My Soul Magnifies the Lord

Luke 1:45–56 ESV

And blessed is she who believed that there would be a fulfillment of what was spoken to her from the Lord.” And Mary said, “My soul magnifies the Lord, and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior, for he has looked on the humble estate of his servant. For behold, from now on all generations will call me blessed; for he who is mighty has done great things for me, and holy is his name. And his mercy is for those who fear him from generation to generation. He has shown strength with his arm; he has scattered the proud in the thoughts of their hearts; he has brought down the mighty from their thrones and exalted those of humble estate; he has filled the hungry with good things, and the rich he has sent away empty. He has helped his servant Israel, in remembrance of his mercy, as he spoke to our fathers, to Abraham and to his offspring forever.” And Mary remained with her about three months and returned to her home.

The Source of Her Fear

Mary had every reason to be afraid.

She was young.

She was unmarried.

She was potentially going to be divorced by Joseph.

And yet, her response was praise.

"My Soul magnifies the Lord..."

Mary stands in a long line of worshippers who did not allow fear to steal her praise.

November is the month of prayer for the persecuted church. A time to remember that despite our blessings, there are brothers and sisters suffering for their faith. Like Mary, their faith costs. One story of such a cost comes from the Arabian Peninsula. During a worship service, terrorists armed with guns raided the gathering, intending to intimidate and possibly harm the congregation. Amid the chaos, their pastor stood firm, urging his congregation to "be at peace." This moment reflected his deep trust in God's sovereignty and his determination to shepherd his flock even in the face of imminent danger.

Remarkably, instead of succumbing to fear or fleeing, the congregation experienced a supernatural peace, a testament to their faith and the pastor's leadership. This act of boldness strengthened the believers' resolve and served as a powerful witness to the attackers and anyone observing the event.

Such stories from regions like the Arabian Peninsula highlight the intense pressures Christians face in hostile environments and their reliance on God's presence for strength and courage. Like Mary, it would be easy in the midst of such persecution to lose our praise, but Mary stands in a long line of believers who praise despite their suffering.

Job 1:20-21 - Job praised despite losing everything.

Job 1:20–21 ESV

Then Job arose and tore his robe and shaved his head and fell on the ground and worshiped. And he said, “Naked I came from my mother’s womb, and naked shall I return. The Lord gave, and the Lord has taken away; blessed be the name of the Lord.”

Psalm 34:1-4 - David praised despite his struggles.

Psalm 34:1–4 ESV

I will bless the Lord at all times; his praise shall continually be in my mouth. My soul makes its boast in the Lord; let the humble hear and be glad. Oh, magnify the Lord with me, and let us exalt his name together! I sought the Lord, and he answered me and delivered me from all my fears.

Daniel 6:10 - Daniel prayed and gave thanks even in the face of the Lion's Den.

Acts 16:25 - Paul and Silas prayed and sang psalms to God while in prison.

True Praise is not just the reaction of the physically blessed, but the recognition of the worthiness of God in the midst of life's storms. Our storms may not be as big as the storms of Mary, Job, Paul and Silas, or the pastor from the Arabian Peninsula, but we all face the temptation to not praise God at one time or another.

What storms are you facing? The Holidays can be a time of great anxiety and fear.

Some are facing their first holiday season without a loved one.

Some are facing financial difficulties that can cause us to question God's goodness.

Some are facing the loss of a marriage or relationship that gave them stability.

So here’s the big Question:

Will You allow the storms of Life to Steal Your Praise?

Jesus wrote a letter to a group of people who were tempted to give in:

Revelation 2:8–11 ESV

“And to the angel of the church in Smyrna write: ‘The words of the first and the last, who died and came to life. “ ‘I know your tribulation and your poverty (but you are rich) and the slander of those who say that they are Jews and are not, but are a synagogue of Satan. Do not fear what you are about to suffer. Behold, the devil is about to throw some of you into prison, that you may be tested, and for ten days you will have tribulation. Be faithful unto death, and I will give you the crown of life. He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. The one who conquers will not be hurt by the second death.’

Notice what Jesus says, “The one who conquers will not be hurt by the second death.”

Who receives the crown of life in Revelation 2:7, and who will not be hurt by the second death in Revelation 2:11? Who receives the new manna in Revelation 2:17 and who receives authority over the nations in Revelation 2:26? Who receives robes of white in Revelation 3:5, is a pillar in the New Jerusalem in 3:12, and sits on Jesus’ throne in 3:21?

The Overcomers

Mary, Job, Paul & Silas, and so many saints throughout the centuries were all overcomers.

So how doe we become overcomers this Holiday season?

Mary Reflected on God’s POWER (v. 49)

Luke 1:49 ESV

for he who is mighty has done great things for me, and holy is his name.

One of the reasons that Mary was able to overcome all of her worry, all of her fear is that she trusted in the power of God.

