Mary’s Joy

“And Mary said, ‘My soul magnifies the Lord,’”

— Luke 1:46 ‭ESV

What can we learn about Mary’s joyful response to the fulfillment of God’s promise? There is something about the revelation of God’s miraculous light that brings joyful worship to the soul.

I think of Psalm 103, where David recounts God’s faithfulness with instructions to his soul to bless the Lord. That Psalm is a treasured passage for many, but looking back, it seems almost grey compared to the pure release of joy from Mary. Whereas David is speaking to his soul, nearly commanding it to praise and then listing off a dozen reasons, Mary is caught up in a prophetic song that is erupting from her soul.

It is almost as if to say, “My soul does magnify the Lord.” Mary brings witness to the reality going on inside her. This is what hope can do.

Throughout our lives, we will find ourselves on both sides of this story and everywhere in-between. For some of you, this season is about getting rooted in the truth of who God is despite the discouragement and struggle you are facing. Others are on the precipice of a joyful promise, and you can let the wonder of God’s miracle stir your soul to joy.

We can all find hope in this season because God is faithful in every situation. While we may not experience such ecstatic excitement, where instead our inner world may be struggling, the promises of God never fail.

Mary does not just rejoice for her own benefit. She rejoices for ours as well. Mary was the recipient of a promise that would be peace to the whole earth. So even if you do not feel like you can rejoice yet, you can look to Mary’s soul celebration and keep pressing onward to glory.

Amen.

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