Rejoice in God's Goodness to You
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“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 Might One has done great things for me – holy is His name.’ ” (Luke 1:46-49)
Passage: Psalm 107:1-3
The Star of Hope Mission is a homeless shelter and outreach ministry in downtown Houston. When I was a youth minister at First Baptist Church in Missouri City, a man name Walter got our church on the schedule to lead a Sunday night service once a quarter and I went with the group to preach the gospel. During the service, Walter had a time when he invited men to stand and give a testimony of God’s blessings to them. He always quoted Psalm 107:2, “Let the redeemed of the Lord say so. . .” I was touched to hear these men who were homeless find things they could “say so” about blessings from God.
One reason Christmas can be a depressing time is that people tend to look at what they don’t have instead of what they do have. As Mary was encouraged about recognizing who Jesus was and then remembering who she was as one blessed by God, she was overwhelmed with joy in the Spirit. She began to sing what is known as Mary’s Magnificat, or Song of Praise. She rejoiced in God’s goodness to her gave praise to the Lord. Make a list of the ways God has been good to you. Don’t focus on others. Focus on Him and give Him thanks. He will encourage your heart.
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