Does Your Spirit Rejoice in God Your Savior?

December 15, 2022

By Brooke Holt

“My soul magnifies the Lord, and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior, for he has looked on the humble estate of his servant.” Luke 1:46-55 (46-48a shown)

This passage of Scripture is Mary’s song of praise known as the Magnificat. Her song follows the common form of the Psalms of Thanksgiving. In it, Mary praises the Lord for what he has done in her life. Though God’s plans for her life were quite disruptive and shocking, Mary humbled herself before the Lord. She believed his proclamation that she would bear the Christ child, and Mary offered her heart to the Lord in praise and thanksgiving.

I wonder if things in your life are not as you thought they would be. Perhaps God’s plan has been disruptive or shocking to you as well. Mary serves as a reminder that though God’s ways are not your ways, they are good and intentional. God has a much larger plan that you could ever concoct.

Will you, like Mary, surrender to his plans? And then, will you, like Mary, offer your heart to him in praise and thanksgiving?

Reflection:

This Advent season is a wonderful opportunity for us to sing our owns Psalms of Thanksgiving for all that God has done in our lives. Take some time today to reflect on how God has worked in you this past year, to recognize his faithfulness, and then spend time praising him. We would love to hear your thoughts in the comments.

Recommended Resource:

Our honest prayer before God is evidence that we understand the ways He loves, cherishes, sees, and hears us. Through prayer, we can acknowledge with Hagar, “You are the living One who sees me” (Genesis 16:14). When we pray, we are affirming the same. Why do we often hide from this privilege? Why do we avoid God, the One who sees us as we are and stands ready to provide and answer us in his holy, timely way? In this 8-week study on the prayers of Job, Ruth, Hannah, and David, grow your prayer life by facing your honest need and bringing your whole self before God. Acknowledging God as the One who guides your path can change your heart. It can take you past fear and into faith, strength, and hope. Learn more about Honest Prayer.

Hearts Alive