Yes, the Bible does say, "Let them praise His name with the dance; let them sing praises to Him with the timbrel and harp." in Psalm 149:3. Psalm 149:4 says, "For the Lord takes pleasure in His people..." -- indicating that the Lord actually enjoys it when we praise Him with dance, tambourines, harps, singing, etc.
We don't see a lot of praising God with the dance though do we? We do not actually see tambourines or harps being used much either to praise God in most worship services today - we see a lot of singing, and, rightfully so, as praising God through song is mentioned more in scripture than these other forms of expression of worship.
Yes, we see some "jumping" especially among the generation of youth today in worship & that is fine. I think this just stems from hearts which are full of praise and desire to let that out through some type of expressive movement & also from some energetic youth who are little less intimidated about being somewhat expressive to God. However, "jumping" is not "dancing" - although it might be considered that to some.
It's also interesting to me that we do not have a scripture that says we should praise His name with video or drama (bear with me), but, again, we understand this is just a cultural thing (there was no video or drama at the time the Bible was written of course - except Jesus taught in parables or stories, hence drama) and due to increased wisdom and technology, these additional tools have become readily available for us to use for the purpose of exalting the Lord and proclaiming the gospel of Christ to our world. I am all for the use of media, video, drama, visual art, music, song, and, all that God has created to be used for His purposes and His glory (...or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God - 1 Corinthians 10:31). As a dancer, I am for dance too! I believe God gave us the ability to discover and create all things for His glory (science, technology, arts, etc. - Romans 11:36; Colossians 1:16-17).
As a dancer, however, and as a worshiper who dances and moves as I worship, it is hard for me to accept that dance is not something generally accepted in a worship setting for the most part. I am not the "norm" I know, but I believe this is how God created me. I have always moved to the music, even since I was 2 years old (so my parents have told me). Before knowing and walking with the Lord, I have also participated in dance that was not honoring and glorifying to God. I actually laid my desire to dance on the altar before the Lord for a period of almost 10 years. Now, though, I can relate to King David dancing before the Lord with all his might (2 Samuel 6:14). I can relate to being misunderstood too - Michal, Saul's daughter, did not understand King David either, she actually despised him for boldly displaying this outward form of expression (2 Samuel 6:16). I can also relate to Miriam, the prophetess, who led the other women in a victory dance after the children of Israel had come through the parting of the Red Sea (Exodus 15:20). Wow! Talk about God opening some doors - what a miraculous event! I feel led to lead others too in dances of worship, praise and celebration, especially youth, but, again, realize this is not the "norm". I feel inspired by the Spirit of the Lord even when creating choreography. I can relate to Eric Liddell's quote in "Chariots of Fire" when he stated, "From within, I believe God made me for a purpose, but He also made me fast, and when I run I feel His pleasure." My version would be "I believe God made me for a purpose, but He also gave me the ability to dance, and when I dance in worship and praise to Him, I feel His pleasure." When you lead a Bible study or a prayer group (which I have done as well, and know these are foundational to everything), that is definitely more readily accepted, but to lead others to praise the Lord with dance, this is a challenge at times and, to be honest, often you feel you are really part of the "peculiar people" spoken of in 1 Peter 2:9. Even among Christians, if you are teaching or participating in dance that is just taught or performed for sheer joy or entertainment (I'm speaking of dance that is not ungodly necessarily or even wrong, but just of dance that does not have a spiritual impact or purpose), this is more readily accepted for the most part.
Of course, we know not just any type or form of dance is appropriate for a worship setting. Let's face it, the enemy has a stronghold in this area in our society. So much of the dance we see today, even that adults consider okay for youth to do, is provocative, sensual, and seductive (through the movements and the dress or should I say lack of dress). We have an example of seductive dance in the Bible through Herodias' daughter whose dance had such a power over King Herod that He promised to give her whatever she asked & this seductive dance eventually led to the beheading of John the Baptist (Matthew 14:1-12). This is an extreme example, but I believe there is a de-sensitization within our society, especially when it comes to youth, of how powerful dance can be used to lure hearts away from the things of God.
Dance that is done, however, from a pure heart of worship and as an expression of a heart that loves the Lord more than anyone else or any thing in this world (1 John 2:15-17) can bring honor and glory to the Lord.
Let's pray that more will desire to praise His name alone with dancing. God has called me to praise Him with my dance. I believe we will see a lot of this in Heaven! My dance for Him has already begun!
Jennifer Morrow
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