Dancing with the Lord

How can we truly comprehend life with God? How do we describe the flow, the rhythm, the movements or the timing? Of course, we all have our own way of explaining it. How we view life with Jesus relies heavily on our own experience and knowledge. For me, it’s a dance and this is what it looks like.

Three Dancers, Yet One

We often hear many theologies that attempt to describe the nature of God. How can we truly comprehend that God is three ‘persons’ in one, without separating the three? Augustine of Hippo explained that God cannot be described by having three jobs: mother, wife, and teacher, nor like an egg: shell, white and yolk, nor apple: peel, flesh and core, or even a clover: one stem, three leaves. Though these are great metaphors, they fail to fully explain the tightly-knit relationships between the Trinity and continue to allow room for separation – as an egg can still be separated and an apple, cored.

Unfortunately, it is quite impossible to fully grasp this theological concept, as it does not compare to our worldly level of understanding. Therefore, whilst these metaphors are not entirely accurate, they are helpful in developing our knowledge.

When we receive revelation from God, it is often tailored to our own experience and understanding. He knows the way we think, what we’re passionate about, what we have experienced and what we know already. For me, in order to more profoundly comprehend His nature and my relationship with Him, He has emphasised the simile that;

life with the Lord is like a dance.

We know that God is indivisible. Any work performed by God is the work of all three persons. Instead of thinking of Him like an egg, or an apple, I see three dancers moving together in perfect unity. As they perform their work, they carry it out together. It is not three ‘solos’ being executed, but a group performance. The ‘dancers’, the Father, Son and Holy Spirit, move together in perfect time – they are completely in sync. They move in the same direction, have the same intent, are aware of all future movements etc. In C.S. Lewis’, ‘Mere Christianity’, he mentions that:

“In Christianity God is not a static thing – not even a person – but a dynamic, pulsating activity, a life, almost a kind of drama. Almost, if you will not think me irrelevant, a kind of dance… The whole dance, or drama, or pattern of this three-Personal life is to be played out in each one of us: or (putting it the other way round) each one of us has got to enter that pattern, take his place in that dance.” (pp. 175-176)

An Invitation to Dance

Blessed are we, that as “the three persons of the Trinity exist in real relationship with each other, and because they are personal, we, their creatures, can have personal relationships with them.” (Beth Felker-Jones, pp. 70). As the Lord Himself is relationship, He welcomes us into the relationship – He invites us to join the beautiful dance in perfect unity with Him.

We need to cling to the truth that we are united with Christ (Ephesians 1:3,11). Through the gift of the Holy Spirit, He lives in us and us in Him. Just as the Trinity is inseparable, as we accept the Holy Spirit, we too cannot be separated from God. However, in the same way as we separate the roles of the Trinity, we can separate God’s work and the work of man when he is working with God. We comprehend it “like two men working together, so that you could say, ‘He did this bit and I did that.’ But this way of thinking breaks down. God is not like that. He is inside of you as well as outside: even if we could understand who did what, I do not think human language could properly express it.” (Lewis, pp. 149). We need to recognise that we are now participants in this dance, and our performance is God’s performance.

“The thing that matters is being actually drawn into that three-personal life, and that may begin any time – tonight, if you like.” (Lewis, pp. 163)

Over the course of being a Christian, I have received numerous prophecies that paint a magnificent image of me, dancing with God. As a dancer myself, these prophecies make sense. God understands my language, including how I think and move. I can easily comprehend the flow, rhythm, steps and joy of dance; it’s a talent gifted to me by God for the purpose of worship, service and communication.

Recently, when I have been worshipping, I imagine dances in my mind. A dancer moves swiftly around a mental scene, whether it be a beach, a forest or a dimly-lit stage. Each step she takes is performed with ease and fluidity, in perfect time to the music. She dances with dynamics, emphasising the harsh beats and flowing graciously to the beautiful melody. Sometimes she dances alone, and occasionally is complimented by a partner. The angelic way she steps tells a marvellous story that takes me on a journey of discovery. The dance communicates elements of fear, love, passion, excitement, peace, hope and so on. She takes me through a whirlwind of emotions, bringing me to tears and blessing me with joy. When this happens, physically I can’t help but move my body. As a sway lightly side to side, those around me are oblivious to what occurs within my mind. When in prayer, I frequently receive images where I am dancing with the Lord. It helps me to understand God’s nature in more complexity.

To some, the image of dance may be challenging to comprehend. However, that reveals the wonder of God, as He speaks to us all individually in a way only we can understand. But as I attempt to outline this image, I pray that you too, receive the revelation that dance is the perfect depiction of life with Jesus.

Elements of Dance

Even Flow

Life with God has an even flow. Before becoming a Christian, life was bumpy. The things I clung to entailed that my life was consistently fluctuating, with major highs and lows. Sometimes, I would feel as though I was in a slingshot – being drawn back incredibly slowly and then rapidly propelled through the air. Whilst these challenges are still evident, with ebbs and flows, they are nowhere near as startling or sporadic. Now, I am carried through with peace, joy and contentment. The Lord brings things to my attention consistently, never giving me more than I can handle. God Himself, is consistent. He is always moving and his love never changes. Whilst the steps in the dance may change, the rate or speed at which the dancer/s move remains the same. God doesn’t stop working – He continues with a steady flow. I have learnt which steps fit seamlessly within these highs and lows, and how to accentuate these moments within the dance, adding dynamics that bring glory to Him.

Hebrews 13:8

Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever.

