Dancing with Daddy

I was sitting up at four in the morning, after a bout of coughing that woke me. No, I don’t have “the virus.” It was just a tickle in my throat that caused me to awaken. But, as I got through it, I was now awake and decided it would be a good idea to meet with the Lord. Therefore, I sat down with my Bible, my phone, a notebook and pen. Because when I meet with Him in the quiet, that’s when He pours beautiful things into my spirit that are encouraging and uplifting, as well as reassuring me He is here – with me – now.

As I was reading one of the few devotionals in my list of encouragement, I came across this statement: “Recognize that He knows what He’s doing.” What a statement. How often do I decide I can handle this on my own, or get in a hurry and run ahead of God? How often do I get in the way when I’m praying, waiting for God to answer a prayer, or even when I’m thinking I’m doing ministry work and think, I can do this myself? I really didn’t want to acknowledge the answer. To do so would mean I have to admit I’m in the way, way too often. Can anyone identify? Ouch.

Then I read another statement which brought it all home for me; “Trusting God is a dance – we learn every day.” Oh, my heart! How true this became for me. I’m not perfect. I never will be. But, God still loves me. He is still there for me. And just like the good, good Father He is, He will stand back and allow me to run ahead, make a mistake, and fall. Then, when I cry out to Him, He is right there to pick me up, hold me tight and steady me until I’m ready to continue.

Dancing with God, meaning doing life, is an ebb and flow. A dance. We move away from Him, stumble, then run back to Him and He’s there, still holding onto us, to steady us, wait for us to adjust our step, to move with us, to lead us.

This thought reminded me of when I was a little girl. Learning how to dance, and I would stand on my daddy’s feet, wanting to dance with him. He would hold my hands to keep me from falling off while he would step gingerly back and forth, learning the rhythm of the song, learning the dance steps. Sometimes I would let go and wrap one arm around his leg while still standing on his feet, and he would reach around and put his hand on my back to hold me even more steady. As I grew, I was able to dance much better with my dad because I had learned the dance. He would lead. I would follow. Of course sometimes I would miss a step, but Dad would say, “Get with me here,” I would say, “Sorry,” adjust my step to match his and we would keep going. He knew what he was doing and I needed to trust his dance steps and allow him to lead. Isn’t that just like it is with God? I think it is.

Dancing with Daddy.

Recognize God knows what He’s doing. Let Him handle my worries, concerns, anxieties, and really, everything. I often forget that. Sometimes, while I think I’m trusting Him, I’m actually trying to help Him lead! I’m the one in the way. Then I stumble. I miss a step. I falter. But His Word says to trust Him. Let Him handle my worries. Lean on Him, because His grace is enough for me – He is going to give me what I need for this day. He will give you enough for what you need, too.

Yesterday is over. There’s nothing we can do about that. We can’t get it back. Tomorrow is tomorrow. We can’t do anything about that, either. But today is right now. Today is where we need to be present. Today is happening this minute. Therefore, are we going to use it for His glory, for His ministry, and let Him lead in the dance today? Or, will we miss a step by trying to lead?

I don’t get to dance with my earthly dad much anymore. Life happens. But I can dance with my Heavenly Daddy every day. When I meet with Him by reading devotions, reading His Word, and praying. When I allow Him to speak to my heart, that still, small, loving voice, learning and following the steps in the daily dance. What a beautiful moment.

Trusting God is a dance. We learn every day. I just need to remember to let Him lead.

Further Reading

Matthew 6:25-27; Philippians 4:6-8