Mary’s Song: Humble Praise and the Faithfulness of God
Scripture presents one of its most beautiful songs of surrender and trust in the opening chapter of Luke’s Gospel.
And Mary said: "My soul glorifies 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, NIV).
Mary's surrender to God's will made room for the miraculous to appear in the mundane.
God’s Choice of the Humble and Unlikely
On the surface, Mary seemed like the least likely choice to bring forth a King. A young virgin girl of no significant status didn't match the high expectations surrounding the long-awaited, promised Messiah. Yet, Mary's calling highlights a recurring theme in Scripture: The Lord looks at the heart (1 Samuel 16:7, NIV).
A Calling Wrapped in Questions and Courage
When the angel Gabriel approached Mary with the calling to bear Jesus, she must have felt overwhelmed with questions. She was engaged to Joseph and likely aware of the judgment she would face if she became pregnant before their marriage.
Mary’s Confident Response to God’s Plan
Rather than resisting out of doubt or fear, Mary responds with confidence, not in who she was, but Whose she was: "I am the Lord's servant. May your word to me be fulfilled" (Luke 1:38, NIV).
The Power Behind Mary’s Song of Praise
Mary's humble song of praise in Luke 1:46-55 is fueled by a confidence in His Spirit in her heart and His Word on her mind, empowering her to praise even when the outcome was uncertain.
Surrender as the Path to Seeing God’s Promises
Surrender helped Mary embrace the truth that the Mighty One will always deliver on His promises. By trusting Him, she stepped into a story far bigger than her own and witnessed firsthand the faithfulness of God unfolding in real time.
What Mary Teaches Us About Willing Hearts
Mary's story highlights that God's desire is a willing heart, not a qualified one.
Jesus' birth through Mary is a profound display of His faithfulness, even in unexpected circumstances and among unworthy individuals.
Like Mary, we too can choose to praise even when it doesn't make sense because we know that with God nothing will be impossible (Luke 1:37, CSB).
Pray
Lord, thank You for the gift of Jesus. Help me remember that You can do profound things in unexpected places. May my soul glorify You and my spirit rejoice in You, even when I don't understand. Amen.
Meet the Author
Elise Stanfield
Elise is a soul redeemed by the love of Christ. She lives in Alabama with her husband, Robert. She loves meeting for coffee with friends, taking walks around the park, and the fall season.
She views writing as a therapeutic release and a meaningful way to connect with others. She is committed to using the passion for writing that God has instilled in her to bless those He brings into her life.
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