Read Luke 1:50-55
50 His mercy extends to those who fear him,
from generation to generation.
51 He has performed mighty deeds with his arm;
he has scattered those who are proud in their inmost thoughts.
52 He has brought down rulers from their thrones
but has lifted up the humble.
53 He has filled the hungry with good things
but has sent the rich away empty.
54 He has helped his servant Israel,
remembering to be merciful
55 to Abraham and his descendants forever,
just as he promised our ancestors.”
In the second half of Mary’s Song, she was still praising the Lord.
Her gaze was fixed on God. Amidst what her upside-down world must have been like, not only did she keep her eyes glued on God, she praised Him in the midst of it all. She didn’t lose steam part way through. She did not tire of God’s plan when her body was exhausted. She did not throw in the towel when society wanted to throw her out. Her faith sustained her. Her focus forced her to continue. Her eyes were not fixed on her own situation, her own problems. She knew God was working and she was one part of the plan.
She recalled the promises made to Abraham, and proclaimed how God was indeed keeping those promises.
She spoke of His sovereignty and how God sets all things right, (eventually).
Reflections:
1) When challenges arise and I manage to fix my eyes on Christ, do I still find myself offering praise to God?
2) If not, what is hindering me?
3) Consider: When we praise God, we are promoting someone other than ‘me’. Praising God helps us to rightfully acknowledge the position where God is and how He is in control.
When praises to God fill a room, a mind, a heart; fear flees. Negativity flees. And, Satan flees.
4) How can I remind myself to praise my heavenly Father in the midst of a worldly storm? Please share your thoughts!
Thank you for reading! Please return by Friday, May 17 for the next post.
We remind ourselves by surrounding ourselves with God’s Word and those things that glorify Him. Fleeing from all other worldly distractions that would cause us to “give up the prize”. Refreshing to be reminded of “our great cloud of witnesses” that have cheered many along the way. Love the way God works. May we be sensitive to see His power all around us especially during the storms of life. Amen Sister. Let that Holy Spirit speak. :o)
Thank you Dawn, for your insight and also your encouragement. You are so right when you say, “flee” from all things which would distract us! Stefanie > Date: Thu, 16 May 2013 01:20:11 +0000 > To: Stefanie_L_Brown@hotmail.com >