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Written by BJ Richardson for “The River Walk” @ http://tworiversblog.com/
http://tworiversblog.com/2013/10/01/will-you-dance-10113/
Will You Dance? (10/1/13)
Read: Isaiah 62:6-65:25, Philippians 2:19-3:3, Psalm 73:1-28, Proverbs 24:13-14
In all their suffering he also suffered, and he personally rescued them. In his love and mercy he redeemed them. He lifted them up and carried them through all the years. (Isaiah 63:9)
Yet I still belong to you; you hold my right hand. You guide me with your counsel, leading me to a glorious destiny. (Psalm 73:23-24)
Relate: Twice yesterday I saw a beautiful thing. Both times was in a fairly crowded restaurant with quite a few people at tables and booths eating their dinners. The first time, from a three-year old was fairly expected. Her family was done and getting up to leave. This little girl walked to the booth next to her and struck up a conversation with the elderly couple there. They said something that caused her to show off her dancing and she had no fear doing it. Wiggling her butt, raising up those arms and twirling around. She laughed without a care in the world. There was no self consciousness. There was no fear. Everybody loved it, but this little girl clearly loved it the most.
The second time was a girl about eight or nine. She had ordered “tomato soup and a pickle” and her mother said, “if that’s what she wants to have that is what she’ll get.” About halfway through her meal this girl said, “I feel like dancing.” She stood up and began to shake to the music as she continued to eat. Instead of trying to sit her down or look around embarrassed, her mother stood right up with her and the two of them spent the next ten minutes or so eating and dancing their way through their meal. They weren’t showing off for anybody else. It wasn’t attention seeking. Really, I doubt they cared or even noticed anyone else. They were sharing a meal and a moment. They were creating a memory.
React: Later that evening, as I was walking and praying these two moments came back to my mind. As they did, I felt God nudging me, “When was the last time you danced for me?” I don’t think the question was so much about the dancing. The question was more, “When was the last time you simply cut loose and worshiped me so fearlessly?” Have I become so focused on the world around me that my expressions, my nature has become guarded?
It was clear that both these girls were being raised in a good loving environment. It was clear that they had a loving family and this gave them a confidence that isn’t always so easy to see. I have a loving Father who has chosen me, who has adopted me and who cares for me more than my mind could ever fathom. He has called me His own and promised that He will always be there for me. Time and time again He has proven Himself faithful time and again. He is trustworthy. He is love. And He is holding out His hand and asking me, “Will you dance?”
Respond:
Yes, Lord, I will dance. Help me to continue to dance for You, with You, every day, every moment, every breath until that final one when I will be able to dance with You, for You, in heaven.
About BJ
The River Walk, (tworiversblog.com) is a devotional/informational outreach for Two Rivers, a new church that launched in the Binghamton area February, 2013.
God's group 