Section 3: The Light Dawns
When a child is born, a mother sings. Her song is full of joy and anguish, hope and longing—Is the baby okay? Am I okay? Will we make it through this life together? Ask any doctor, any midwife, any nurse, and they will tell you: the miracle of birth is awash with sound. And soon, the mother’s solo is interrupted by her child’s piercing squall. And just like that, the song becomes a duet.
It is another thing entirely to sing a song of praise before the birth even occurs. That is exactly what happens in Luke 1, when Mary visits Elizabeth and sings a song of faith, months before any of the treachery or triumph of Jesus’s birth had taken place. When Mary sings, she does so as a young woman, pregnant with a child of questionable parentage, believing in what ought to have seemed outlandish or improbable. But Mary believes, and Elizabeth, feeling the child in her womb leap with joy, understands that what Mary has been saying all along is true. Mary’s song, also known as the Magnificat, is mainly taken from the song of Hannah and other songs from Scripture (1 Samuel 2:1–10). But as Charles Spurgeon once preached, “this shows how Mary had studied the Word of God and laid it up in her heart.”
In a world that would have us keep our faith private, I find it convicting that Mary chose not to sing in private. Elizabeth bore witness to Mary’s song—and we, through the scriptures, likewise bear witness to her humble faith!
Can I say the same for me? Do I walk around in my life, singing literal and metaphorical songs of praise to my God for His faithfulness for others to hear? Or do I simply walk around, hoping others will see my talents, and praise me? Oh, how I long to be like Mary. And I can begin right now.
Over and over again, the Lord has been so good to me. When I was searching for a job in the midst of economic recession, a job appeared. When I was walking down a dark and lonesome path, hell-bent on destroying my marriage, God brought me back home. When I was childless and desperate to be a mother, God made a way. Time and time again, when darkness rolls in, He is by my side, catching my tears and holding me close. The Lord has not abandoned me. And He will not begin today.
Do not be mistaken. In our culture, there is a rip tide that seeks to drown us in selfishness. There are currents that would drag us under, convincing us to pursue hustle and influence, when all the while, the God of the universe stands waiting for His due praise. And we wonder why we feel so empty, singing songs about our own talents and abilities, into an echo chamber filled with other people singing about their talents and abilities. What a way to waste a life!
Do you hear Mary singing? We were never meant to magnify ourselves. We only truly come alive when we turn our praise to the one and only God who deserves our songs.
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95 thoughts on "Mary’s Song of Praise"
Lord we thank you!
Lord, help me to give you praise and credit publicly for all your wonderful works!
Praying for you and your family
Emma, praying for you and your sons.
❤️❤️ this is so good!! such a great reminder to glorify the Lord instead of myself!
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Emma, seeing this just today. Praying for you and your boys. I am so sorry and my heart is broken for you. Words fail. I do know God is there with you. Grieving with you. Carrying you through this time. I pray you see Him in the midst of your deep sadness.
Love this devotional! Spot on! Beautiful! ❤️
Oh Emma – praying for you today and for your boys…my heart aches for you this Christmas Day. May you experience the peace of God in the midst of your grief.
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Emma, holding you and your boys closely in my heart and prayers this morning. Praying the peace of Christ will cover you and that loved ones will come alongside you as you grieve to support you, comfort you and get you through.
Emma, holdy
“You give me garments of praise, fullness of joy, unending mercy, New every morning”. Thank you Lord
Claire – you are like John the Baptist. Preparing the way of the Lord in this ridiculously evil world praising and celebrating ourselves in our sin. What a voice of clarity and truth with Redemption’s hope. Thank you for your devotion today. I praise the Lord for it.
Great reminder. Thank you Jesus for all of the blessings you’ve given me, and for being close to me when walking in hard times.
Emma I am so sorry to hear of your loss. I am praying the Lord will comfort and sustain you and your boys.
Praying for you Emma.
This was a wonderful read today!
Lately I’ve been feeling so alone for so many reasons. While I keep praying for God to work, I also so clearly see what He has blessed me with. It’s hard because I simultaneously have deep joy in my own life but deep sorrow due to circumstances in others who are close to me. I pray that I could be like Mary and draw close to the Lord in times of uncertainty. Even though I sometimes don’t feel He’s there & my path seems unclear, I need to remember He is always there catching every tear & I am not alone.
