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My soul glorifies the Lord and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior
Luke 1:46 NIV

My husband and I had a plan for our lives, but it soon became clear that God had different plans. I still don’t understand why His plan meant calling my husband heavenward at the age of fifty-nine leaving me a widow at fifty-five. What was His purpose is the question I have asked Him many times? I suppose I won’t know the answer until I arrive in heaven.

Mary, Jesus’ mother, understood God’s change of plans for her life.

He had promised Israel a Messiah to be born of a virgin (Isaiah 7:14), and every young Jewish girl hoped that God would find her favorable for such an honor.

Last month we looked at Mary’s response to the angel bringing her the news in Luke 1:38. You can read more here Today, let’s consider Mary’s response when she is greeted by her cousin, Elizabeth. (Luke 1:46-55)

First, let’s stop and think about all that Mary was facing when she returned to her hometown.

• Mary’s reputation was up for public judgment. As an unwed mother, she would be considered a harlot.
• She faced the possibility of Joseph divorcing her and shaming her whole family. Would they turn their back on her, leaving her to carry a child and give birth on her own?
• In those days, many young mothers died in childbirth, so her health was a matter of concern.
• Lastly, her life was in danger as well. As the law allowed (Deut 22:20), she faced a death sentence of stoning at the door of her father’s home.

Life was definitely not going to be easy for Mary. Can you relate?

There was a lot to worry about and yet, we find Mary doing what?

Worshiping God!

Mary’s Song is steeped in scriptures she had been taught. She recalled them in worshiping God, speaking of who He was and what He had done for herself and for Israel. (Psalms 22, 25, 44, 89, 98, 103, 147, 1st /2nd Samuel, Isaiah and Job).

Mary could walk into the face of uncertainty because she knew the God who had called her.

I wish I could say that I always worshiped God in my despair. But I didn’t. The last thing I felt like doing was singing praises or uttering thanksgiving. I suppose that’s why the Psalms were my go-to place in my Bible. I felt at home among the authors who poured out their lamentations.

Thankfully, I also knew the God that had called me; who He was and what He had done for me.

I am so very grateful for the men and women who taught me God’s Word and His character throughout the years.

As a widow, recalling the truths I had learned stirred up the hope that my soul desperately needed.

Over and over His promises to heal the brokenhearted, to care for the widows and orphans, to walk with me through the fire and deep waters, to collect my tears, to hear my cries for help, and to never leave me or forsake me were a constant source of great comfort and hope. He had been with me in past trials and hardships, and He would be with me through widowhood as well. In those moments, my soul magnified the Lord!

We, like Mary, don’t worship because we feel good…we worship because HE is good!

This journey is hard, but we can, like Mary, navigate it if we worship along the way!

Lord, help us to magnify Your name and not our problems; to worship because You are good even though life doesn’t feel good. Amen