Day 2: A rejoicing spirit
And Mary said, “My soul glorifies the Lord and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior" (Luke 1:46-47).
Our Father, Sovereign Lord, throughout Scripture we see Your omnipotent greatness as the evidence of Your sovereign will is confirmed. Time after time we read these or similar words: The Lord has done what He planned; He has fulfilled His word, which He decreed long ago (Lamentations 2:17— also 2 Kings 19:25, Isaiah 22:11, 25:1, 37:26).
All Israel was keenly aware that "long ago" You had planned to send Your Messiah—You had set measures in place to ensure preservation and protection of the records documenting the nation's history as a people [You] brought to [Yourself]... a treasured possession... a kingdom of priests and a holy nation (Exodus 19:4-6). They knew of Your promise in the Garden of Eden (Genesis 3:15), and of Your covenant promise to Abraham and his descendants (Genesis 12:2-3, Genesis 15).
Mary referred to this promise in her song of praise: He has helped His servant Israel,
remembering to be merciful to Abraham and his descendants forever, just as He promised our ancestors.” (Luke 1:54-55). Even under the staggering weight and wonder of the angel's news that she was to bear the Son of the Most High by a divine, miraculous conception (Luke 1:26-35), she focused on Your greatness, Your power, Your sovereignty, and Your faithfulness, and quickly pivoted to praise, and worship, and thanksgiving.
O Father, teach us from Mary's example to find joy in Your wisdom and Your will, even when our circumstances are troubling, uncertain, or overwhelming. Teach us to trust in Your faithfulness, confident that no word from God will ever fail (Luke 1:37).
Lord, You are kind, You are good, and You confer Your grace and favor on us. With us, as with Mary, You work through our human limitations and You include us in Your sovereign plan.
Teach us to submit to Your will and Your way with true joy and gratitude—from a rejoicing spirit deep within. Teach us the humble attitude of Mary, “I am the Lord’s servant. May your word to me be fulfilled” (Luke 1:38). Even when we don't fully understand.
“My soul glorifies the Lord
and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior,
for He has been mindful
of the humble state of His servant.
From now on all generations will call me blessed,
for the Mighty One has done great things for me—
holy is His name.
His mercy extends to those who fear Him,
from generation to generation.
He has performed mighty deeds with His arm;
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.
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
to Abraham and his descendants forever,
just as He promised our ancestors.” (Luke 1:46-55).
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