Belly Dancing

Last night was girl's night. I went with a group of very dear friends to celebrate the ending of one thing, and the beginning of another.  We have taken steps together as friends, and through those steps we have grown, loved, and found great blessings in God's gift of friendship. Because of the love He has given us, we have loved each other. And, so we continue on a journey together seeking relationship with God, and each other.  We continue to be accountable to each other, and to God. It's a freedom in Christ, that has been transformed into a freedom in friendship.  The road of life, love, laughter, and acceptance.
At our dinner, we had fun conversation.  We enjoyed laughter, jokes, food, and belly dancing!  I've never belly danced before, so when the belly dancer came to our table and offered to teach me a few moves, I jumped at her generous offer. It was a lot of fun, even though my dance moves lack all grace, it was lighthearted and fun.
It reminded me of the freedom to be mobile, at peace, and joyful in Christ. Whatever the circumstances that are happening in my life, I can still dance freely before Him and enjoy my relationship with Him. I can choose this path because of Who He Is, and who I am IN Him.
As I prayed this morning about life, God rested His Spirit upon me and gave me the peace of knowing that He is not only working, but He is dancing too! He is dancing with me, giving me hope, courage, boldness, and His Truth! He is the leader in this dance, He holds me, breathes life into me, and uplifts me in His arms as we dance together through each day, each circumstance I encounter.
He led me to Romans 8 this morning, and I love both the New American Standard version and the Message. Near the end of the chapter on the Message side it is quick to ask this question: "who would dare tangle with God by messing with one of God's chosen? Who would dare even to point a finger? The One who died for us-who was raised to life for us!-is in the presence of God at this very moment sticking up for us. Do you think anyone is going to be able to drive a wedge between us and Christ's love for us?"
Jesus loves me, this I know! He loves me ALL the time, and His truth will prevail, ALL the time.  In my life, He is present, alive and full, sweet and powerful. He fills me with His Spirit and set me on His dance floor, and leads me in all the right steps.
The last couple verses say this: "None of this fazes us because Jesus love us. I'm absolutely convinced that nothing--nothing living or dead, angelic or demonic, today or tomorrow, high or low, thinkable or unthinkable--absolutely nothing can get between us and God's love because of the way that Jesus our Master has embraced us."
He has embraced me in His dance, the dance of life and love and light.  I will be joyful in that dance, and I will persevere, because I know how much He loves me.  I will move in step with Him, and be fruitful, free, and rest in the peace of knowing that there is no condemnation when I am freely dancing with Him!
Say That Again, Jesus, your love for me releases me from finger pointing, accusations, fears, and turmoil.  Say That Again, and let your peace cover me.