Faith’s Dance

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I had a conversation with a friend years ago when their faith had been through the wringer. In other words, their hope had been deferred year after year. They questioned, Is this really ever going to happen? Their faith was full and active, but it was certainly not based on current circumstances. I watched them praise God in the darkest of times, and it inspired and convicted me.

How does someone continue when hope has been deferred? One way is to do what my friend did. They lifted holy hands filled with trust in God and they began to praise. It’s the kind of praise that is defiant against opposing senses. It digs deep and moves forward knowing that, God is still good. No matter what! It’s the kind of praise that shouts with victory because it refuses to quit. It’s the kind of praise that ends up rejoicing with tears rolling down the face.

The entire book of Psalms is filled with verses along these lines. Here are a few to get you started.

“Why are you in despair, O my soul? And why have you become disturbed within me? Hope in God, for I shall yet praise Him, The help of my countenance and my God.” Psalm 42:11 NASB 1995

“But as for me, I will hope continually, and will praise You yet more and more.” Psalm 71:14 NASB 1995

“Let them praise His name with the dance; Let them sing praises to Him with the timbrel and harp. For the Lord takes pleasure in His people; He will beautify the afflicted with salvation.” Psalm 149:3-4 NASB 1995

I wrote the following in my journal after this conversation as I reflected on faith that supercedes our five natural senses; see, hear, smell, taste, and touch. I call it, Faith's Dance.

Faith’s Dance

I dare to dance

When my eyes cannot see

promises fulfilled

and seedling’s growth

I dare to dance

when my ears cannot hear

spoken silence

and living words

I dare to dance

when I cannot smell

Heaven’s fragrance

and garden’s blooms

I dare to dance

when I cannot taste

morning’s manna

and evening’s bread

I dare to dance

when I cannot touch

Glory’s substance

and obtained hope

I dare to dance

by faith

in God