Dancing in Freedom of Grace by Pete BriscoeSample

Can You Hear the Music?

And those who were seen dancing were thought to be insane by those who could not hear the music. — Friedrich Nietzsche

I want to invite you to a dance. I know that’s not normal. But dancing isn’t normal either. I mean, why would someone leave the predictable security of life, enter into the unknown, and risk looking like a fool? 

Why? Because you might be hearing the call of the music, that’s why.

In the continual blasting of life’s noise, if you listen carefully, you might be hearing the melody and harmony of the Holy Spirit, calling you to something different. 

“Then young women will dance and be glad, young men and old as well. I will turn their mourning into gladness; I will give them comfort and joy instead of sorrow. I will satisfy the priests with abundance, and my people will be filled with my bounty,” declares the LORD.  (Jeremiah 31:13-14)

Do you hear the words? Dance and be glad… comfort… joy… abundance… bounty…

Though many of us start out dancing with Christ, some end up marching for Him and other people instead. In the world, competing voices drown out the music and turn the dance into a march—a regimented discipline of denial and obligation.

I should know. I’ve experienced it. I’ve even caused it. But by God’s grace, I’ve rediscovered the better way. 

Yes, I want to invite you to dance, because God invites us all into a beautiful dance with Himself and with each other. 

Jesus, Leader of the Dance, silence my heart right now. Give me the willingness and the ability to hear through the noise of the distractions that dominate my life. Let me hear the music of Your Spirit again, calling me into grace, peace, freedom, rest, and trust. Show me how to dance again, Lord. Amen.