Blog

SING A NEW SONG: I DANCED IN THE MORNING (LORD OF THE DANCE)

By: John Reiter

Posted: January 13, 2023

Category: Daily Devotional

Psalm 149:1-4

Praise the Lord!
Sing to the Lord a new song,
    his praise in the assembly of the faithful.
Let Israel be glad in its 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 victory.

This hymn, more commonly referred to as Lord of the Dance, is one of my favorites. It has been a summer camp classic at Cedarkirk for decades. I remember singing it as a camper, counselor, and eventually as the Executive Director. Song time always followed lunch and dinner, so this particular song started with everyone seated at their round tables. When we reached the chorus or refrain, everyone would clap their hands or slap them on the tables and leap up and dance around the room while singing, “Dance, then, wherever you may be; I am the Lord of the Dance said he, and I’ll lead you all, wherever you may be, and I’ll lead you all in the dance, said he.” It has always been a song filled with exuberant joy. The verses tell the story of Christ’s life and involvement in our world. The chorus reiterates that God is the Lord of all, that God is with us and leads us throughout our life as a disciple, and that we are called to follow God in dance. I am also a huge fan of this shaker tune that appears in a variety of American music. This is a special piece that calls me to remember to sing and dance in celebration of God’s goodness.

Prayer

Lord of the Dance, thank You for the gift of Jesus. Thank You for the ability to dance and celebrate. Help me to be mindful of all the blessings in my life and to respond with gratitude and joy. Strengthen me to share my joy in You with others today. Amen.