(Begin with 1-2 minutes of silence)
Luke 1:46-47 My soul glorifies the Lord and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior.
In Luke chapter 1, Mary sings a heartfelt song of worship to God. An angel from God has visited and declared that she has been chosen to give birth to Jesus. Shortly afterward, Mary visits her close relative Elizabeth who – thanks to the Holy Spirit within her – declares to Mary that she is blessed and the child she carries is blessed. Mary cannot hold back her joy and expresses it in song.
Clearly, Mary had reason to be joyful. But later in the New Testament, Peter indicates that all followers of Jesus can experience this level of joy. He writes, Though you have not seen him, you love him; and even though you do not see him now, you believe in him and are filled with an inexpressible and glorious joy (1 Peter 1:8).
These passages are not at odds with one another. Mary expresses her joy in song, while Peter notes that, because of our faith in Christ, our joy is so profound it’s difficult to come up with words or actions to express our joy.
READING & PRAYERS:
LUKE 1:46-48, 1 PETER 1:8 (also read the commentary notes in your Study Bible of choice.)
QUESTION: Mary’s song reveals that she could not hold back her joy. What, if anything, is holding you back from experiencing or expressing joy in a similar way?
DIGGING DEEPER: Peter writes that you …are filled with an inexpressible and glorious joy. Write out some of the ways you are filled with an inexpressible and glorious joy. If you struggle to think of some, spend some time in prayer asking God to reveal to you where He is working in your life. Afterward, express joy to Him for all the ways He’s at work in your life!
Take a Step: Practice listening to God by utilizing the One Minute Pause app at least twice a day.
PRAYER: Heavenly Father, I recognize that when I consider what may be holding me back from expressing joy, one possible answer is that I’m fearful to allow myself to be joyful. I’m fearful that if I experience and express joy, something bad will happen that will remove that feeling. Lead me to change my thinking so I can experience and express real joy. Amen.
(End with 1-2 minutes of silence)
south ridge blog 