“You have turned my mourning into dancing for me; You have taken off my sackcloth and clothed me with joy, That my soul may sing praise to You and not be silent. O Lord my God, I will give thanks to You forever.”

‭‭Psalms‬ ‭30:11-12‬ ‭AMP‬‬

I still remember the day Warren Hastings prophesied this verse over me. It was at the end of the new member classes at Shady Grove. 

For years, it frustrated me. I didn’t “feel” like dancing. Ever. But – but I held on to hope that one day I would thinking a magical moment would sweep me off my feet like Cinderella at the ball. 

As I was meditating on today’s reading, I kept coming back to this passage because of the memories attached to it, wondering about the promise there and when I would dance, really dance, with freedom. Then it hit me – I have been dancing since even though I didn’t realize it. 

In some seasons of brokenness, I’ve danced a slow dance. In seasons of joy, I’ve danced a line dance. Different seasons have required different steps – sometimes my feet have faltered, sometimes I moved off beat, sometimes I got it right. I just kept going, following His lead, step by step. 

A poem I read once is fitting for today’s reading – The Dash by Linda Ellis (1996)*. The poem is a beautiful read (link below) but the gist is this: your life is made of of two dates and a dash – live the dash – make the dash count, and, I dare say, dance. Dance the dash. 

The Master Conductor knows all the notes and how the song will sound. He knows the intricacy of the dance of my life. He stands, nail scarred hands extended, a perfect Suitor, ready to lead me through the dance of my life. And if I follow His lead, the dance will be far more magical than Cinderella at the ball. 

Father – thank You for the promise of Your Word. Thank You for leaders like Warren and churches like Shady Grove that have helped shape me. Help me to follow Your lead. Help me to dance – really dance – the dash You’ve given me. You are good. Your leadership in my life is perfect and You can be trusted. Amen. 

Daily Reading: 2 Samuel 24, I Chronicles 21-22, Psalms 30