Todays devotional was a good one for me. I get so caught up in social media and what it seems that all others have and forget how blessed I truly am. I have an amazing family, friends & boyfriend, a job, a home, food & clothes and more. Lord help my heart to be more like Mary’s – grateful, faithful, and humble.
Sending love and prayers to all that have asked.
Lydia: Actually watching this series now. So wonderful to have found it last week.
If you can watch The Chosen episode called “The Messengers”, you will see a beautiful depiction of this song being written by Mary. (The Chosen is an incredible show about Jesus and his friends. A simple app gives full access to everything. The Christmas special was very very special.) this episode gave me new appreciation for the Christmas story and good perspective about praising God in ALL circumstances. Even when Covid tries to ruin another Christmas and we are disappointed and frustrated with plans being cancelled, there is so much to praise him for.
Heartbreaking and tragic. I’m so sorry for your loss. Will absolutely be praying for you and your kids. Xo Lydia
CHARLIE: Thank you for your words. Also, as you spoke about your Christmas baby and how you felt, it brought tears to my eyes. Why? My husband is a Christmas baby, but his mom gave him up for adoption. I don’t know the circumstances of why she gave him up for adoption but she was very young, and I wonder if it was the hardest thing for her to do. I wonder if, as the birth approached, she had doubts as she felt the baby moving inside her, feeling anxious. We will never know, but it’s on my mind when Christmas rolls around. Merry Christmas and happy birthday to your son!
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This is so convicting to me as I was just praying through and wrestling with feelings of disappointment at things I’m NOT seeing happen in my life – but He will do what He has promised. And in the waiting, He will not leave me for a moment. In that, I can forever sing His praise.
I LOVE this!! So much truth!! Patiently waiting is such a difficult task for most of us !
Dearest Emma, I am sorry for your loss and I am praying for you and your family. I lost my husband to a sudden and massive heart attack last year (July 2020). I gave him a goodbye kiss as he left for work without knowing that was the last time I was to see him in this life. The pain is excruciating, but God is walking with me through it as I trust Him to heal me and care for my needs. There has been so much stress and anxiety amidst the grief, but He has provided for my needs every single time, and He continues to do so. Rest in His love and His promises, He will get you through.
Dearest Emma, I am sorry for your loss and I am praying for you and your family. I lost my husband to a sudden a massive heart attack last year (July 2020). I gave him a goodbye kiss as he left for work without knowing that was the
Amidst all the uncertainty, Mary praised God publicly. What a wonderful display of trust and faith! Amidst my uncertainty, God, I will praise you, because I am certain of one thing, that You keep your promises – to never leave me nor forsake me; to work all things for my good; to have a plan and a purpose for me; to call me home to You when it is my time. It’s already Christmas Eve on my side of the world. Merry Christmas, friends! May you rest in the certainty of Him during these uncertain times. ❤️
Much obliged, Ms. Gibson, for your devotional. Yep, no lie, I easily fall into the trap of magnifying myself…my thoughts, my words, my deeds, my actions, my friendships, my possessions…and on & on. Although Matthew 5.16 says, “Let your light shine before others”, we are not called to proclaim ourselves above Jesus. His praise should be our “first fruits”. Lizzie said it best in today’s comments: “Make me a heart like Mary’s…so blinded byGod’s goodness that nothing else matters. Not my holiday attire. Not that plate of salted chocolate chip cookies. Erica said: “He deserves all we can give.” We can’t beat His giving. And we, especially me, one of the worst, ought be cognizant to beat back selfishness & arrogance & ego. I heard someone say in an SRT podcast we need & should work out our theology in community. To be tested & convicted. To try & do better. This space, this conversation is that sweet spot, gentle readers. Now, that’s a gift from God to build our praise & prayer upon. One more thing. I spotted this in a shop window earlier today: “A little Light dispels a lot of Darkness”. Wrap your head & your worship around that today!
Emma, I am so grieved for you and your boys. You are in my prayers. I’m believing that God will make His presence so obvious and close in such a difficult time.
I loved the devotion today. I know that I struggle with selfishness and self worship/ loathing. I want to sing a new song in 2022. I want to praise my savior and let everyone around me hear my song.
Emma, I am so sorry this has happened to you. I can’t even imagine how you must be feeling right now. I will be praying the Lord fills you with his comfort and peace right now. I pray he provides for you and your family. I know he is close to the broken hearted. ❤️
Amen!
