Living a Life of GratitudeSample

One of my favorite biblical examples of praise comes from Mary, the mother of Jesus. From a life of faithfulness, she trained her eyes to look to God. I love the praise she brings to the Lord despite difficult circumstances. Amid uncertainty— after hearing the news that could have devastated her— she offers the Lord beautiful praise.

In Luke 1, an angel appears to Mary and tells her she has found favor with God. She will conceive and give birth to a son and name him Jesus. The angel said He would be great and called the Son of the Most High.

As I read Mary's prayer in Luke 1:46-55, it's easy to assume that her life was wonderful, but in reality, she is singing this praise when her life was turned upside down. She was betrothed to Joseph with hope for a future with him. Suddenly, she learns she will bear God's Son and call him Jesus. An angel also appeared to Joseph, and he responded by faith, but I can imagine that others questioned and persecuted them.

Here are three main points I encourage you to practice from Mary's example.

1) Surrender.

To live a life of gratitude, we need to live in constant surrender and obedience to God. I love her response to the angel in verse 38, "I am the Lord's servant, may it be done to me according to your word."

2) Fellowship.

The text tells us in those days, Mary set out and hurried to her cousin Elizabeth. The angel told her that her cousin was also expecting a child and was in the 6th month of pregnancy after many years of infertility. Mary would stay with her for three months.

I know I needed other mothers' advice and encouragement during pregnancy, labor, and life with a newborn. Mary would offer help and service to her cousin while also learning what it would be like to be a mother. Mary was just a teenager, so I imagine these months with Elizabeth were invaluable.

Fellowship is important in every aspect of life, especially during difficult times. Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit and helped point Mary's attention to God and His calling as she said in Luke 1:42, "Blessed are you among woman, and your child will be blessed" (CSB). In difficult times we need Godly friends who know God's Word and help us claim His promises.

3) Praise.

Surrender and fellowship helped her offer praise to the Lord despite uncertainty and circumstances. Mary's example shows us we can and should praise in all circumstances. We can always praise the Lord for our salvation and reflect on what He has done.

Mary models this in her song of praise, saying, "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," Luke 1:46-49 (ESV). She knew God's words and remembered what He had done, allowing her to praise and be obedient in the unknown. Corrie Ten Boom says, "Never be afraid to trust an unknown future to a known God." This is what Mary did, and it is my prayer for myself and each of you.

This 3-day series was written by Kristy Graham, host of the podcast On the Ground with Samaritan's Purse.