Let them praise his name with dancing and make music to him with timbrel and harp. Psalm 149:3
Does God approve of dancing?
We’ve been on a series talking about different biblical ways to praise God. Dancing is a controversial subject in some Christian circles, and I understand why this can be the case. However, we have to turn to the Word to determine what God says, and the fact is that God receives dancing as a type of praise.
You see, dancing is much like singing. You can sing to praise God, but many of the songs we sing don’t bring glory to God. In fact, they do quite the opposite. The same is true of dancing, but dancing in itself isn’t bad.
David danced to praise God (see Psalm 149:3 and 150:4), and Zephaniah 3:17 is a real shocker when it comes to this topic. You see, some picture God as a serious, reserved, grey-haired, long-bearded old man sitting on a throne, but this verse says he rejoices over us with gladness and singing. God shows emotion! He gets excited and shows it. Imagine what he sounds like when he’s singing a happy song!
Does God dance? Well, Luke 10:21 says that Jesus “rejoiced in the spirit.” The word “rejoiced” in this verse comes from “agalliáō,” and according to Strong’s Concordance, it means to jump for joy. You can express gratitude and praise by jumping and dancing!
The next time you’re cleaning the house, blast the praise music and dance with the mop. Grab the kids or your spouse and take them for a spin too. God will love it! He dwells in those praises!