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Welcome my friends to season 3 of the Determined to Dance podcast. My prayer is that you’ll be encouraged to persevere daily in our chaotic world. Today’s episode, Too Tired to Dance, looks at what to do when we’re exhausted from dancing.
Show Notes: Too Tired to Dance
Okay. I admit it. I’m too tired to dance. After all, this is episode 31 of the weekly podcast. I’ve edited my novel which will release in January. Working hard on book two of the series. And then there’s church, kids, caring for Mom, and six grandkids under the age of fifteen. I have a house to clean, yard work, had a garden…
Oh. My. I’m too tired to foxtrot. Too weary to do the macarena. And much too pooped to even try a tango. What’s a Christian to do when they reach the end of their energy?
Jeff Walling shares his thoughts by looking at Elijah. “The prophet was tired—bone tired. With the Almighty’s help, he had brought fire from heaven, ended the drought, and nuked the prophets of Baal—it had been a busy day. He had danced with God until his feet ached and his sides burned. But he had also made Queen Jezebel mad enough to lose the little religion she had. In her anger, she had sworn to see Elijah dead, and Jezebel was not a woman of idle threats. So; he did what any sensible man would do: he went to a quiet place and lay down to die. He was through with dancing, praising, and anything else that took more energy than breathing. ‘Stop the music!’ he pleaded. ‘I can’t dance anymore!’ That’s not exactly what he said, but it’s awfully close: I Kings 19:4: ‘I have had enough, Lord,’ he said. ‘Take my life; I am no better than my ancestors.’” NIV
I’m glad God had given examples in the Bible of people who have felt like I feel. David shows lots of emotions in the Psalms. Jeremiah is sorrowful. Mary ponders things in her heart. Paul wrestled with life and his ministry.
And I’m tired. Sure, a lot of my problem is my own fault. Not setting boundaries and listening to God, not even asking Him at times if He wants me to engage in another activity. I’m a helper and it’s hard to get off the hamster wheel of drivenness that I’ve fought against my whole life. But God doesn’t leave us without aid.
He gives Elijah two reminders in I Kings 19:11-13:
“The Lord said, ‘Go out and stand on the mountain in the presence of the Lord, for the Lord is about to pass by.’ Then a great and powerful wind tore the mountains apart and shattered the rocks before the Lord, but the Lord was not in the wind. After the wind, there was an earthquake, but the Lord was not in the earthquake, after the earthquake came a fire, but the Lord was not in the fire. And after the fire came a gentle whisper…Then a voice said to him, ‘What are you doing here, Elijah?’” NIV
I’ve never thought of why God showed all the great, mighty forces before the gentle whisper. Walling hints that God is simply reminding Elijah that God is greater than anything. Especially anything that fights against us. whether it’s a true enemy or ourselves. A reminder of God’s greatness. Perfect.
The second reminder is of our purpose. We can rest but not lay down to die. We can take a few days or weeks or months to regain strength, but not quit altogether. God has a purpose and plan for each of us and if we’re still on planet earth he’s not done with us yet.
I’m going to take more time in the months ahead to rest. To reflect. To enjoy. I hope you do too. Dancing, remember, is not a duty but a joy. We get to whirl and twirl with Father God every day of our time here on earth. And beyond.
Let’s pray: Father God, I’ve overdone it again. Haven’t taken time to hear your voice and I’ve overcrowded my life and overwhelmed my soul. Help me to recover. Show me the right way to rest and enjoy You and Your presence. I want to continue to fulfill my purpose on earth and I can’t do that when I’m burned out. I lift my hands to You in praise and in worship. You are good beyond measure. In Jesus’ name, we pray, amen.
We’ve reached the end of the book, Daring to Dance With God. I hope you’ve enjoyed the book and the insights I’ve shared over these thirty-one episodes. I like how Walling ends the book: “Well, I’ve enjoyed our little chat about dancing but the time for talking is over. The band is tuned up, the dance floor is cleared, and your heavenly partner is waiting. Let the dance continue…and continue…and continue!”
Today’s featured author is J.J. LeVan, author of He Meant You to Be You, a Children’s Picture book.
God’s amazing care shines over our neurodiverse kids from the beginning of their uncertain days until His love pillows them down at bedtime. This story is “For every child who needs to know they are loved by God, and every parent who wants to affirm their special child.” Learn more at jjlevan.com
Passionate about writing, Jesus, and autism, J.J. LeVan released her first children’s book, He Meant You to Be You, in 2023. She is a member of SCBWI, the Society for Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators, and is an Elk Lake Publishing Author. Follow J.J. on her website and social media.
Next week, we’ll wrap up season three of the podcast. Until then, stay determined to dance.
Links:
My debut novel, Jessie’s Hope
Video of the week:
I absolutely love music and each week I’d like to share a relevant song we can enjoy together
Thank you for explaining that it’s okay to rest.
I pray you can take this lesson to heart while you are young. I’ve struggled with it for a long time. But God’s grace is helping me so much 🙂