Merry Christmas SRT! If you have time, listen to Chris Tomlin’s song “My soul magnifies the Lord.” Beautiful ❤️
This year instead of giving my immediate family gifts, I decided to give to a few charities instead. My siblings have all they need, and my niece and nephews and son and d-i-l are all grown and have all they need. With the pandemic and so many people in need outside my family I knew they would not mind. The Lord moves in strange and mysterious ways.
Sing joyously to the Lord. Sing OUT LOUD so everyone can hear!!! LET THE LORD KNOW YOU LOVE HIM!! SING SING SING!!!! SING PRAISES to the JESUS the newborn king. HALLELUH!!!!!!
Sisters have a blessed and wonderful, glorious, praiseworthy day and sing songs of PRAISE OUT LOUD!!!
My soul magnifies the Lord…this may be my 2022 phrase of the year. How does this X, how do I magnify the Lord in this? A question to keep asking myself.
Merry Christmas!
VICTORIA, praying in agreement with you for the shot! You were on my mind as I read this devo. God bless you and your babe!!!
TINA – thank you for your continued prayers. I feel them all around me and I’m so so thankful. Merry Christmas dear lady you bring so much comfort to me through your words.
Just thinking about what that meeting between Mary and Elizabeth was like! Either of these women would have been a victim of gossip in today’s society, much less way back then, BUT they KNEW SCRIPTURE and they had FAITH which surpassed anything man could say or do. They trusted in God’s plan even if the timing was not what they would have chosen. And they REJOICED in GOD, their SAVIOR.
This devotional is one of the most beautiful I’ve seen. Thank you, CLAIRE GIBSON, for sharing so!!!
Continued prayers for each of you!
“Blessed is she who believed the Lord would fulfill His promises to her!” I clung to this verse (Luke 1:45) while going through IVF, I heard the Lord speaking to me through His word that I would not have to continue to fight the battle of infertility or miscarriage during that time. That those enemies would be gone and I would hold my peace. I am 27 weeks pregnant today with that miracle baby. I can feel him jumping around too and it brings a whole new dimension to the passage from Luke which we also studied in my church 2 weeks ago! May we magnify the Lord, not our problems. That is what I have learned this year. Our issues may be big- my hormones were ALL off and looking really bad, but God is bigger than that! He is so much bigger I ever realized. Tina praise Him indeed ! I have been starting with thanksgiving “enter His courts with thanksgiving” since May and He has done great things ! Thank you for praying for me! Aubry lovely to read your testimony here too. God is good. Brittany Carbone I trust you are with your miracle baby as well. Praying for all the women here waiting for their miracles as well. If I can ask for prayers for me and this little one, I am getting the booster shot on Monday to protect myself and him from this new strain of COVID. I have prayed over it and researched it and I feel at peace over it knowing God will keep His promises but I ask for prayers anyway that nothing will stop His will from coming to pass. Thank you all so much. Sorry this is so long!
Claire Gibson – this is the most beautiful devotion! How I long to be like Mary. I believe through the death of my child, Mary shines through just a bit. I know that it is only because of God that I’m standing. I share that message when I’m told how strong I am. It is not me, it is God.
We are drowning in a world of self-praise, self-centeredness. Very large egos. It is such a waste of life. There is so much more that will bring fulfillment. And that is only through a relationship with our Lord.
What a reminder! May we be like Mary! May we be like Jesus!! Merry Christmas Eve Eve
I had a rather frustrating morning today, but turning to God now always helps❤️❤️
The whole topic of darkness and light in this study has shook me. I deal with anxiety and depression and I’ve found myself reflecting more on Jesus this season instead of the “hallmark” Christmas. It’s challlenged me but You can’t be refined without going through the fire. And I look at Mary’s song and it’s so beautiful that Mary has all these attributes and actions that go to the Lord. And just the reminder that God is so good and His love does endure forever, through everything
Praying for you Lizzie. Jesus loves you so much
“The best way to spread Christmas cheer is singing loud for all to hear.” It seems a worldly movie can get a glimpse of a very applicable necessity for Christians. Let’s sing loud about the birth of our Savior and magnify our God!
God bless all of you for your comments of conviction and praise! I confess, as Lizzy wrote, I don’t stop to praise or worship first. I confess as others have stated, that I too have wanted recognition and praise from people. Meanwhile, people are fickle and can disappoint, but God never does! May He forgive me and may I remember that He deserves all the praise, glory, and honor! (If we ever forget about His power and might go and read Job 38-42. Amazing!!!!
