleasant fragrance. He whispers his Holy Word in that still voice; it is sometimes sweet, sometimes bitter but always provoking growth.
/ Journal Prompt: How is praise & worship growing you in Christ?
With all my heart I will praise you, O Lord my God. I will give glory to your name forever,” Psalm 86:12
Let them praise his name in the dance: let them sing praises unto him with the timbrel and harp. Psalm 149:3
Shalom,
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