Category: Spiritual

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The Therapy Called Dance


In recent times, there has been arguments and controversies on how a Christian ought to dance
or what dance is acceptable to the Lord. So, let’s talk about the dance.

Dance involves moving the body rhythmically, often in a choreographed way and usually to
music. Dance is very expressive and it expresses emotions, releases energy and tension, helps
to connect with others, entertains, keeps the blood flowing and is highly spiritual. The Bible
tells us to praise God with the Dance.

Dance is mentioned throughout the Old Testament as a means of worship to God. “Praise Him with the timbrel and dance” (Psalm 150:4). Psalm 149:3 says, “They shall praise Him with dancing.” David danced with all his might before the Lord wearing a linen ephod (Psalm 149:3). Miriam the prophetess, Moses and Aaron’s sister, also one of the leaders of the Hebrews at the time, led the women in a victory dance with their tambourines (Exodus 15:20).

Dance is physical, spiritual and soulish. An effective dance involves the tripartite nature. Dance was incorporated to the worship of deities in various parts of the world especially in the Far East, Middle East, Africa, and Greco-Roman world. The Egyptians did their belly dance to ra, their sun god, the Greeks danced at the Temple of Diana, the Indians danced to their Hindu gods, the Chinese danced the Dragon dance, the Romans danced to Bacchus, the Canaanites danced to Ashtoreth, the Africans danced to Sango and other African deities, the Hispanics danced to the Mayan gods, while the Native American Indians danced to ancestors, the dead, and the elements.

The progenitor of the Jewish race was a Canaanite from the region of Mesopotamia, a people who worshipped idols and deities other than Yahweh the Living God. Dance was a very significant part of worship and celebration in the Jewish culture. They had the Hora dance, the Mayim Mayim (water dance) and several others. During the Simchat Torah, held at the last day of Sukkot, the Rabbi would dance with the Torah in his hands wrapped with the Tallit and pointed it to the sky while the congregation danced around him in circles clapping and raising their hands.

Since the New Testament did not make mention of dancing as found in the Old Testament, it is possible to conclude that there probably was no dancing in the Early Church. However, it is important to note that the early church was Jewish in origin and would have incorporated dancing in their worship especially during the High Holy Days and festive period.

Dancing has also been proven to be the best form of exercise to combat depression. Effective dancing involves the whole person – the body, spirit, and soul. A dancing church is a happy church. Dancing helps to release mental and emotional tension. The atmosphere of worship and high praises with dance is the best treatment for depression and anxiety. “In the presence of God there is fullness of Joy and at His right hand there are pleasures forevermore” (Psalm 16:11).

Characteristic of the Christian Dance

  1. Dancing should be God-honoring
  2. Dancing is physical, physical energy is exerted
  3. Dancing is soulish
  4. Dancing is cognitive
  5. Dancing is spiritual
  6. Dancing should be celebratory
  7. Dancing is worship
  8. Dancing should be joyful
  9. Dancing should not be self-exalting and self-focused
  10. Dancing should be sacrificial

The right question to ask is this? Who is your dance dedicated to? And what is on the throne of your heart while dancing? If Christ is on the throne of your heart while dancing and your goal is to honor Him in your dance, then your dance is holy. If self is on the throne of your heart while you are dancing, then your dance is towards self. If lust is on the throne of your heart while dancing then your dance is sensual. If man and how to please man is on the throne of your heart while dancing then your dance is prideful.
Dancing is a vital part of our worship and wellbeing. If God can rejoice and dance over me (Zeph. 3:17), then I will dance for Him unashamedly and unhindered without holding back because my dance is my covenant of worship unto the Lord and my celebration of victory.

I will dance, shout, jump and sing to my Lord for He has given me victory. Psalm 149:1-9.

May you never stop dancing for joy in Jesus’ name. Amen!

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Turning Your Adversity Into Purpose

Adversity to Purpose

A man once said and I quote, “Tough times never last but tough people do.” (Robert H Schuller, 1984). Life is full of curves and turns; some curves can throw you into an eternal ditch while others can bounce you off the way. Understanding how to navigate curves and turns in life is very crucial. 

Adversities are turns and curves which we have to navigate with wisdom. Some situations hit you like a tornado that occurs without prior notice. How do you handle them when they come?

I lost my mother suddenly at the age of 23, one week she was alive and the next week she was gone. I remember my last physical encounter with her in her conscious state, I was working out of town during my National Youth Service Corp year (a mandatory service to the nation after college). I would come home every Thursday and leave for my base on Sunday. This particular Sunday before leaving, my mom asked me to stand in front of her and she poured out her heart in blessings to me, her prayers were unusually long that day. She had never done that before, although she was a praying woman, that occurrence was very unusual; that week she went into a coma. 

As the oldest child, I had no time to grieve, I had 3 younger siblings – one young adult and two teenagers – to care for and I swung into action. I became a parent to young adults as a young adult myself. The journey was hard and tough but with God on our side, we navigated several curves and bounced back from many knock downs. 

Adversities and setbacks help us to rethink and strategize. Pit times are not party times but they are learning times. There is always a way out, your determination, resilience, and will to live and succeed will give you the strength to always come out of every pit. While in the pit, master the pit and discover the escape routes; someone somewhere will need it.

The best counselors are the ones who have been deeply wounded and have received healing through the hands of the Savior. Because they have been there, they will give you the tips and teach you how to walk through the curves and turns of life.  

Romans 8:28 says, “And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose.”

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He Restores My Soul

The soul is the dimension of the person that interrelates with all the other dimensions so that they form one life – Dallas Willard.

The soul encompasses and organizes the whole person; it is the deepest part of the self. Just like a computer, it operates quietly until there is a defect; the soul can be reprogrammed.

The word ‘psuche’ in the Greek term which also means the human soul is a gift from God. It is a vital force because it is life. “And the LORD God formed man of the dust of the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and man became a living soul” (Gen. 2:7). The soul is our inner being.

Our soul, though created in the image of God can be damaged, defiled and distorted due to the sinful nature, therefore it needs to be restored. Our damaged emotions and painful memories need to be healed. Jesus Christ is still in the business of restoration of the soul by the power of His Holy Spirit.

Shalom!