I Want it NOW!!!

The microwave, Instant Messaging, E-Mail, Overnight Mail, Web search engines, the express lane and self-checkout counters at the grocery store...we almost can’t live without them. All of these advances in technology have given most of us a strong appetite for instant gratification. But what does God say about this “need for speed” as it relates to our lives? He simply wants us to “chill” and wait on Him. He desires that we not be anxious, but instead to rejoice in Him and to know He is near! Certainly, we should be concerned about the affairs of our lives, but we must not be anxious or constantly worry about our circumstances. What?! I can hear the comments: “In the midst of a financial crisis when time is running out, does He want me to rejoice?” “When the doctors have given a bad report and my prayers seem to go unanswered, is He really near?” Or how about this one: “When my child or spouse is acting wayward, does the mandate to rejoice still apply?” The answer is a resounding “Yes.”

The scripture tells us to “Rejoice in the Lord always.” The Word “rejoice” (in its various forms) is used in the Bible over 250 times! We can safely assume then that “rejoicing” is important to God. Rejoicing, like having joy, is an act of your will. Often, you might not physically feel like it. Emotionally, you might not be up to it. But to rejoice and have joy is our spiritual sacrifice. And rejoicing signifies an action! We cannot passively rejoice. We must render some type of movement or expression unto God. Even if we can’t get what we want when we want it, we must still rejoice and give thanks!

As worshipers and ministers of dance, we should be role models for rejoicing. In fact, in the Old Testament, the word “rejoice” has a similar connotation to the word “dance. ” Psalm 68:3 says “But let the righteous be glad; Let them rejoice before God; Yes, let them rejoice exceedingly.” The Hebrew word for rejoice, as used in this context, is 'alats. Not only does 'alats mean to be joyful and triumph, but to literally jump for joy. Again, this is not a passive act, but one which requires movement and much emotion. This is further supported in the New Testament, since in the Aramaic language of the Jews; the words for “dance” and “rejoice” are the same.

Now let’s be clear: it is not likely that you will be happy or desire to dance while experiencing a dire situation or even when faced with the daily grind of life. But happiness is an emotion that passes; it is a temporary feeling of euphoria. Joy, on the other hand, is a feeling that we consciously assume. It is a feeling that we must purpose in our hearts to have, regardless of what is going on around us. Joy is the feeling we get from rejoicing; from knowing that God is near and from seeking God’s face in every area of our lives.

So, rather than being anxious and wanting everything now, desire God NOW; crave the things of God NOW, long for whatever is true, praiseworthy, excellent, admirable, and praiseworthy—NOW! If you really want gratification—though it may not be instant—seek a more intimate, personal, “down-to-earth” relationship with God NOW! Show Him how much you love Him through the sacrifice of your praise. Break into a dance of worship and adoration in His presence. Then, His peace and joy will be yours.

Prayer: Lord, help me learn how to rest and abide in you. Let me not rush anything, but instead to rejoice in everything. Help me to present my requests to you with confidence, knowing that you are always near and that you know what's best for me. Give me a heart for the things concerning You, show me how to have joy in the midst of trials or even in the midst of a routine day, and then allow me to realize that the only thing I must have NOW and always is You!

Minister Danese Frazier Turner
EITI Class of 2006