Story:
This song came from a single thought, "Would God view my worship any differently if I couldn't show it outwardly?"
My friend, Linda, is the subject of the first verse. She was in her mid-twenties when she died. She had a disease called Friederich's Ataxia Disease. It looks a lot like Multiple Sclerosis. It's a hereditary disease that left her unable to talk or walk and eventually took her and her sister's life. Linda loved God with all of her heart when she was here on earth. Her favorite song was a worship song called "Sing a Song of Celebration," which mentioned dancing on the Streets of Gold,. She was also a member of our little choir, though she couldn't sing. She loved music, dancing, and the arts and her smile was contagious. Her family and church family miss her very much.
The second verse makes mention of members of the Family of God who are being mistreated, censored and killed just because they associate themselves with Jesus. They are known as the Persecuted Church. When asked what they need, they respond, "Prayer. . . we just want to be able to stand strong and glorify our Lord Jesus." We in the West may not understand that, as we are used to comfort, but they know Jesus in a way we may never know, that is unless we too are persecuted and completely dependent on the grace of God!
The answer to the question I posed above is, "No," God doesn't look at our outward worship, the words we say or the style we choose, He looks at our hearts and accepts our adoration if sincere, yet imperfect.
Lyrics:
Verse 1
Linda rolled into church beaming with the joy of God.
Wheels replaced her dancin' legs but a song filled her heart.
She was longing for the day to dance on the Streets of Gold;
Standing in the chorus of Heaven, singing to her Lord.
She patiently waited, longing for the freedom;
Her voice wasn't able, oh, but her humble heart sang!
Chorus
She was dancing on the inside, dancin' with all of her might.
Dancing on the inside, singing and shouting for joy!
Dancing on the inside, lifting up the Son of God;
Dancing on the inside to her Lord.
Verse 2
Everywhere are believers who are forced underground.
Their freedoms seized and taken, oh but faith still is found.
Jesus hears their broken hearts praying for the strength to stand;
Looking for God's glory to shine in their land.
In the most unlikely places praises fill the skies.
Their voices sing quietly, oh but their hearts sing out loud!
Chorus
They're dancing on the inside, dancin' with all of their might.
Dancing on the inside, singing and shoutin' for joy!
They're dancing on the inside, lifting up the Son of God,
Dancing on the inside to their Lord!
Bridge
So, dance and sing, hold your head up high,
For the hope of God is holding you inside!
So, dance and sing, hold your head up high,
For the love of God is holding you, He's holding you inside!
Chorus
We're dancing on the inside, dancin' with all of our might!
Dancing on the inside, singing and shouting for joy!
We're dancing on the inside, lifting up the Son of God,
Dancing on the inside to our Lord!