Co-authored by Michelle J. and Chrystal Goff, sisters by birth and Iron Rose Sisters in Arkansas
Luke 1:39-45 reveals the automatic reactions that Elizabeth, John the Baptist, and Mary had upon greeting each other. Their shouts of worship came as an overflow of the Spirit within them.
Elizabeth uttered an immediate exclamation of praise.
John the Baptist leapt from joy within his mother’s womb.
The expression of Mary’s soul was a song.
46 And Mary said,
“My soul magnifies the Lord,
47 and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior,
48 for he has looked on the humble estate of his servant.
For behold, from now on all generations will call me blessed;
49 for he who is mighty has done great things for me,
and holy is his name.
50 And his mercy is for those who fear him
from generation to generation.
51 He has shown strength with his arm;
he has scattered the proud in the thoughts of their hearts;
52 he has brought down the mighty from their thrones
and exalted those of humble estate;
53 he has filled the hungry with good things,
and the rich he has sent away empty.
54 He has helped his servant Israel,
in remembrance of his mercy,
55 as he spoke to our fathers,
to Abraham and to his offspring forever.”
(Luke 1:46-55)
When is the last time you have witnessed a spontaneous spirit of worship?
Sunday morning, a young voice was heard above everyone else’s. It was slightly off rhythm and minorly out of key, but no one cared. Anyone that turned around to find the unbridled source of praise was delighted to see that this young lady was worshipping with all her heart, soul, mind, and strength. Her voice announced as her soul proclaimed, “I am a chiiiiild ooof God, yes Iiiii ammmm!.” Her arms waved as she twirled. Her grands and parents to either side were not at all embarrassed by her worship, or this little ballerina using them as a landing for her pirouette. Her heart and soul and mind burst with love for her LORD! Nothing. Else. Mattered.
We were drawn to her spirit of worship and the joy she radiated. Her spirit inspired everyone around her to join her in worship.
I (Chrys) hum to the flowers and veggies in my garden rejoicing to the LORD for His provisions. I do not sing to the weeds, but they eavesdrop as I disentangle them from choking this season’s intended harvest. The plants that wither, or are overcome by insects are still something to praise God for. He gives and takes away but has promised to provide our daily bread, a promise and perspective I’m reminded to thank God for when I’m stifled by the pppppaaaaaiiiinnnfuuuullllllness of pruning.
Thankfully, God is the master gardener, He is meticulous and delicate as His fingers weave through our personalities and stubbornness and fear to clip what no longer or never served Him. I’ve found joy in discovering the healing powers and nutritional properties of plants. He created us to be His vessels; nurturing my vessel with His Word and His produce are one way I honor and worship Him. I love creating flavors and blending spices as a way of sharing what I’ve learned about my Creator in His creation.
Before I was careful to follow Christ closely, the songs that looped in my mind weren’t bringing glory to my Father. Sick beats with subliminal rhymes seeped into my brain, steeping. Only when I turned my eyes to YHWH did I learn to listen to the whisper, to the melodies of a breeze, to harmonize in my heart for The God who sees. My aspirations for worship are modeled after Mary’s Magnificat, if each day my praises freely sing, “My soul magnifies the Lord.”
Through her song, Mary’s Magnificat longed to magnify the Savior’s glory. She knew that it was all about Him and not her. Thankfulness and humility exuded from her tongue, a pronouncement of God’s faithfulness and mercy. She declared His eternal blessings, inviting others to remember His actions and promises.
May our lives be an act of worship today, magnifying the Lord that others may see Him and praise our Father who is in heaven.
How have you been inspired to worship?
How can you inspire others to worship, like Elizabeth, John the Baptist, Mary, or my sister?
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