Author: Dr. Yvonne Huggins-Mclean,
BLESSED TO DANCE 2 Samuel 6:14-16 And David danced before the Lord with all his might and was wearing priests’ clothing. So Israel brought home the Ark of the Lord with much shouting and blowing of trumpets. [Living Bible] Summary
David was the second King of Israel. He was a gifted warrior, writer (of psalms), and musician. The first time David tried to bring The Ark of the LORD into the City of David he failed. The first time David mobilized thirty thousand special troops to get the Ark of the LORD. But instead of carrying the Ark, they put it on a new cart out of the house of Abinadab. [The Law specified that the Ark be carried by Levites on their shoulders by means of poles passed through gold rings attached to the ark. (Exodus 24:14; Numbers 4:15,20)]
David and the other leaders were joyously waving branches of juniper trees and playing every sort of musical instrument before the LORD. They thought everything was fine. But when they came to the threshing floor of Nacon, one of the oxen stumbled and Uzzah, one of the men, put out his hand to steady the Ark and the Lord’s anger flared out against Uzzah and Uzzah was killed instantly.
Although David was angry with GOD for what the LORD did to Uzzah, David was also afraid of the Lord, having seen HIS anger against Uzzah. So, David decided against bringing the Ark into the City of David. Instead, he instructed that the Ark be taken to the home of Obed-edom, from Gath. The Ark stayed with Obed-edom for three months. During the time the Ark was there, the LORD blessed Obed-edom and all his household.
The next time the Ark was moved, David did what the LORD required. David issued an order that no one but the Levites may carry the Ark of GOD, because GOD had chosen them for this purpose and to minister to HIM forever (1 Chronicles 15:1-2). This time, the Levites carried the Ark into the City. When they took six steps or paces, they stopped so they could worship and sacrifice before the LORD. They showed proper reverence to GOD.
Then David, with all his might, danced before the LORD. David danced with abandon, leaping and dancing before the LORD! David did not care who was watching, what others thought, or how he looked. David was just praising GOD, with all his might, through dance. David knew how much GOD had blessed him!
DANCING It has been said that dancing can transform the body and the spirit. According to Jodi Helmer in “Dancing as a Workout,” dancing is a whole-body workout:
Dancing is good for the heart.
Dancing makes you stronger.
Dancing helps with balance.
Dancing helps with coordination.
Dancing challenges the brain as you learn the choreography.
Dancing may improve flexibility.
A 30-minute dance class burns about 130 to 250 calories, about the same as jogging.
Depending on the type of dance class and the moves dance can target:
Core
Arms
Legs
Glutes
Back
See, “Dancing as a Workout,” by Jodi Helmer, https://www.webmd.com/fitness-exercise/a-z/dance-for-exercise.
Many gyms offer a number of dance classes. You may also find dance classes online, including:
Zumba – Usually includes a number of Latin and world rhythms with dance moves.
U-Jam Fitness – Usually combines the energy of urban dance moves with fitness.
Pop Pilates – Adds pop music to movements that help tone the body. May include mats.
Hip Hop Dance Workouts– Dance exercises to Hip Hop music
Country Music Dance Workouts- Dance exercises to country music.
African or Afro Beat Dance Workouts – Dance exercises to African music.
Bollywood Dance Workouts- Dance exercises to Bollywood music.
See https://www.healthline.com/health/fitness-exercise/best-videos-dance-workout. There are also dance classes specific to seniors, beginners, teens, kids, or other groups. Some churches have even started gospel Zumba classes. For example, see https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xrf9DOfx8xo; https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aT7JQ0E5nXw; https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XoX9qXBP0Bs. There are even chair dance classes for seniors.
See, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ogKlUrnZWUY; https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ceN2VscHCI4.
As always, if you are thinking about beginning dance exercise, if you have health problems or other medical conditions or concerns, you should always consult your physician first.
I HOPE YOU DANCE In the 2008 Tyler Perry movie, “The Family That Preys,” Gladys Knight sings a song called “I Hope You Dance.”
Today, I hope you strengthen your faith and spiritually dance, praising GOD!
Like David, be joyful, give GOD your all.
Dance and BE BLESSED!
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