12月25日

標　　題：自發的讚美

經　　節：馬利亞說：我心尊主為大；我靈以神我的救主為樂。（路加福音一章46-47節）

讚美是神的兒女與祂同在時，由內心甘情願自動湧出對祂的感恩。一個認識神、與神親密相交的人，會以最深的讚美來稱頌主！馬利亞因神的美好而全心感動，她所響應的讚美成為聖經中最美、最深奧的詩歌之一。想要阻止一顆感恩的心去讚美，就好象想阻擋強大瀑布的水勢一樣！神創造我們要去讚美祂。當我們群集在祂天堂的寶座前，讚美是我們的活動。

要發現神是何等配得讚美，永遠不應令你感到困難。不管是私人或公眾的場合，你應該都能享受那敬拜讚美主的時刻。如果你的生命並沒有充滿讚美，你可能已經失去向神感謝祂仁慈作為的心。永遠不要忘記神曾經由必死的罪惡中拯救你，永遠不要把與神同在的永恆確據，視為理所當然。不要漠視與其它信徒在靈裡親密的相交。常常數算神在你和家人身上的祝福。當你思索神所給你無盡的愛與恩慈的時候，你自會像馬利亞一樣稱頌主。自發的讚美是真誠的讚美。它不需要預先動手腳，也不需要精心安排。這是由一顆真實個人感恩的心所發出的讚美，這個生命已遇見聖潔的神，經歷神奇妙的作為！

Spontaneous Praise

And Mary said: "My soul magnifies the Lord, And my spirit has rejoiced in God my Savior." (Luke 1:46-47)

Praise is the spontaneous response of a grateful child of God in His presence. The person who knows God and experiences Him intimately sings to the Lord with deepest praise! Mary was overwhelmed by the Lord’s goodness to her. In response she sang one of the most beautiful and profound songs of praise found in Scripture. Trying to stop the praise of a thankful heart would be like trying to arrest the flow of a mighty waterfall! God created us to praise Him; praise will be our activity when we are gathered around His throne in heaven.

You should never have difficulty thinking of reasons why God deserves your praise. You should enjoy the times you have to praise your Lord, both privately and publicly in worship. If your life is not filled with praise, it may be that you have lost your appreciation for God’s merciful activity in your life. Never forget what God has saved you from. Never take for granted what it means to have the assurance of eternity with God. Do not disregard the spiritual kinship you enjoy with other believers. Take time often to recount the blessings He has poured out upon you and your family. As you contemplate the boundless love and mercy God has shown you, you will want to sing His praises as Mary did. Spontaneous praise is authentic praise. It does not have to be manipulated or orchestrated. It is a real and personal expression of a grateful heart and wonder-filled life that has encountered holy God!