“My spirit has rejoiced in God my Savior.” (Luke 1:47)
Picture a poor outcast, sitting outside the city gates in the sorrow and shame of an ash heap, begging for his next meal. Filthy, gaunt—a mere skeleton of a man—his hollow eyes reflect only desperation and need.
Then something extraordinary happens. The king himself comes out to meet him, walks right up to him, and extends his hand. He lifts the destitute man up and leads him through the gates and into the palace, where he is washed clean and clothed in one of the king’s own garments. As he steps into the great dining hall, his breath catches—before him stretches a magnificent feast. And there, at the royal table, is a seat prepared for him, a place with his name on it. The king’s servant gestures to him, inviting him to sit, eat, and enjoy.
This image beautifully illustrates what God, the King who is “enthroned on high,” does for His people. As the Psalmist declares: “He raiseth up the poor out of the dust, and lifteth the needy out of the dunghill; that he may set him with princes, even with the princes of his people” (Ps. 113:7-8).
Every believer God rescues from the ash heap of despair has endless reasons to rejoice. Our sins are completely forgiven. The condemnation that once hung over us is gone, for divine justice has been fully satisfied in Christ. We who were destitute have been clothed in righteousness, seated at the King’s table, and made heirs and partakers of eternal glory.
Therefore, we are commanded: “Thou shalt rejoice in every good thing which the Lord thy God hath given unto thee” (Deut. 26:11). The redeemed heart, changed by grace, responds with joy and praise to the goodness of the Creator. What greater comfort and cause for rejoicing is there than to know we have been delivered from sin’s condemning power, from the tyranny of the devil, and from death and hell itself?
Thomas Mockett rightly observed that true saints “have God reconciled, Christ as their Savior, God as their Father, the Holy Spirit as their Sanctifier, Instructor, Guide, and Comforter, and heaven as their everlasting inheritance; and that in the meantime, all things, even the worst, will work together for their spiritual and everlasting good, comfort, and happiness, through the all-wise and overruling gracious providence of God (Rom. 8:28; Ps. 25:10).” For these reasons, we are to be found “rejoicing in the Lord always: and again, I say, Rejoice!” (Phil. 4:4).
Do you adore your Redeemer? Do you rejoice in Him?[1] If your joy seems faint, consider what God has done for you in Christ. Look again at the abundance He has set before you. Meditate on the beauty of redemption, the riches of His Word, and the work of grace in your heart. And joy will spring forth anew, filling to overflowing once more.
Contemplations:
- Rejoicing in God. Do I rejoice in Your goodness, Father? Hannah praised You for giving her Samuel, saying that her heart rejoiced in You. I desire that same joy. Fill my heart with gladness as I delight in You.
- Trusting God’s Goodness. Lord, You are good, and I can trust You to do good to me all the days of my life. I surrender to You daily, by the help of Your Spirit, that I may glory in Your goodness. Teach me to recognize and magnify Your mercy, that I might rejoice in Your saving hand.
- Rejoicing Through Trials. I know I should rejoice in all circumstances according to James 1, but it’s difficult when trials persist. Yet, if I remember Your goodness and the gift of Your Son, even the hardest times become bearable. You are a gracious and faithful God! Help me keep this truth ever before me, that I may be continually grateful.
- Continuing in Thankfulness. I know that thankfulness deepens my joy in You. A heart devoid of gratitude will hinder my walk, but a thankful heart will be lifted in rejoicing. May my prayers be seasoned with thanksgiving, not merely requests. Because if I come to You only in need, without a heart of joy, my prayers lack the sweetness of true communion. Am I serving You with gladness and lifting my prayers with thanksgiving today?
Prayer About Rejoicing in God:
O Lord, my God and my Savior, I lift my voice to You in praise, for You have done wondrous things! My soul magnifies You, and my spirit rejoices in You, my Redeemer. You have looked upon me in my low estate, lifted me from the dust, and set me among the redeemed. I was a beggar, clothed in the rags of my own sin, but You have dressed me in garments of salvation and seated me at Your table. Blessed be Your holy name, for You are mighty, and Your mercy is from everlasting to everlasting upon them that fear You.
Yet, Father, I confess that my heart is often slow to rejoice. I have known Your goodness, yet I am prone to forget. How quickly do the cares of this world cloud my vision, dulling my delight in You! When trials press hard, my joy wanes, and I give way to doubt. Forgive me, Lord, for failing to meditate on the riches of Your grace. Forgive my ungrateful heart, which too often measures Your love by present comforts rather than by the cross. I have no reason to complain, for I have been given all things in Christ. Help me rejoice in You always, not in fleeting circumstances but in the unshakable hope of my salvation.
I thank You, Father, that my salvation is not dependent on my strength but on Your unchanging promise. You have secured my redemption in Christ, and nothing can separate me from Your love. I thank You that You are working all things for my good, even when my eyes cannot see it. Every trial, every affliction is but the refining fire that purifies my faith. Even in suffering, I have reason to rejoice, for You are with me, sustaining me, sanctifying me, drawing me nearer to Yourself. O Lord, how good and gracious You are to Your children!
Now, Lord, I ask that You fill my heart with gladness. Let my joy in You be steadfast, not shifting with the winds of circumstance. Teach me to look always to Christ, to feast on Your Word, and to treasure the inheritance that is mine in glory. Cause me to rejoice with exceeding joy, to be thankful in all things, and to magnify Your great name. May my life be a testimony of Your goodness, that others may see and glorify You.
And Lord, let me say with Mary, “My spirit has rejoiced in God my Savior!” Let my lips declare Your praise, let my heart overflow with gratitude, and let my soul find its deepest delight in You. In the name of Jesus Christ, my Lord and Redeemer, I pray. Amen.
Further References for Luke 1:47:
Hab. 3:18; Isa. 61:10; Ps. 35:9; 1 Sam. 2:1; Acts 8:39; Romans 5:2; Jude 1:25.
[1] Joseph Alleine, Remains of That Excellent Minister of Jesus Christ, Mr. Joseph Alleine (London: Printed for Peter Parker .., 1674), 130.
