Devotion
Mary’s declaration in Luke 1:46, “My soul glorifies the Lord,” comes in the midst of a moment filled with uncertainty and overwhelming change. Here she is, a young woman who has just been told she will give birth to the Savior of the world. As we read her words, it’s hard to ignore the weight of what she’s about to face—an unwed pregnancy, a society that may not understand, and a life forever changed. Yet, her immediate response is not fear or hesitation, but a heart that praises God.
In the face of such radical life change, Mary’s response teaches us something powerful: praise is not just a reaction to what’s good, but a choice to trust and honor God no matter what. She recognizes the incredible gift that God has entrusted her with, and despite the fear, the unknowns, and the difficulties ahead, her first instinct is to glorify God. This wasn’t a naive response—it was an expression of deep faith in God’s plan and His promises.
In this season of Advent, we are reminded that our circumstances don't have to define our ability to praise God. Whether we’re facing joy or hardship, we can choose to glorify Him. Just as Mary focused on God’s greatness and His faithfulness, we too can shift our gaze away from our struggles and focus on His eternal goodness. We can choose to worship because of who He is, not just because of what He’s done for us in the past, but also in the anticipation of all He will do in the future.