Perfect Timing

God’s timing is perfect. Whenever I attempt to ‘dance’ to my own timing, believing I can perform a solo or rush ahead, my life doesn’t seem to flow as well. Things just don’t work out and the dance is unpolished and doesn’t inspire as much awe. When we move too fast, we run out of breath. But, when we follow His timing, we develop the endurance to dance for longer, as He has choreographed according to the flow. God is patient, and will move slower than we want. Nevertheless, we must follow.

Recently, I was in a circumstance where it felt like I was dancing with another, however, we seemed to be dancing to a different beat. God had already told me that the timing was incorrect. Yet, I wanted to make it work in my own strength. And though it felt like it fit, to some extent, the different timings began to frustrate each dancer and lessen the enjoyment of the dance. This meant I had to take a step back, and learn to listen and move to His beat, instead of rely on my own knowledge. As soon as I did this, the seamlessness of the dance was restored. I was back dancing within the three dancers, led by their knowledge of the dance they have choreographed. Or, in other words, being led by the One who authored and planned my life, who holds the knowledge of past, present and future.

Proverbs 3:5-6

“Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding: in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.”

Isaiah 55:8-9

“My thoughts are nothing like your thoughts” says the Lord. “And my ways are far beyond anything you could imagine. For just as the heavens are higher than the earth, so my ways are higher than your ways and my thoughts higher than your thoughts.”

Isaiah 40:31

But those who wait on the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles, they shall run and not be weary, they shall walk and not faint.

Immense Pleasure, Joy and Excitement

Living life in relationship with Jesus brings a supernatural joy into my world. Others have mentioned my whole countenance has been transformed, as I radiate more fruits of the Spirit. When we dance alone, we lack a partner, we are unaware of the steps and we have to work things out independently. Therefore, we are more inclined to become frustrated, weary and burnt out. Hence, why dancing with Jesus is much more enjoyable.

C.S. Lewis claims that “…if you want joy, peace, eternal life, you must get close to, or even into, the thing that has them.They are not a sort of prize which God could, if He chose, just hand out to anyone. They are a great fountain of energy and beauty spurting up at the very centre of reality.” (pp. 175-176).

This statement confirms that we must dance in and with God – we must participate, not spectate. At a dance concert, the audience, or spectators, gain momentary joy. When they go home, they return to normal life and the atmosphere, closeness and awe cease. However, (in a healthy dance career that isn’t filled with burnout [which is what I am alluding to]) the dancers, or partipants, possess a sustained sense of joy and excitement. Not only do they exit the stage with endorphins running through their body, but they perform in community and possess a sense of purpose, passion and accomplishment. They bless others daily, and receive blessing in return. When we participate, and dance in and with God, only then can we truly gain the things of heaven.

Learning which Steps to Take

Often, we don’t know which step comes next. In this sequence called life, we learn as we go. Sometimes steps are repeated and sometimes we fumble as we attempt new steps. But, with God, He teaches us the steps. We can stand on His feet, like little children, and allow Him to lead the sequence. Eventually, we gain the knowledge and strength to step away and dance in a partnership. Sometimes, when we don’t know what step comes next, the Lord gives us the ability to improvise. In dance, successful improvisation comes when you lean into your natural inclinations and allow your body to flow to the rhythm of the music. Similarly, we learn to listen to the Holy Spirit and take a step in the Spirit, moving in the direction that feels most natural and aligned with God’s will.

“You know that in space you can move in three ways – to left or right, backwards or forwards, up or down. Every direction is either of these three or a compromise between them. They are called Dimensions. Now notice this. If you are using only one dimension, you could draw only a straight line. If you are using two, you could draw a figure: say, a square. And a square is made up of four straight lines. Now step further. If you have three dimensions, you can then build what we call a solid body: say, a cube – a thing like a dice or a lump of sugar…as you advance to more real and complicated levels, you do not leave behind you the things you found on the simpler levels: you still have them, but combined in new ways – in ways you could not imagine if you knew only the simpler levels. (Lewis, pg 161-162)

Psalm 37:23-24

The Lord directs the steps of the godly. He delights in every detail of their lives. Though they stumble, they will never fall, for the Lord holds them by the hand.

Proverbs 16:9

We can make our plans, but the Lord determines our steps.

Creative Choice and Vision

God allows us to have creative choice and vision. Though He is the Creator, and choreographer, He enables us to have choice in the sequence of the dance. Through conversing with Him, we can have a say in whether we move left or right, up or down, forwards or backwards. If we are feeling burnt out and that timing is too fast, He will listen and adjust the timing, to provide us with the rest we need and allow us to move with Him. When we are in Him, recognising that we work together, not separately, we can take a hold of His creative vision and work with Him to choreograph and put the dance into motion.

2 Timothy 3:14

But you must remain faithful to the things you have been taught. You know they are true, for you know you can trust those who taught you.

***

I enter a pitch-black room with no floor, walls or ceiling. There are no boundaries, just space to move. Dimensions. Suddenly, my surroundings are lit up to resemble a universe. I am encapsulated by thousands of glimmering stars. I am met by a partner who asks me to dance. He teaches me the steps, like a daughter dancing with her Father, standing on His feet. We glide around the universe with a perfect flow. We can move in any direction He wants, to any beat He sees fit. I am filled with joy. It is fun and exciting. I grow older in years and soon, I am dancing opposite to Him. I mirror His steps, - 1, 2, 3, 4. 1, 2, 3, 4. When He steps, I step. When He leads, I follow. We move together as one, in a realm with no limits.