My soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord. (Luke 1:46)
Have you ever noticed how the world tries to convince us that nothing is ever good enough? If were unhappy at work, we should just leave and get another job. Even if we like our jobs, we should still be searching for better opportunities. If were having problems with our marriage, we should simply call it a loss and go look for another spouseor a life partner.
The problem with this approach is that we will never find contentment. What were really looking for is something that cant be found on earthperfection.
Mary certainly didnt find perfection. She had to endure her neighbors suspicions when her pregnancy began to show, and again when she had to give birth to her child in a stable. She and Joseph certainly werent the wealthiest couple in Nazareth, and life must have been a challenge after Joseph died.
Yet from her words, we can see that Mary was as grateful as any human being ever has been. Thats because her gratitude was for the awesome work that God would accomplish through her. By simply saying yes to Gods plan, she could participate in the salvation of the whole human race!
We can achieve much in this life, and of course, God wants us to aim high. But like Mary, we also have to recognize when God has given us something great, and thank him for it. As Paul said: What do you possess that you have not received? (1 Corinthians 4:7). The most precious of Gods gifts, and the one that is nothing but pure gift, is eternal life. At least once a day, we should stop and think about the fact that Jesus died for each of us so that we could live with him forever.
Today, try to make Marys words your own: My spirit rejoices in God my savior. If you are angry at someone, or if you are unhappy with your situation, or if someone has hurt you recently, believe that Jesus is still with you, offering you divine wisdom and even more importantly, offering you a place in his eternal kingdom. Ask him to give you his perspective on your situationit is sure to be a hopeful one!
Lord, I put aside my worries, and I rejoice in you! I praise you for all that you have done for me!
Revelation 11:19; 12:1-6, 10 Psalm 45:10-12, 16 1 Corinthians 15:20-27