My Soul Magnifies the Lord

Mary’s story is truly one of my favorites in the Bible. We can all learn something from her faithfulness and willingness to serve God no matter what. She trusted His plan even when it seemed impossible to walk through. In Luke 1, we see this beautiful song from Mary. After Gabriel has visited her, and she has seen her relative, Elizabeth, she sings;

Luke 1:46–47

“My soul magnifies the Lord, and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior.”

When Mary speaks these words in Luke 1, she gives voice to a soul completely captivated by God. To magnify the Lord does not mean to make Him greater than He already is. God is already infinite in His glory and power. Rather, to magnify Him is to bring His greatness into clearer focus and to live in a way that reflects who He truly is! We magnify what fills our hearts. Sometimes for me my heart is completely fixed on the wrong things and my life reflects that. When our hearts are fixed on God and His character, we reflect faithfulness, mercy, grace, and holiness. Our worship to Him naturally flows when our hearts are fixed on His glory! This kind of magnification grows when we remember all that He has done for us. This past May, I became a mom to the most beautiful little boy. I love my son more than I can put into words. He can’t do anything besides eat, sleep and fill his diaper, but the love I have for him is insane. There is nothing my son has done to “earn” my love, he just has it. To think that God looks at me and thinks the same way times a million is CRAZY! My heart yearns for Jesus because I am so loved and cared for by Him. My heart magnifies the Lord because He calls me His own and has blessed me beyond measure. The more clearly we see God working in our lives, the more our souls respond in awe and praise.

Psalm 145:3

“Great is the LORD, and greatly to be praised, and his greatness is unsearchable.” 

Mary’s praise is deeply rooted in her awareness of God’s greatness and her own humanity. A magnifying soul is not focused on pride or control, but on surrender. It rests in the truth that God’s ways are higher and His plans are good! Humility creates space for God’s glory to be seen rather than our own. A soul that magnifies the Lord learns to see life through the lens of God’s provision rather than personal lack. Even in difficult seasons, thanksgiving and gratitude keeps our focus anchored in who God is, not just what He gives.

Gratitude, humility and obedience naturally brings joy. This is the joy Mary speaks of: a deep and steady rejoicing that is rooted not in circumstances but in God Himself. When our soul magnifies the Lord, worship overflows into joy because our confidence rests in His saving work and unchanging promises. To magnify the Lord is to live with a soul focused on God’s glory. It is a life that makes His greatness visible through trust, surrender, and praise. As our souls magnify Him, our lives become a reflection of His grace!

Prayer Points:

~ Lord, help me to have a humble and surrendered heart that desires Your plan for my life.

~ Father, teach me how to live a life that reflects Your glory.

~ God, may I have the same attitude as Mary and obey You no matter the circumstances.

Heavenly Father,

Help me to live like Mary and respond to You with willingness and obedience. Thank You for Your constant grace and mercy that I do not deserve. You have been so kind and faithful to me. Please guard my heart from pride and self-reliance. May I only draw closer to You in seasons of confusion or doubt. Train my soul to live in Your faithfulness so I may never stray away. Thank You for the season of Christmas where we can celebrate this great story of hope and peace!

In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

For His Glory,

Haley Thorpe

Mid-Way Baptist Church

Flourish Women’s Ministry

www.mid-way.com/women