How do you view yourself? Do you see yourself as someone important? Do you ever think the world could not go on without you? Do you think of yourself as just another person among billions on this earth? Do you rejoice in God’s blessings? Do you magnify his name?
We have different viewpoints of ourselves depending on the situation. We may think highly of ourselves, if we hold a high position in a company. We may think less of ourselves, if we are in an entry level job. We may think we are on top of the world when we first fall in love.
We may give thanks to God when things are going our way. When we ask for something and it comes to pass, we are elated. But when things are going against us, we may blame God, thinking he has turned against us. Our thankfulness can be fickle. Yet, it should not be. God is the same yesterday, today, and tomorrow.
Mary sings her song of praise to God for what he had done for her and for all generations. As we read her song, the Magnificat, in Luke 1:46-55, we see that she was looking beyond herself. Mary realizes God has done a magnificent thing for the world. She realizes her son was the most significant turning point in history and that He would bring peace, comfort, and joy to people throughout the world. She realizes the prophecy she had heard about in the synagogue and temple was about to be fulfilled.
I pray we all give thanks to God in all situations. I pray we don’t think too highly of ourselves. I pray each one of us realize what God has done by sending his Son into this world. Give thanks to God. Know that God loves you. See what God has done. Know that Jesus changes everything.
Luke 1:46-48a And Mary said,
“My soul magnifies the Lord,
and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior,
for he has looked with favor on the lowliness of his servant.”
Marty Pressey 