June 29

Songs Of Praise

Then Mary said: “My soul magnifies the Lord, and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior! — Luke 1:46-47 BSB

Blessed be the Lord, the God of Israel, because He has visited and redeemed His people. — Luke 1:68 BSB

Two songs have echoed through the centuries, stirring human hearts with their triumphant joy. While not everyone can express their exultation in such eloquent and musical words, like Mary and Zacharias did, all of us can be as saturated with Scripture as they were, and we can rejoice in Jesus Christ with the same gladness, praising Him as they did.

The most wonderful truth for all of us is that God looks upon our low estate. The greater His blessings, the more unworthy we feel of them. Why does God stoop to our lowliness and obscurity? Simply because He chooses to. He does great things for the weak and merciful things for the unworthy, all for the sake of His Name—“Holy is His Name.” There is no other explanation for the outpouring of God’s power and love except His own glorious character.

God humbles the proud and exalts the lowly. Princes are cast down from their thrones when they become arrogant and oppressive, while those who remain humble are lifted up. The rich are often sent away empty because they have no desire for the true riches that only God can provide. But for those who hunger for love, righteousness, and the best gifts of the Spirit, God fills them with good things. “Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be filled.”

The little baby, later known as John the Baptist, was probably lying in his father’s arms when Zacharias burst into his glorious song. Let us use every opportunity to proclaim God’s salvation and point people to the only source of forgiveness. Nothing strengthens faith more than declaring what God can do for those who trust Him. When people realize the riches in Christ that can fill their emptiness and transform their hopelessness, they will follow Him into the ways of peace, even if they are led by a little child!

Prayer

We thank You, O God, for life, light, and love. Thank You for the light of Your mercy, revealing Your infinite love. May the Name of our Lord Jesus be glorified in us. Amen.