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These pre-schoolers are demonstrating my dancing skills. The last time Bill and I danced together — well except square dancing — was at our wedding.

I am not musical!
I can’t carry a tune.
I don’t stay on key (whatever that means).
And Bill claims he’s not musical either. Hmmmm!

And therein is the problem.

“He put a new song in my mouth,
a song of praise to our God.
Many will see and fear,
and put their trust in the LORD.”
Psalm 40:3

My heart’s desire is that God uses me to introduce others to him — for my friends to put their trust in the Lord. But if it depend on my song? YIKES!

“It is clear to us, friends,
that God not only loves you very much
but also
has put his hand on you for something special …
Something happened in you …
Your lives are echoing the Master’s Word, …
you’re the message!”
I Thessalonians 1:4-9, The Message rendition, bolding mine

It’s not about my musical ability, singing or dancing. It’s not about what I cannot do.
It’s about who I am, who God created me to be. It’s about the heart he gave me and the desires he birthed in me. It’s about what God can do.

God will take his work of art (me) and allow it to bless others (you) — even if I’m not musical!

Dietrich Bonhoeffer in his book, LIfe Together, encouraged me. “Speak to yourselves in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs” (Ephesians 5:19). Our song on earth is speech. It is the sung Word.” page 59.

Will I let go of my understanding of the “song” God gave me?
Will I say, like Mary, “Let it be to me”? Will I embrace the “song” he did give me?

“Praise the LORD!
Sing to the LORD a new song,
his praise in the assembly of the godly!
Let Israel be glad in his Maker;
let the children of Zion rejoice in their King?
Let them praise his name with dancing,
making melody to him with tambourine and lyre!
For the LORD takes pleasure in his people;
he adorns the humble with salvation.”
Psalm 149:1-4, bolding mine

“Just keep dancing!” were the words the elderly couple shared with the newly weds at their wedding. So much wisdom. Thank you to Katie for sharing her story and prompting these thoughts.

How do you see God taking pleasure in you?

Copyright: Sue Tell, February 2024