‘Then Miriam the prophet, Aaron’s sister, took a tambourine and led all the women in rhythm and dance. And Miriam sang this song: “I will sing to the Lord, for He has triumphed gloriously…” – Exodus 15:20-21 (NLT)
According to the Longman Dictionary of Contemporary English, joy means “to be happy because of something.”
In biblical times, people danced to celebrate happy events and to praise God. Dancing in Scripture is always linked to joy and happiness.
The very first mention of dancing in Scripture is when Miriam led the Israelite women in a dance that celebrated God’s miraculous defeat of the Egyptians at the Red Sea. Can you imagine the emotions of these people as they walked (perhaps ran?) between the walls of water of the Red Sea? Fearful for their lives, they breathlessly reached the eastern shore, turning around to see the waters come crushing in to drown the Egyptians and their horses. What a narrow, frightening escape!
Then, quickly, fear gave way to a thrill of excitement. They were free! When Miriam went by with a tambourine, singing a song of praise to God, the women’s feet moved to her rhythm, their voices joined her song, and they danced! What a joyous occasion!
In our world, our current dilemmas — hurricanes, various forms of turmoil, political conflicts, and instability — can and may cause us to panic. As a believer in Christ, how do we respond?
Just as Miriam and the women couldn’t help but dance with joy, when God does a fantastic work in our lives, let us respond in the same manner. Even when we think that our answer is delayed, say in faith, “Thank You, Father, for everything.”
Scripture says, “Rejoice in the Lord always. Again I will say, rejoice! (Philippians 4:4 – NKJV).
Read: Psalm 103:2-3; Micah 7:18
Bible Reading Guide: Psalm 119:169-176; Hebrews 7:11-28; Ezekiel 10; Ezekiel 11; Ezekiel 12