Dr. Robin Harris Kimbrough
One thing that many of us like to do, but cannot really do is dance. Some of us try our best to step to the beat, but some of us are dangerous on the dance floor—stepping on feet, flaying arms and elbows, and knocking people out of the way.
Like me, there are those who are stiff and looking around for what to do. One thing I have learned is that however a person dances, it is good for the soul. Dancing brings joy and it is a way to express oneself. Dancing brings joy to other people who watch others having a good time dancing.
In her song, ‘I Hope You Dance,’ Sheryl Crow lets us know that dancing is more than the Electric Slide, NeNe, or the Moon Walk. Dancing is living to our full potential, stepping out on faith, and living out our dreams.
All of us remember how David danced with the Ark of the Covenant and finally made it back to Jerusalem, the City of David. He danced and leapt in the air, because God had permitted the return of the Ark of the Covenant, which meant God had reconciled with Israel and had approved David and the City worthy of the Ark of the Covenant—at the same time, restoring his relationship with Israel. David danced. He was all over the place.
David danced until his clothes fell off, and he was so caught up in the spirit, he probably did not even notice that he was dancing without clothes.
Michal, his wife and the daughter of Saul, did not like the way David danced. He describes his praise as undignified when responding to Michal’s criticism over his antics.
When God restores our salvation, and brings us back into relationship with him, and makes his presence known in our lives—if we have truly been born again, we will dance like David danced.
There is something inside us that should leap and dance when we are in the presence of the Lord when the Lord makes his presence known in our lives.
There is no way we should be able to sit still knowing our struggles and shortcomings. Yet God still blesses us and has a willingness to let the Ark of the Covenant, Jesus Christ, the Holy Spirit, reside on the inside of us. There will be some that do not like the way we dance for the Lord.
They will not like the fact that we leap for joy when we praise. They will not like it when we step out on faith. We must be like David and dance, no matter what anyone else thinks or does. God is our dancing partner, and he loves undignified, no-limit, all-out, passion-filled dancing.
When you get the choice to sit it out or dance, I hope you dance.
