You turned my wailing into dancing; you removed my sackcloth and clothed me with joy that my heart may sing your praises and not be silent. Lord my God, I will praise you forever. Ps. 30:11-12
David danced before the LORD with all his might. 2 Sam 6:14
Let them praise his name with dancing and make music to him with timbrel and harp. Psalm 149:3
Dear Lord Jesus, David wasn’t just a man after God’s own heart; apparently he also loved to dance. His victory over Goliath was the inspiration for singing and dancing by many in Israel (1 Sam. 21:11). When the ark was returned to Jerusalem, he danced before the Lord with all his might (and little modesty!) (2 Sam. 6:14). It’s obvious he wrote this Psalm 30 as a dancer for dancers.
But Jesus, you are the real Lord of the Dance. Though David didn’t realize it, his work and joy simply prefigured yours. Only you can turn the wails of brokenness into the dance of joy. You have replaced the sackcloth of our sin with the garments of your grace. Astounding, astonishing, and so very true.
How can we keep from singing and making music in our hearts to you—even in a world of trouble and heartache? How can we possibly remain silent and immobile in our seats? By the Holy Spirit, enable us to hear the Father speaking to us right now, “My daughters and sons, you are always with me, and everything that is mine is yours” (Luke 15:31). Forgive us when we, like the elder brother, remain smugly on the outside—off the dance floor of grace and joy (Luke 15:25). Help us realize you perpetually pray for us to know the fullness of your joy (John 17:13).
One Day, we will give finally give thanks to you with all our might. All personal inhibitions, cultural prohibitions, and sinful limitations will be gone. We will be completely free at last! Hasten the Day, Lord. So very Amen we pray, in your grace-full and gladsome name.