My wife and I attended a wedding reception last weekend. Following the typical bridal party introductions and special dances, the other guests were invited to join the dance floor. Despite music changing from decade to decade, DJ’s tend to provide the perfect mix of oldies, classics and the best of today. Thus, when I approached the stage, I felt right at home.
As I began to shake my booty, memories of the past raced through my mind. Although I was never one for words, the beat of the music created an ideal environment to shut up and dance. Since going to my first dance, homecoming of my sophomore year of high school, I was good at imitating other people’s movements. Once my fears of embarrassment subsided, dancing became one of my favorite past times. Whether it was going to a nightclub like Pulsations, school events or weddings, I found my comfort zone, moving and twisting all night long.
Believe it or not, Psalm 37:7 contains a similar message with a much deeper meaning. The Hebrew word used to describe rest and be still actually means to shut up. Meanwhile, the word in Hebrew for wait patiently refers to dancing in a circle, similar to a slow down except own your own. The context of this passage involves God trying to teach David and current believers a lesson about following directions. Essentially, the message implies that if life isn’t going the way you expect, hope or wanted, “shut and dance.” When the dance is over, God will direct, guide and lead you like a dance partner to where you need to go, Psalm 37:23-24.
by Jay Mankus
ExpressYourself4Him 