Corrie ten Boom was a beloved woman of God. Raised a Dutch Christian, her family helped Jews escape the Holocaust by hiding them in their home during World War II. In 1944, they were betrayed, and Corrie was sent to Ravensbrück concentration camp, where her sister Betsie died. Despite immense suffering, Corrie shared the gospel and found strength in her faith.

Her quote, “Worry does not empty tomorrow of its sorrow. It empties today of its strength,” reflects her reliance on God amidst adversity. After the war, she became an author and speaker, inspiring millions with her story of forgiveness and trust in God.

When we worry, we are showing our lack of trust in God. In When People Are Big and God is Small, Edward Welch emphasizes that the "fear of man" is deeply rooted in our human nature, often stemming from our misplaced reverence for people instead of God. He writes that “the most radical treatment for the fear of man is the fear of the Lord,” explaining that a growing knowledge of God and His attributes displaces our unhealthy preoccupation with others' opinions. Welch critiques modern approaches that prioritize self-esteem and encourages believers to shift their focus from themselves to the glory of God, noting that our fear of people often reveals our idols and misplaced trust.

Welch goes on to say, “Sometimes we would prefer to die for Jesus than to live for Him.” Often our fear of rejection or judgment inhibits our obedience to Christ in daily life. We must have a biblical the gospel's humbling power and redirect our trust and identity to God alone.

Mary believed in a big God that was bigger than the stares and whispers of those around her, and bigger of the fear of even death.

Mary Regarded God’s PUPROSE (v. 50-53)

Luke 1:50–53 ESV

And his mercy is for those who fear him from generation to generation. He has shown strength with his arm; he has scattered the proud in the thoughts of their hearts; he has brought down the mighty from their thrones and exalted those of humble estate; he has filled the hungry with good things, and the rich he has sent away empty.

The second reason Mary was able to overcome her fear was she had confidence not only in God’s power, but also His purpose. Because she knew God and who he was, she trusted him. It’s hard to trust people we don’t know. When we were kids we were told “don’t talk to strangers.” The reason for this was a fear of the unknown.

But we serve a God who has revealed himself, and it was that revelation that Mary trusted in.

Luke 1:50-53 highlights Mary's understanding of God’s attributes:

"His mercy is for those who fear him from generation to generation" (v. 50) reflects God's faithfulness and mercy toward those who revere Him.

"He has shown strength with his arm; he has scattered the proud in the thoughts of their hearts" (v. 51) illustrates His sovereign power and justice.

"He has brought down the mighty from their thrones and exalted those of humble estate;

he has filled the hungry with good things, and the rich he has sent away empty" (vv. 52-53) reveals God’s purpose to overturn human pride and bless the humble.

Praise is a reflection of a heart that has walked through the valley and seen God’s purposes even there.

Mary Remembered His PROMISES (vv. 54-55)

Luke 1:54–55 ESV

He has helped his servant Israel, in remembrance of his mercy, as he spoke to our fathers, to Abraham and to his offspring forever.”

Because of God’s purposes, Mary could trust his promises.

Psalm 77:11–12 ESV

I will remember the deeds of the Lord; yes, I will remember your wonders of old. I will ponder all your work, and meditate on your mighty deeds.

Seeing the faithfulness of God in one area can give us confidence to trust him in other areas. As Corrie Ten Boon said in another place: "Never be afraid to trust an unknown future to a known God" (Corrie Ten Boom)

We serve a God of promises, and all his promises can be believed and are true.

What a wonderful truth that is.

So how can we respond today:

1. Praise in the Midst of Fear

Let me challenge you to choose praise over fear in their own lives. This Thanksgiving reflect on your personal storms—whether it’s loss, financial hardship, or relational struggles—and respond with worship and trust in God. As Mary did, magnify the Lord even when the circumstances don't seem to warrant it. This is a perfect time to Praise God in the midst of whatever storm you face. Ask, "Will I allow the storms of life to steal my praise?" Will you make a commitment to trust God and worship Him through difficult times.

Action Point: Ask everyone to write down one fear or struggle you are facing and one reason you have to be thankful to God this week and offer it to God in prayer, committing to praise Him despite their circumstances.

2. Embrace God's Power and Purpose in Your Life

Remember and meditate on God’s power and purpose, just as Mary did in her song of praise. God has revealed Himself to us through His Word and we can trust in His plans for our lives, even when we don’t understand the details. This thanksgiving trust God's sovereignty and to look for His hand at work in the midst of their challenges.

Action Point: As you prepare for thanksgiving this week, Read through a passage like Romans 8:28-39 and reflect on how God is working His purposes out in their your life. If you don’t have a relationship with Christ, repent today and trust in the one who loves you so! This week write down reasons you can trust God's promises more fully in the coming week.