Title: AND THE LORD MADE ME DANCE
By Rev. Samuel Arimoro
Main Text: 2 Samuel 6:14
Supporting Texts: Psalm 30:11, Ecclesiastes 3:4, Psalm 149:3, Jeremiah 31:13
INTRODUCTION:
Dancing in the Lord symbolizes joy, celebration, and the recognition of His goodness in our lives. When God intervenes in our situations, He fills our hearts with joy that often overflows into dance. This sermon will explore the significance of divine joy and how it transforms our lives into expressions of worship and praise.
1. THE JOY OF THE LORD
a) Source of True Joy
Joy comes from God and is not dependent on our circumstances (Nehemiah 8:10).
b) Divine Encounters
Encounters with God lead to overflowing joy and a reason to dance (Psalm 126:3).
c) Joy as Strength
The joy of the Lord strengthens us and empowers us to overcome (Nehemiah 8:10).
d) Joy in Salvation
Our salvation brings immense joy, inspiring us to celebrate (Luke 15:10).
Biblical Example: David – David danced before the Lord in celebration of bringing the Ark of the Covenant to Jerusalem, demonstrating his joy in God’s presence (2 Samuel 6:14).
2. DANCE AS AN EXPRESSION OF WORSHIP
a) Biblical Mandate to Dance
The Scriptures encourage us to dance as a form of worship and praise (Psalm 149:3).
b) Cultural Significance
Dance has been a part of worship across cultures and history, expressing reverence and joy (Exodus 15:20).
c) Physical Expression of Inner Joy
Dancing allows us to physically express the joy that God has placed in our hearts (Psalm 30:11).
d) Unity in Dance
Dancing together as a congregation fosters unity and communal worship (1 Corinthians 12:12).
Biblical Example: Miriam – After the crossing of the Red Sea, Miriam led the women in dance to celebrate God’s deliverance (Exodus 15:20-21).
3. THE TRANSFORMATIVE POWER OF DIVINE JOY
a) From Mourning to Dancing
God has the power to turn our sorrow into joy, leading us to dance (Psalm 30:11).
b) Healing through Joy
The Lord’s joy brings healing and restoration, which can lead to physical expressions of joy (Jeremiah 31:13).
c) Breaking Chains
Joy in the Lord can break the chains of despair and oppression, enabling us to dance freely (Acts 16:25-26).
d) Celebrating Victories
As we acknowledge God’s victories in our lives, we respond with dance (2 Chronicles 20:21-22).
Biblical Example: The Woman with the Issue of Blood – After her healing, she would have danced with joy for the miracle God performed in her life (Mark 5:34).
4. THE CALL TO DANCE IN OUR LIVES
a) Dancing in Faith
Our dance is a declaration of faith in God’s promises and goodness (Psalm 149:1).
b) Dancing Through Trials
Even in the midst of trials, we can choose to rejoice and dance (James 1:2-3).
c) Dancing with Gratitude
Our gratitude for God’s blessings prompts us to dance in thankfulness (Philippians 4:6-7).
d) Living as a Testimony
Our joyful dance serves as a testimony of God’s goodness to others (Matthew 5:16).
Biblical Example: The Prodigal Son – When he returned home, there was a great celebration, and he would have joined in the dance (Luke 15:24).
5. THE ETERNAL DANCE OF WORSHIP
a) Heavenly Celebrations
In heaven, there will be eternal celebrations where we will dance before the Lord (Revelation 7:9-10).
b) Perfect Joy in His Presence
In God’s presence, we will experience complete joy that compels us to dance (Psalm 16:11).
c) Worship as a Lifestyle
Our lives are to be lived in constant worship, which includes joyous expressions like dance (Romans 12:1).
d) Anticipation of His Return
The anticipation of Christ’s return fills us with joy and the desire to celebrate (1 Thessalonians 4:16-17).
Biblical Example: The Return of Christ – The rejoicing and dancing that will occur at His second coming (Matthew 25:1-13).
CONCLUSION:
"And the Lord made me dance" signifies a profound transformation brought about by divine joy. As we recognize God’s goodness, we are compelled to express our gratitude and worship through dance, celebrating the victories He has won in our lives.
PRAYER POINTS:
1. Thank You, Lord, for filling my heart with joy.
2. Help me to express my worship through dance.
3. I declare that my mourning will turn into dancing.
4. Fill me with Your joy to strengthen my spirit.
5. Teach me to dance in faith, even in trials.
6. May my dance be a testimony of Your goodness.
7. Help me to dance with gratitude for Your blessings.
8. I pray for healing and restoration in my life.
9. Let my life reflect a continuous attitude of worship.
10. May my joy lead others to You.
