Today’s scripture: Psalm 125:1-5 (NRSV) (The Message) (KJV) What might God be saying to me?
My thoughts (Vivian Wyatt):
Praise God from whom all blessings flow; praise God, all creatures here below…~Doxology
A friend of mine used to say when she was in a funk or having a bad day, “I’m just gonna praise God, anyway!” Funny, when you do that…praise God when you really don’t feel like it…things change. Or maybe, you change; which is just as good, if not better.
I think Mary felt the same way about praising God as my friend because shortly after she was visited by the angel Gabriel and learned she would conceive and give birth to a son, Mary visited her cousin Elizabeth. When Mary entered Elizabeth’s home, Elizabeth’s baby leapt in her womb and Elizabeth greeted Mary by saying “Blessed are you among women and blessed is the child you bear.” Mary’s response is known as the Magnificat or Mary’s song. She starts out by saying “My soul glorifies the LORD.”
I am sure this was not an easy time for Mary…pregnant and unwed. Can you imagine having to tell your fiancé and your family that you’re pregnant…and by God no less? I imagine she visited Elizabeth to get away and have time to think; and yet the first thing she says is “My soul glorifies the LORD.”
We are directed throughout the Bible to praise God. In fact, the word praise is used in the Psalms 160 times; so the psalmists must have understood and appreciated the value of praise. But even with all the encouragement to praise God, it seems easier, sometimes, to praise a beautiful sunset or a magnificent waterfall than the One who created them.
We should be like Mary. When difficult times come, and they will, we should look to God and not at the problem. When we just look at the problem we can magnify its significance. Praise is not for God; praise is for us; to give us encouragement and hope. As Mary praised God and related the things God had done for her and Israel, I’m sure this gave her hope for her future. If God has already done so many things, surely, God can also handle this pregnancy.
Thought for the day: Let everything that has breath, praise the Lord.
We encourage you to include a time of prayer with this reading. If you need a place to get started, consider the suggestions on the How to Pray page.