Bust a Move for God

When David had the Ark of the Covenant brought to Jerusalem (II Samuel 6.14), "...wearing a linen ephod, danced before the Lord with all his might..." That gives a whole new meaning to the Scripture "And thou shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, soul, mind and strength (might)." Gulp! You mean I gotta dance?

What exactly does that mean? For those of you with weak constitution for risk, you might want to skip this one.

During a retreat in Searcy, AR, I challenged a group of about 30 men to dance before the Lord. I played a praise song and asked them to move their bodies to the music. Most were freaked out, they froze like deer in headlights. So the first song, they were stiff, and danced ...well...like a bunch of white guys who didn't want to dance.

So I asked them to take a step of faith and do what God had suggested. "With all your might" means loving God with your whole body. God wants freedom of movement during worship and it makes a significant difference when you worship with your body. Whether it is dancing or raising your hands, it makes a difference (after you get used to it). At first, anything new will feel awkward.

So I told them to to say "Jesus is Lord" and we prayed "Father, how do you want me to dance before you?" I played another song and I witnessed men being free to move before the Lord together. It was awkward at first and many reported being somewhat self-conscious of looking foolish (or uncoordinated). Then the guys got excited and began to move around the room (I asked them to move around a large circle in the room at least three times).

Something great happened. Men were crying, moved to tears by the power that was being exhibited. Some reported feeling joy and the presence of God. Others said the exercise just got them out of their "worship and praise rut" and helped them experience a fresh relationship with God. Others said there was such a struggle letting go of control.

So here is my challenge to you reader: Dance before God! Practice dancing by yourself to a praise song, letting go of your fears and control. Ask God to release you and move. Praising God with all your might just might help you take a step toward Him.

So here is a couple of songs you can dance to:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hp7B5V-qpTQ

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FwGvc3_9dG0&feature=related

I hope you will take the risk to dance before God and show Him you can love Him with all your might.