In His Presence

After Mary yielded to conceive and give birth to the Christ-child, the angel told Mary that her aged, barren cousin would also have a son. Mary wanted to share in her cousin’s joy, and upon entering her home, Elisabeth’s six-month-unborn baby excitedly moved: “For, lo, as soon as the voice of thy salutation sounded in mine ears, the babe leaped in my womb for joy” (Luke 1:44). How could Mary’s unborn baby stir another awaiting birth to such joy? Only God. Did John leap in the womb in joyful worship, or was he in awe of the One for whom he would prepare the world for His coming? Both reasons could have stirred his excitement. Mary joined Elisabeth and baby John in praising God as she sang, rejoicing in God her Savior.

God’s child, has the indwelling Holy Spirit caused such an awareness of the Savior’s presence that your spirit leaped, moving you to exciting worship? Did you honor the Father, following through in praise as Mary, Elizabeth, and John? If you neglected to acknowledge Him in some way because of embarrassment, distractions, or not wanting to offend someone, you quenched the Holy Spirit; insulting God and robbing yourself of a blessing. Give God due honor, no matter how you feel. He is worthy.