Peace | I Hope You Dance Series

“I leave the gift of peace with you—my peace. Not the kind of fragile peace given by the world, but my perfect peace. Don’t yield to fear or be troubled in your hearts—instead, be courageous!

John 14:27 (TPT)

Rest and Rejuvenate

Just like forgiveness doesn’t happen right away, neither does learning to be at peace. It is a place where God is inviting us deeper into the dance. You know the place where the dancer relaxes into the arms of the lead and she allows the man to whisk her into the moment as they flow together across the floor. A place of comfort, calm, and bliss. 

The invitation beckons me as my soul longs to truly unwind, relax and dance as if no one is watching. Can you imagine just letting go and soaring across the dance floor?

Invited into the challenge

Last summer I was invited to do an online dance challenge by a friend. What??? Me do a dance challenge? HA! I am a swimmer, soccer player and much more of a rough-around-the-edges kind of girl. I felt an invitation in my soul to learn the next step of this dance. Intrigued I desperately wanted more. There was a longing in me that desired to be the “Belle of the Ball.” 

I felt an invitation in my soul to learn the next step of this dance.

I wanted to be graceful and flow and twirl and feel beautiful the way I always imagined a true dancer must feel. Though there was a hesitation, I accepted the invitation! As I watched, learned and listened to the instructor, I started to practice on my own. I admit, it was awkward…at first. I recognized I had a long way to go and a lot to learn but no one seemed to be watching me but me. Letting go a little more, I learned to give myself a more grace to make mistakes and to try again. Surprising myself, I was actually enjoying this step. I was dancing. 

Surrender your anxiety.
    Be still and realize that I am God.
    I am God above all the nations,
    and I am exalted throughout the whole earth.

Psalm 46:10 (TPT)

I am learning that I must be okay with me. Often I find it easier to give others grace and space to be themselves but I am learning to give myself grace and space too. In order to find true peace and rest I must stop caring what others think and stop expecting to have it all together all the time. I’m not perfect! That’s why I desperately need more and more of Jesus, just being with Him. He teaches me to be at rest in His presence. I don’t have to have it all together. He just wants time with me, time to be me, with Him.

Personal Practice

Where in your life do you find the most peace? Is there a place? A time of day? A memory?

Have you ever longed for more peace in your life? Do you feel that nudge to let go of something you are holding to take the hand of Jesus and dance with Him? What fear, challenge, frustration, hardship, chaotic thing in your life would you like to let go of so that you can dance more freely in PEACE?

This often does not come naturally for many of us. But, the more we practice, the easier it will come.

We would love for you to connect with us! Have questions, comments or want to dive deeper into the dance with us? Connect with us on Facebook. Be sure to check out this week’s song We Dance by Bethel Music and Steffany Gretzinger and read more of the I Hope You Dance Series.