I deserve His wrath, but this hit me. He has shown mercy to me even on the hardest days. I don’t know if any of you remember from my posts about those days, but they were hard days. On those days, He still provided each day. This may have been in the form of food, clothing, something to drink, a phone call or a text, or an encouraging word or a prayer! May we all praise the Lord today and each day after this! Prayers for you all!
@Kelly. Your so sweet! My ankle is healing well. I’m doing my part by continuing my physical therapy here at home. I’m even walking better. Thank you. But no running for a while and though it’s hard I’ve accepted it. Please pray as I caught a bad cold slowing me down once again.
Kelly, your response is exactly what I’ve been reflecting on as I read today’s devo. Thank you for exhorting us! And, praise be to you, O Lord, for the great things you have done,! You are the Light of our Lives; hope in the darkness, strength for you the weary, the Savior of all
I can reflect God’s kindness by extending kindness to others as I’m so blessed and forever grateful kindness was shown to me during my darkest times.
This hit me to the core. Since Fall 2019 I have been on the dark and lonesome path hell bent on destroying my marriage…something I never thought I’d ever entertain or act on and yet allowed myself to pursue that path. Reading this today shook me to the core. Because written beautifully is the phrase “when darkness rolls in He is by my side….the Lord has not abandoned me” this TRUTH this TRUTH we have is such a gift! I challenged myself before giving up on a marriage to be in the word for one year since 1/1/2021 I’ve been reading the SRT daily plan and the Read Your Bible in a Year plan and I truly have no words. What a testament to the power of his word in our lives. Thanks to all who pour out themselves in building this community—I am truly changed ❤️
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ALLIE MCCANDLESS, TASH, and SARA D. – praying for you to be able to lay down and rest in trust in Jesus over your present circumstances. May God crush and remove or raise up and conquer as needed, according to His will. And, may you see clearly, and rest in, His power and love in your lives.
RHONDA J and others with lost in their lives (all of us probably)- Jesus, show yourself to these we know and love we pray. Bring them to the end of their trust in this world or themselves and draw them to you. Specifically Collin and Savanah, but oh, so many more. Jesus, it is why you came, to save the lost so that we might one day get to live in heaven with you. In your name, Jesus.
MARTHA HIX – I am so sorry. Father God, I know you will be near to Martha right now. Please Lord, provide the comfort and community that she needs. Use this time to draw her close and provide your peace and calm. May she find her strength, love, and joy in this season, in You.
Merry Christmas
Hey Lizzie, Me too. I’ll be praying for you my sister. Jesus is a sign that this dark season will end, that he has beaten sin, and that at the end of it all, you will be able to see him face to face. That’s a moment to look forward to. Praying.
My youngest daughter was born 8 years ago right after Christmas. I sang the Magnificat at my dad’s sweet little church on Christmas Eve that year 8.5 months pregnant (and anxious that she would come early). Such a incredible thing to feel that connection. Just reading CHARLIE’s comment reminded me of that memory. ❤️
Such a humbling reminder in the midst of all my “good” problems! My heart and mind have been so full with work, two weddings and my changing family. I felt overwhelmed yesterday with all the things. My husband reminded me to be thankful. That conversation and this reading this morning are such good reminders! God has been so faithful in providing so many good things. May my heart see the TRUTH of contentment instead of being blinded by the selfishness and greed of want.
Merry Christmas! Our King has come!
Claire, thank you for this beautiful devotional today. I felt myself relating and tears welling up in my eyes. Knowing I am not the only one, but each day I can choose to be like Mary. A wonderful reminder that I needed <3
ASHLEIGH MATOS – praying for your upcoming appt. May the Lord grant you peace and strength.
NEED FAITH – what is your car status?
KAREN YINGLING – how is your foot healing up? Praying for your dad.
KENZIE REVELL – how is your grandma?
LINDA K – how is your thumb?
RHONDA J and MELANIE – how are your dads doing?
BRITTANY CARBONE – has your baby girl been released from NICU?
MARI V – how is your ankle?
ADRIENNE – have yoi heard any updates on Brittany’s stroke recovery?
In Claire’s words, “Oh how i long to be like Mary” ❤️
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Praise GOD! Thank you for this beautiful devotional to go along with beauty in scripture. Thank you God for the example of Mary.
