“You Taught My Feet to Dance Upon Disappointment…” - A Devotional on Joy

Title - inspired by the song, Heroes - Amanda Cook (Bethel)

Since I can remember, I have always had a heart for worship. The child version of myself loved to sing - loud! To the point where my parents and brothers would be like, “Okay Chalssie, we hear you girl- now that’s enough.” I had this annoying habit during car rides where I would sing ahead of the person on the radio, because I couldn’t wait to say the lyrics and harmonize. Worshiping brought me so much joy. It was seriously my first love!

As life took its course, little by little, my worship grew dull. My view of God became, somewhat distorted. There was a season in my early adulthood when I literally, couldn’t bare the sound of it. It was almost like this weight of sadness came over me whenever I would hear any worship song, especially the ones that I once adored. What a lie.

Over the last several years, through God’s redemption, my worship has been on and poppin! I’ve found my voice again, Aye! Not too sure how neighbors feel about that…I’m without a doubt standing on the prayers, encouragement, love of family, friends, and community, and I’m sure many strangers too. I’ll never fully comprehend the magnitude of those who have and who are currently standing in the gap for me.

A passage in the Bible came to mind this week, it’s from the Book of Acts; a story where Paul and Silas were thrown into prison, unjustly. `

Act 16:25-34

“25 About midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the other prisoners were listening to them. 26 Suddenly there was such a violent earthquake that the foundations of the prison were shaken. At once all the prison doors flew open, and everyone’s chains came loose.”

Who sings at Midnight, in prison? Especially, when innocent. It’s evident that both Paul and Silas had a joy and a confidence that wasn’t circumstantial. Sure, they may have had their questions, fears, and doubts about the unknown. Yet, they chose to rest in the joy of the Lord. They were planted in their purpose while being led by the Holy Spirit.

Even more powerful than the chains of Paul and Silas falling loose, the chains of all of the prisoners fell loose: an after effect of intentional worship. Imagine a joy far beyond normal sight and perspective.

What took place in that prison was not only for them, but it was so powerful, it covered everyone present. (God’s grace covered even those who were lost), Paul and Silas knew, while in physical chains, they stood, free.

The parallel truth is, we are led to do the same in our physical “prison”-- whatever that may look like. It has direct correlation and impact on our journey and it has the power to impact the journey of others.

I remember a message that I listened to a couple of years back. I can’t recall the title or who it was - Ahh! There was a statement made about worship that has stayed with me; it shifted my perspective in the best way… the speaker said, “When we worship, there is this supernatural alignment that takes place…” How encouraging? Sometimes we don’t have the words. As we allow God to have full reign in how we interact with others, sing that song or say that verse of scripture - even a hum will do when that’s all we have. Trust that when we choose joy; it’s never in vain.

Let’s Live This Thing!

With Love,

Chalssie

Psalm 118:24

Romans 12:12

1 Thessalonians 5:16-18

P.S. Here are four practical things I do when I may be having a difficult time choosing joy! And, they’re acts of worship too! (may sound super cheesy - but, I mean it works…I encourage you to try)

1. Smile in the mirror - Like huge; it’s super awkward but that’s the point!

2. Turn on some encouraging music and dance!

3. Words of Affirmation - Speak life over yourself, this can be words of gratitude and affirmations highlighting who you are. (I’m THE queen of sticky notes - post those bad boys all over your home, bathroom mirror, closet; go for it!)

4. Serve others, something as simple as complimenting another, offering to to pay for a cup of coffee for a stranger…

Side note, these things are not meant to suppress your feelings, acknowledge them in love & speak truth! Xo