“Now the time had come for Elizabeth to give birth, and she gave birth to a son. Her neighbors and her relatives heard that the Lord had displayed His great mercy toward her; and they were rejoicing with her” (Luke 1:57-58).
When obvious miracles happen, people rejoice. Things happen that have more significance than we often realize. Scripture tells us to rejoice. We are here reminded, whether or not we think it is significant, to rejoice in the work of the Lord. The Lord has mercy for the whole world. The Lord offers grace to those who believe so that we may learn how to rejoice in every circumstance.
Lord, I often spend more time complaining about circumstances than rejoicing in Your goodness. Help me to understand that each day You grant is a miracle and that You are always at work in each of us. Help me to rely upon Your Spirit as You speak to me so that I do not speculate upon what to do but walk in the way You are directing me. Bring me out of myself to live life as it is to be lived.
Lord Jesus, help me to join in where my neighbor is living. If they are weeping, help me to weep with them. If they are rejoicing, remind me to rejoice with them. In and through all things, lead me to be sensitive to those around me knowing that You will teach me what it means to truly love my neighbor. Teach me all that I need to learn and grant me a willing heart to receive the teachings You give. Amen.