MARIA: I just wanted to say YES! This makes total sense! (When you wrote, “When I tried to do it via my social media, it felt… wrong. Putting my private thoughts into very public platform felt more like I was looking for ‘what a good Christian’ praise than making it about glorifying God. It also made me feel that I was not a good enough woman of faith unless I had a perfect post to share with the perfect photo.” I have struggled with that so much in the past. I want to shout THANK YOU JESUS but also that social media platform feels, as you say… wrong.
No solutions here. Just saying: I feel ya.
ON ANOTHER NOTE: I feel Mary so deeply. I had a baby on Christmas Day. I know, of course, that Jesus wasn’t actually born on December 25, but nonetheless, I FELT Mary as I sat in the church pew on Christmas eve, pondering, treasuring, and just feeling my baby heavy within me. I felt her joy, her wonder, her gratefulness, and even her anxiety. I felt the waiting of advent like never before and never since. I sang the Magnificat within my soul. Still do! It was a truly sacred experience, and I’m always grateful for that.
(My Christmas boy turns 21 this year, and he’s the sweetest thing.)
Praise You Father, Lord God almighty, for always preparing a table for me in the presence of my enemies. You anoint my head with oil, my cup overflows. I’ve witnessed Your goodness and mercy and will continue all the days of my life and to a thousand generations of my family. In Jesus mighty name, Amen
We were created to worship God and we will not be fulfilled or joyful until we give Him our life, our heart, our worship. He deserves all we can give.
Such great reminders. May we never lose focus on the One who is faithful and always present in every circumstance. May we always strive daily to shine His light and love into this dark world and be alert to the distractions that surround us which deter us from our true purpose. Merry Blessed Christmas to you all❤️
Just when I think a devotion is so good, next day brings a new one that is so deeply convicting that I have to re-read it. Today’s devotion hits home hard. The Lord has been good to me, even in the hard times. Yet I don’t think I do a good job of praising him in public and of singing a Mary’s song. When I tried to do it via my social media, it felt… wrong. Putting my private thoughts into very public platform felt more like I was looking for “what a good Christian” praise than making it about glorifying God. It also made me feel that I was not a good enough woman of faith unless I had a perfect post to share with the perfect photo. Ugh. Just thinking about it still feels wrong. I hope this makes sense.
It’s one of the reasons I’m doing a “sabbatical” from social media. And it has helped me refocus and being more attentive to what God is trying to tell me. I am sharing this, not as a “what a good Christian” moment, but to share that in the silence of tuning out social media, I am finding a new relationship with God. One that continues to show me that it is all about praising God and magnifying Him. And I thank Him for his grace and mercy to let me come to this moment of realization. Be blessed, sisters.
From HRT today:
“We do well to imitate Mary. We ought to rehearse the goodness of God. We ought to read about God’s faithfulness in Scripture, and meditate on his commitment to fulfill all His promises. We ought to reflect on ways we’ve seen God’s faithfulness in our own lives.
Oh, that our souls would magnify the Lord! That to hear of another account of God’s faithfulness would cause our own spirit to rejoice. The mighty One has done great things for us: may our hearts reflect that reality.”
That is what we do here everyday SHEs. Sharing the good and the struggle gives us fuel to fire our praises.
From Claire above:
“We only truly come alive when we turn our praise to the one and only God who deserves our songs.”
May we REMEMBER so that we can rejoice, even in the darkness.
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Thank you for these teachings. I have so enjoyed the advent lessons and the scripture references. Love learning that Mary would have learned this song from Hannah as written in 1Samuel. So neat.
Katie thank you so much for your question about am I walking around wanting people to recognize my talents and praise! It was what I needed this morning. I’ve been feeling hurt by family relationships and dynamics and praying that God would take my hurt before our family gathering. Yet as I was reading today’s devotional and comments, my thought was I just want to be recognized for all I’ve done for this person over the last year. I want praise for my sacrifice. But God had you write your question and I’m having a heart check. It’s not about being praised but why God called me to do what He’s given me the ability to do this last year and praising Him that I could be here to fill a need. So thank you for your thought this morning God used you in my life.
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Thank you for this reminder to give God daily recognition for all He has done in my life. A pastor once told me that my testimony should only be 24 hours old because God is always working if I have eyes to see. God deserves far more credit than He gets. Big and small `God —sightings` are occurring all around me. May I stop, savor and then share them all. To God be the glory!
