The Heart of Mary

This morning I was reading in Luke 1 when Mary is told she will carry baby Jesus, and wow I was so convicted. When the angel appears to Mary verse 29 tells us she is troubled. She is confused about the stunning news she just received from this angel. After Mary learns how the Lord will use her, her attitude changes completely. In verse 38 Mary says, “Behold I am the servant of the Lord; let it be according to your word.” Mary humbly submits to God and his will even though she was troubled and confused when she received it. This led me to ask myself how I act when I’m troubled and confused. The majority of the time, not like Mary. Not only does she place her trust in the Lord’s plan, she rejoices. Mary begins singing praises to the Lord in verse 46 and says, “My soul magnifies the Lord, and my spirit rejoices in God my savior, for he has looked upon the humble estate of his servant.” So again, how do I react in these situations? My first instinct is definitely not to gladly submit, it’s more likely to feel stressed,frustrated, lonely, and likely to think of any other way to work around what I see as a problem. My prayer today is that I would be able to have the same heart toward God’s will as Mary, humbly submit and rejoice.

Dear Heavenly Father,

Thank you for all that you have taught me through my time with you this morning.

Lord, I pray today that you will help me to change my attitude in situations when things don’t go the way I selfishly want them to.

I pray that I would have the same heart Mary did, that when you reveal your plans to me, I would humbly submit and be filled with your joy while living it out.

I’m sorry for all the times when my response was the opposite of this.

Lord, I love you, and I trust that the plans you have for me are far better than anything I could dream of.

In your mighty name I pray, Amen.