Blessed
“Blessed is she who has believed that the Lord would fulfill his promises to her!” Luke 1:42-45
The story of Christmas, through the life of Jesus, speaks about God’s great love for us, but sometimes the reason for the season can be drowned out by all the noise. Christmas time can amplify pain; add to the stress, and cause depression and anxiety instead of joy-filled wonder. We can lose sight of what God is saying and find ourselves going through the motions.
Mary was just a teenager when God spoke to her. Do you remember what that time of life was like? Now imagine becoming pregnant by immaculate conception. I’m sure her parents had a thing or two to say about that!
Mary was walking the unknown, and all she had was a word from God. The gospels in the Bible were not written yet to tell her how it would turn out. She had to believe what God said. And, despite the fear, anxiety and strong emotions she undoubtedly experienced, that is exactly what she did.
The Bible talks about a special blessing for those who believe what God says. The word ‘blessed’ in this scripture actually translates as “deeply, profoundly happy.” It speaks to our well-being and emotional state.
Do you know that God cares about your emotional state? He not only desires for us to be “happy,” but He lays a path for us to attain it. His promise to Mary was that He would care for her physical and emotional well-being. He would take care of her needs; all she had to do was walk the steps and believe that God would do what He said.
The same God that spoke to Mary is also speaking to us in this season. He promises that if we put our trust in Him, He will carry our burdens and ease our pain. He will heal the trauma and grief. God is a good God, and He wants to give us more in this season if we will let Him.
I encourage you today to pause, reflect on His promises, and believe just as Mary did. As you wait in His presence, He will restore the joy you have lost. He will reignite hope.
Allow God to refresh you in this season and show you the blessings He has for you. He who promised is faithful; He will not fail!
By Pastor Cari Stewart