In Psalm 107 (the whole chapter) it states 4 separate times that “they called out in their distress” and another 4 separate times “give thanks to the Lord for His faithful love and His wondrous works” FOUR separate times each!!! I thought this was worth noting…especially since I recently learned that traditionally in Rabbinical teaching when something repeats, it is of great importance/special significance. …anyways just something to ponder…
I also think Psalm 107:24-31 has a great analogy attached to it!! When the Lord does a work, He goes in DEEP, scraping away anything that is not of Him. And that includes FEAR, natural reasoning, mistrust, etc… He shows us how deep and treacherous our surroundings are, so that we KNOW how POWERFUL He is!!! He wants to STILL that fear and that storm inside us!!! …and all it takes is a whisper from Him to calm it. We have to TRUST and have FAITH in Him and He will STILL whatever it is that is at unrest in us!! I LOVE the promise in verse 30 ….”Then He guided them to the harbor they longed for.” SO GOOD!!! He knows what we LONG for!! And He is with us EVERY step of the way…through EVERY storm we encounter.. He. Is. There. And He is doing WONDROUS things!!! We just need to look for Him, and to listen for that whisper!!! So let us GIVE THANKS & let us PRAISE HIM in the storm!!! And may we all LEAP and be FILLED with the Holy Spirit (Luke 1:41) whenever we hear His voice!!! ❤️❤️❤️
Many Blessings dear sisters!!!
Amen!
Mary’s surrendered heart and song of praise is beautiful. I grew up in a tradition that elevated her as a role model for our walk with Christ. We do have to be careful not to worship Mary, but she definitely IS a mentor for me. “May it be done to me as you (the angel) have said.” (Luke 2). ❤️
Praise the Lord for your little one! I’m nursing mine as well while I read this early each morning. What a difference having a baby makes in helping me to hear Mary’s heart in a deeper way.
“Do I walk around in my life, singing literal and metaphorical songs of praise to my God for His faithfulness for others to hear? Or do I simply walk around, hoping others will see my talents, and praise me?” So so good. Such a good place to focus and reset, especially in this season.
Yes!!
A song of praise that starting running through my head as I read all of your comments. Bless you all!!
Great is Thy faithfulness, O God my Father
There is no shadow of turning with Thee
Thou changest not, Thy compassions, they fail not
As Thou hast been, Thou forever will be
Great is Thy faithfulness
Great is Thy faithfulness
Morning by morning new mercies I see
All I have needed Thy hand hath provided
Great is Thy faithfulness, Lord, unto me
Summer and winter and springtime and harvest
Sun, moon and stars in their courses above
Join with all nature in manifold witness
To Thy great faithfulness, mercy and love
Great is Thy faithfulness
Great is Thy faithfulness
Morning by morning new mercies I see
All I have needed Thy hand hath provided
Great is Thy faithfulness, Lord, unto me
Pardon for sin and a peace that endureth
Thine own dear presence to cheer and to guide
Strength for today and bright hope for tomorrow
Blessings all mine with 10, 000 beside
Great is Thy faithfulness
Great is Thy faithfulness
Morning by morning new mercies I see
All I have needed Thy hand hath provided
Great is Thy faithfulness
Great is Thy faithfulness
Great is Thy faithfulness, Lord, unto me
Songwriters: William M. Runyan / Thomas O Chisholm / Eric Allyn Schrotenboer
Lord-
May I always remember your faithfulness and then tell others about it!!
May we all sing publicly the praises of our glorious King in these coming days. He receives all glory!
Amen ❤️
Amen
May we all take the next few days to savor the true meaning of Christmas with whomever God chooses for us yo spend it with!
Amen
MARTHA HIX: my heart sings! What an awesome God we serve.❤
TRACI GENDRON: sending comforting love wrapped in hugs and prayers. ❤
DOROTHY:HOPING the joy from the wedding is still around you all.❤
VICTORIA E:GOD is near.. always. Praising God for the gift you carry and His presence around you. To Him be the Glory..❤
MELANIE: I leapt for joy when I read your post yesterday. God is so so very Good. All praise to Him who hears the prayers of His Beloved. ❤
CHURCHMOUSE: Just so very happy to see you back.. I love you sister!❤
TERRI:One day we will have that hug and a hot beverage..❤
And to ALL, Sending love, wrapped tightly in hugs and prayers..❤
Have had a busy couple of weeks so still pkaying catch up with posts and prayers.. but as the saying goes. On it, from my lips to God’s ears. X
Thank you @Clare Gibson! This is so very very beautifully and wonderfully written. A beautiful testimony of One who is as faithful, as close, as loving, protective. One who makes a way, when, we can see no way. One who hears, sees, knows and still loves us
My heart praises the Lord;
My soul is so wonderfully glad I have God, my Saviour,
For He remembers this wretch of a sinner each day.
