Praise ye the Lord. O give thanks unto the Lord; for he is good: for his mercy endureth forever. Psalm 106:1
We praise God in many ways; it is not only done with singing or when fellowshipping with others. This offering oozes from the heart and can happen anytime. It usually revolves around thankfulness, acknowledgment, and exaltation. Worship, which is often accompanied by praise, is a constant, Spiritual transformation of the soul. It evokes paradigm shifts and brings us to contrition. We allow Christ to become more and we become less, and this change can be seen in our lives.
A few ways I praise God is through song, my thoughts, prayer, while reflecting on creation or doing chores. And sometimes, I praise God with a dance. The dancing does not follow a specific style. I am not a classically trained dancer. I can follow steps or what not, but the Creator didn’t give me this talent. Yet I dance for Him anyway. I am moved by God’s grace and mercy and find myself dancing–regardless of current circumstances.
If someone caught me, they might think: “what is she doing?” But I don’t care, except those times I’m getting out of the shower, of course. Yes, I notice my dancing is not confined to times when I am fully clothed. Truth is, this state is a humbling experience that brings me to submission and rejuvenation. I find myself in a sacred forest of worship where He communes with me. God knows my inner parts, and of course, he knows my outer parts. Both have flaws and parts I do not consider perfect, yet I praise & worship Him with my spirit, soul, and body.
I’ve noticed a few things about the dancing I do…
The dancing is uninhibited. I don’t worry about how this part of my body looks or how I’m moving it. I just lift up my hands, dance, and be free.
I zone out distractions. Though I am aware of what’s around me, I zone out and focus on God, contemplating his Goodness, Love, Mercy, Grace, Peace. In the process, my soul becomes bare and ready for pruning.
It ushers in worship. I bow down and submit to God’s will. I worship in spirit and truth and get lost in his presence. It’s just me and God. I am open to hearing his voice.
I listen. As the Holy Spirit communes with me, He whispers his Word in that still voice; it is sometimes sweet, sometimes bitter but always provoking growth.
/ Journal Prompt: How is praise & worship growing you in Christ?
With all my heart I will praise you, O Lord my God. I will give glory to your name forever,” Psalm 86:12
Shalom,
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