When Mary's cousin, Elizabeth, greeted her she said, "Blessed is she who has believed that what the Lord has said to her will be accomplished!"
May I ask you some of the questions I've been asking myself as I've read this familiar passage again?
Could someone say that to you?
Is it evident to others that you believe God's Word?
Does God's love shine through what you say and do?
Do you have faith to believe that something God has spoken in your spirit will be accomplished?
Mary's Song, often called "The Magnificat," recorded in Luke 1:46-55 is an awesome passage. Read through it with fresh eyes with me :
Mary said:
"My soul glorifies the Lord (Psalm 34:2,3)
and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior,
for he has been mindful
of the humble state of his servant. (1 Samuel 2:1, Psalm 35:9;138:6)
From now on all generations will call me blessed,
for the Mighty One has done great things for me - (Psalm 71:19)
holy is his name.
His mercy extends to those who fear him,
from generation to generation. (Psalm 103:17)
He has performed mighty deeds with his arm; (Psalm 98:1; 118:15)
he has scattered those who are proud in their inmost thoughts.
He has brought down rulers from their thrones
but has lifted up the humble. (1 Samuel 2:7)
He has filled the hungry with good things
but has sent the rich away empty.
He has helped his servant Israel,
remembering to be merciful (Psalm 98:3)
to Abraham and his descendants forever,
even as he said to our fathers." (Genesis 17:19; Psalm 132:11)
The song that spilled forth from the heart of Mary was laced with scripture. I listed some of the Old Testament references for you. You might enjoy looking them up.
Look at Mary's song again. How many verses are about Mary and her particular situation? How many verses are about her son? How many verses are about God? What does that lead us to conclude about the focus of Mary's praise?
Who or what is the focus of your praise?
You see, Mary's song of praise wasn't about baby booties and decorating her son's room in camel-and-donkey wallpaper. Instead, she looked forward to all her Son would accomplish for His people.
She praised God for
- what He had done in the past
- was doing in the present
- and would do in the future
If your current circumstances are stealing your song and making praise hard to express, try praising God's character - perhaps by calling out some of His names and recalling what they mean to you. Thank Him for His promises - for all God's promises are "YES" in Christ. Praise Him for the things He IS going to do for you in the future.
"Blessed is she who has believed ...."
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