Happy Dance

A couple of my friends and I talk about doing the Happy Dance.  The Happy Dance is only typically done to express extreme joy over outstandingly exciting things.  Like when we see God answer MAJOR prayers in our lives.  Or when some uber extraordinary event is on the schedule, and we're really looking forward to it.  [Granted, I've never actually seen any of us physically do an actual DANCE, but the expression lives on...]

I've been thinking though.  Why do we reserve the Happy Dance only for special occasions?  Will it become less "happy" if it gets overused?  Can one celebrate too much?  Is there such a thing as having too much excitement?  ...too much JOY?? 

In Philippians, Paul said to REJOICE IN THE LORD ALWAYS. 
Really??  Always?! 
What does that even look like?
Yes, there is a time and a season for everything, but Paul said to rejoice.  ALWAYS.
Right smack dab in the middle of the worst situation you could ever possibly find yourself in...REJOICE!  Right when you're feeling like you're bottoming out and won't ever be able to climb back out...do the Happy Dance! 

But how do you do that??  And WHY??  I can tell you, it's probably the last thing you feel like doing.  But you're not rejoicing over the pain or the trial or the heartache...you're rejoicing in the LORD. 

I think we often quote the verse that commands us to rejoice, and we stop.  Keep reading verses 5-7...

The Lord is near.  Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.  And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

I think THAT is how we can rejoice.  Because God is with us.  He is near.  We don't have to worry about anything.  He has everything under control.  And as we rejoice in Him in the midst of our trials, and focus on Him instead of our pain, His peace will overwhelm our hearts even when we don't understand the "why" of the moment.

So try it.  Do the Happy Dance!  Rejoice in the Lord!  Always.