If ever I loved Thee, my Jesus, ’tis now.
And my spirit has rejoiced in God my Savior. (Lk. 1:47)
Mary's Heartfelt Love Song to God
Mary meets her cousin, Elizabeth. Both righteous women miraculously with child. Both misunderstood. When the angel told Mary that her relative, Elizabeth, had conceived a son in her old age (v. 36), she quickly went to visit her. The angel’s words reverberating in her mind and heart, “For with God nothing will be impossible” (v. 37). Mary’s journey to Elizabeth was a difficult one. She trudged through the hill country and dangerous forests, dense with trees, fierce wildlife, and savage felons. Certainly, she arrived at her cousin’s place exhausted, mind swarming with questions, looking forward to a much-needed visit. She had left her family and friends behind, giving them opportunity to gossip about and question her character and relationship with Joseph. There were important conversations to be had with her Elizabeth and her husband. Zacharias was a righteous man, walking in all the commandments, blameless before God (v. 6). When Elizabeth heard Mary’s greeting, she was filled with the Holy Spirit and cried out, “Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb” (v. 42). At this greeting, relief and joy surged through Mary. Her love for God burst forth in a torrent of sacred praise for her God and Savior, source of her strength and joy. These two women met in perfect fellowship. Both experiencing unusual events in their bodies, neither fully understanding what was happening. Both were eager to tell of God’s blessings and love.
When we meet with other believers, we would do well to model the meeting of these women. To encourage one another in the Lord, turning our hearts toward heaven, praising God our Savior, regardless of the uncertain circumstances in which we live. When we do, our fellowship becomes not only pleasant but profitable. Our gatherings find purpose as we advance the kingdom of heaven in our own hearts and those with whom we fellowship. We find joy when we comfort one another in word and deed, rejoicing in God our Savior. We find strength in sharing our testimonies. We can rejoice because we love.
Who will you meet today? If a believer, would you be willing to take up the challenge to enjoy a sweet fellowship, praising God your Savior, exhorting one another, sharing testimony? Remember, with God nothing will be impossible. How have you seen His redeeming hand in your life? Let your song this day be “My gracious Redeemer, my Savior art Thou; if ever I loved Thee, my Jesus, ‘tis now.”
Praise: Mega-Vitamin for Your Brain
I love to think deeply on the words of a hymn. “My gracious Redeemer, my Savior art Thou; if ever I loved Thee, my Jesus, ‘tis now”. Last night I was overcome with thanksgiving for my children and the lives they are leading. I texted each one of them to let them know how grateful I am to my Savior for placing them in my life. I went to bed singing “My Jesus I Love Thee, personalizing the hymn to express my heart toward the family God has given me.
Your turn: Read all of Mary’s Song in your Bible, Luke 1:46-55. She must sing for she is in awe that Almighty God has veiled Himself in human feebleness to bring salvation to mankind. Singing has been called the ‘mega-vitamin’ for the brain. In fact, it is crucial in treating Parkinson’s disease, dementia, and Alzheimer’s. When you listen to or sing a song you are repairing damaged brain tissue. Take 5 minutes to concentrate on the words to My Jesus I Love Thee. What comes to mind while listening? How does it make you feel? What part of the song is most important to you? Why? Write the answers to these questions in your journal or on slips of paper and place in your “Testimony Box.”