Recently I learned that the Westminster Catechism (Presbyterian church) begins: What is the chief end of man? Man’s chief end is to glorify God, and to enjoy him forever. I spent my entire childhood attending traditional churches (though not Presbyterian), and somehow I completely missed this message. But it resonates with what I’ve learned later in life … we were created to glorify God and enJOY him.

Joy is a fruit of the spirit, produced by living in relationship with God.
But the Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in our lives: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. Galatians 5:22-23a NLT

By living in relation and close connection with God, we enJOY him. Joy is his intention for us, according to Isaiah 61 where we learn that our Savior would come “to bind up the brokenhearted … to comfort all who mourn … to bestow a crown of beauty instead of ashes, the oil of joy instead of mourning, and a garment of praise instead of a spirit of despair.” (NIV)

In biblical references, dance is often a demonstration of joy.
I will build you up again and you will be rebuilt, O Virgin Israel. Again you will take up your tambourines and go out to dance with the joyful.  Jeremiah 31:4, NIV

You have turned my mourning into joyful dancing. You have taken away my clothes of mourning and clothed me with joy,  Psalm 30:11, NLT

Be glad at such a time, and dance for joy; for your reward is great in Heaven (Luke 6:23a, Weymouth New Testament)

Therefore, I believe our Creator made us to dance. David, a man after God’s own heart, “danced before the Lord with all his might.” 2 Samuel 6:14

So why am I writing about this in a marriage blog? Based on these scriptures and my own experience, I believe dancing can be a source of joy for your marriage. It will require you to face your fear if dancing is something that feels threatening to you, but the pay off could be well worth stepping out of your comfort zone.

I’ve met a number of men who learned partner dancing after a failed marriage. They took a risk to try something new, and they were surprised to find they loved dancing (for a number of reasons, some of which are addressed in other posts here on this blog).
Don’t wait until it’s too late to try something new that can add more joy to your marriage. Don’t shrink back from all the joy your Creator intends for you.