Psalm 150
Praise the LORD. Praise God in his sanctuary; praise him in his mighty heavens.
Praise him for his acts of power; praise him for his surpassing greatness.
Praise him with the sounding of the trumpet, praise him with the harp and lyre,
Praise him with tambourine and dancing, praise him with the strings and flute,
Praise him with the clash of cymbals, praise him with resounding cymbals.
Let everything that has breath praise the LORD. Praise the LORD.
Every time I read about dancing for joy in the Bible, I have a hard time picturing it. Let's be honest: The typical American Baptist isn't exactly the most likely contestant for next seasons, "Dancing With the Stars." But whatever denomination you claim, (mine is that of a Christ follower) I doubt dancing is a common practice at your worship service.
I think that different cultures around the world are better at certain aspects of following after Christ. Some are good at being disciplined in the fruits of the Spirit.. Some are better at listening to the Holy Spirit and letting Him work. Some are better theologians. Some are more abundant givers. And Latin Americans, well, they are good at celebrating!
We have finally found a church to get involved in here and now that God has reminded us that we DON'T know all there is to know about everything . . . we are anxious to learn. Our church is lead by a Spaniard, but about 75% of the members are from Latin America. This week, we experienced a whole new kind of worship service. After spending some time dwelling on God's faithfulness, and taking communion, the congregation sang about the fact that God is victorious both now, and forever. As I tried to keep Renae entertained, I realized I hadn't been listening and now people were standing up and stacking chairs. Surely church can't be over already, we thought. (Church lasts quite a bit longer here . . . ) Oh no. We spent the next 30-45 minutes dancing and singing! And it wasn't just for fun, it was for the purpose of celebrating who God is, what He has done, and what He has promised He will do. Now, I can picture what it will be like to truly celebrate in God's presence, with the tambourine, and with singing and dancing. It was a great way to spend a Sunday morning. Oh, the things we can learn from believers around the world!
4 comments:
That is so cool Julie, I can just imagine CBrs being very uncomfortable with this time, but I agree what a great way to sing praises to God!
That would be interesting to be a part of. What a neat way to see another form of celebrating - that's what it is - who God is and what's He's done and doing in our lives. I take it you didn't have to entertain Renae anymore..
Julie, I am SO jealous! I would just love that! I do that in our living room, but how amazing for dancing to be a part of corporal worship. I'm even more convinced that Tom and I need to visit you guys....God willing. I love you! Dance extra for me!
What a wonderful (and shocking!!) way to celebrate God...and to worship Him. Do you think Jesse will let me dance in church? Would love to see Trey worship there; especially since he's the one who taught Jesse how to dance lo those many years ago ;o)
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