Date: 12-12-14
Text: — Luke 1:46-50 — 46 “My soul exalts the Lord, 47 And my spirit has rejoiced in God my Savior. 48 For He has had regard for the humble state of His bondslave; For behold, from this time on all generations will count me blessed. 49 For the Mighty One has done great things for me; And holy is His name. 50 And His mercy is upon generation after generation Toward those who fear Him.” [NASB95]
The Big Idea: Mary is rejoicing in spite of the winter that she is about to experience.
My Thoughts:
Though many of us love to sing in the shower or the car, we would be terribly embarrassed if others could hear us. You can take comfort from Mary praise captured in the above verses. She bursts out in praise weaving a tapestry of Psalms. But instead of singing them, she speaks them from a heart overflowing and overwhelmed by the Lord’s mercy.
Lifestyle worshipers, do you see the irony in all this? She is rejoicing in spite of the winter that she is about to experience. How can she do this? She understood what Hannah Smith wrote to a dear friend in 1883: “Don’t you feel glad that you gave it all up to the Lord before hearing those assuring words from the Doctor? I hope it will teach you a lesson you will never forget, and that you will never again permit yourself to be anxious and worried over any possible evils. I would feel I had committed a positive sin if I would do it; and I want you to feel the same.” These women understood the goodness of our Lord. No matter what winter they may be facing, He is merciful, kind and good.
How’s your singing going in your winter? Or at least speaking His praise? I’ve had to check my Whine-O-Meter a few times. Have you? Your thoughts?
Scriptures to Renew Your Thoughts
Sing joyfully to the LORD, you righteous; it is fitting for the upright to praise Him. … For the word of the LORD is right and true; He is faithful in all He does.
— Psalm 33:1, 4 (NIV84)
Let them give thanks to the LORD for His unfailing love and His wonderful deeds for men, for He satisfies the thirsty and fills the hungry with good things.
— Psalm 107:8, 9 (NIV84)
My tongue will speak of your righteousness and of Your praises all day long.
— Psalm 35:28 (NIV84)
Heavenly Father, Lord Jesus Christ, Holy Spirit: I praise You for Your Faithful Goodness during my winter. Evaporate my anxieties. Overwhelm my fears. You are Good all the time no matter how long, cold and dark this winter may be. Christmas is coming! In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
Pastor Mike