Lyricist.

And Mary said: "My soul magnifies the Lord and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior, for He has been mindful of the humble state of His servant. From now on all generations will call me blessed, for the Mighty One has done great things for me-- holy is His name." (Luke 1:46-49)

What is our response when we realize that God has been mindful of our humble state?

Pastor Sam shared with us that Mary composed the most elevated prose as the expression of her joy. Her joyful words, too, were not just a celebration of what God had done in her personal life; she also praised God for His mercy to her people. "He has helped His servant Israel, remembering to be merciful to Abraham and His descendants forever, even as He said to our fathers." (Luke 1:54-55)

According to the Luke 1 passage, this joy-fest is reserved for the people of God who meet certain criteria:

*They live in a humble state (verses 48 and 52);

*They fear God across their generations (verse 50);

*They hunger for God's supply of goodness and grace (verse 53).

We are warned that if our hearts are filled with pride and self-sufficiency, then we will not be recipients of the joy that comes from God (see Luke 1:51-53).

What is in our hearts today? Is there the sense that we can take care of ourselves independently, or is there the knowledge that it is only God who can supply our needs and fill us with joy?

Let us pray that we will be found as one of those who humbly, reverently, and wholeheartedly seek after God.

The Mighty Lord has done great things for me: I am glad!