Luke 1:46-55, Common English Bible

Where does joy come from and how can you reclaim it?  Joy is the essence of being in the presence of God.  So when are we not in the presence of God?  We are always in the presence of God therefore we should always be joyful, right?

King David writes in Psalm 16:11, “You show me the path of life.  In your presence there is fullness of joy; in your right hand are pleasures forevermore.”

Then David writes in Psalm 51:12, “Restore to me the joy of your salvation, and sustain in me a willing spirit.”

These two verses in the Psalms indicate that although God is present with us, our actions and the actions of others, not God’s, can cause us to lose our joy.  And if we desire our joy back, only God can restore that joy.  So it’s really God’s joy, right?

Mary is a teenager, but also a young adult in the Jewish custom.  The angel of God visits and gives her some incredible and frightening news.  You are going to have a baby, the Savior of the world, congrats!  Mary says, “I am the Lord’s servant.  Let it be with me just as you have said.”  She dashes off to see Elizabeth her relative and greets Elizabeth and the baby jumped with joy in her womb.  Yes it’s a miracle.  Elizabeth is now filled with Holy Spirit.  Mary then, because of the announcement, simply wants to praise/sing to God with what is often called The Magnificat!

Mary praises/sings joyfully because…

God initiated the miracle!
Mary said, “With all my heart I glorify the Lord!  In the depths of who I am I rejoice in God my savior.”   Luke 1:46-47

God shows mercy!
“He shows mercy to everyone, from one generation to the next, who honors him as God.”  Luke 1:50

God is a promise keeper!
“just as he promised to our ancestors, to Abraham and to Abraham’s descendants forever.”  Luke 1:55

Hear the W.O.W., the Words of Wisdom:
“Reclaim the joy of the LORD!”