My posture each day will be in thanks for what He has done for me..
His name is Holy.
I will lead by example for the next generation and as He shows mercy to those who honour Him, I will continue to praise Him!
He has filled me when I have been hungry, lost, lonely, broken. It has never been about riches here on earth, but rather riches in Him and His kingdom.
He has kept His promises of long ago, and continues to help my people.. His people, His children.
He is absolutely the same yesterday, today and the days to come, He is and will be merciful, faithful and true.. forever the loving Father.
Thank you Lord God, with arms lifted in praise and gratitude I say thank you Lord God for your promises kept, your mercies new each day, your grace and for the Hope I/ we have in you.
AMEN.
Great is His faithfulness, sisters, through the ages…always..
Be blessed today as you navigate the hectic-Ness of this time.. hugs always wrapped in love..❤
What a beautiful testimony! It brought tears to my eyes ❤️
Do I magnify the Lord, or am I eager to hear the praises of men? I’m embarrassed to say that I often seek out the attention and confirmation of whether or not I’m a good person from those around me. Why can’t I be more like Mary? There had to be part of her that knew that her life was about to become more and more difficult. Being the mother of the Savior would be challenging and have people question everything about Him, about her. She did not care. She didn’t even hesitate to sing praises. Of course I want to please God first and foremost, but is my response ever to sing praise first? When my babies are sick and coughing through the night, do I sing His praises before I ask for healing? When finances are tight do I rejoice in my Savior before I lament my woes? When problems rise up do I first lift my hands up before I complain? When I’m worried about the salvation of my sister, do I worship the Almighty before I ask God “why”? Far too many times the answer is no, and my circumstances are nowhere near what Mary’s were. I want a heart like Mary’s – a heart so blinded by God’s goodness that nothing else matters and all I can do is tell the world how great He is.
This speaks so much to my situation at my previous job and how He rescued me from my distress after 12 years in an emotionally abusive job. Trust in Him always. He is Faithful to His Promises. He was with me all along and when I finally made a leap of Faith it was like He took my hand and in a whirlwind gave me such good things to replace the bad. I’m still healing but what He has given me is balm for the wounds. Thank You Father. Thank You! Amen!!
Psalm 107:1–16 (CSB): 1 Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good;
his faithful love endures forever.
2 Let the redeemed of the LORD proclaim
that he has redeemed them from the power of the foe
3 and has gathered them from the lands—
from the east and the west,
from the north and the south.
4 Some wandered in the desolate wilderness,
finding no way to a city where they could live.
5 They were hungry and thirsty;
their spirits failed within them.
6 Then they cried out to the LORD in their trouble;
he rescued them from their distress.
7 He led them by the right path
to go to a city where they could live.
8 Let them give thanks to the LORD
for his faithful love
and his wondrous works for all humanity.
9 For he has satisfied the thirsty
and filled the hungry with good things.
10 Others sat in darkness and gloom—
prisoners in cruel chains—
11 because they rebelled against God’s commands
and despised the counsel of the Most High.
12 He broke their spirits with hard labor;
they stumbled, and there was no one to help.
13 Then they cried out to the LORD in their trouble;
he saved them from their distress.
14 He brought them out of darkness and gloom
and broke their chains apart.
15 Let them give thanks to the LORD
for his faithful love
and his wondrous works for all humanity.
16 For he has broken down the bronze gates
and cut through the iron bars.
In incredible business which precedes Christmas, I’ve sat to read this early this morning and am floored by Claire’s reminder of the Lord’s goodness. Her song is my song, He has never failed me, He has always been there, there is no stress or pressure He does not see or care about. It is SO tempting to think I have to do this all by myself, but no… there is nothing He doesn’t see, my route out of my self centredness is praise and worship, remembering who I am and who He is and glorifying Him for just this reason.
I sit in awe of what God has done. I’m currently nursing my miracle baby. I struggled with infertility for over four years. Throughout that time God would remind me of His promises, and that He would make a way. Luke 1:45 was a verse that I remember reading and finding comfort in. Reading it tonight reminded me once again that God fulfills His promises! God will make a way when there isn’t one. Be encouraged! Merry Christmas!