Oh My Soul -- Now I Know Why

Our family celebrations have been delightfully spread out this year. Carl’s children' Christmas -- earlier in the month, Thanksgiving and Christmas with my daughter’s family at Epiphany Ranch, and yesterday -- Christmas Day -- with my son and his family. So many memories already tucked away -- as new ones are still being made.

And through it all, a familiar phrase keeps slipping out of my mouth. “Oh my soul!”

I’ve said those words for years -- when I’m surprised, delighted, overwhelmed, or when I taste something that seems suspiciously close to what heaven’s food might be like. It’s my catch-all response to life -- good, bad, and everything in between.

But just last Monday, something stopped me in my tracks. Carl read our morning devotion and I heard Mary saying the words first.

In Luke 1, after an angel’s visit and news that would have rattled anyone, Mary lifted her voice and said, “My soul magnifies the Lord, and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior.”

There it was. Not -- "Oh my soul" -- as an expression of shock or emotion, but "My soul magnifies the Lord" -- as an act of worship.

The word "magnify" means to make something larger, clearer, more profound. Mary chose to enlarge God, not her fear. She stepped aside and let Him take center stage. Instead of focusing on her circumstances, she surrendered them -- and magnified the faithfulness of her Heavenly Father.

And suddenly I realized -- I’ve been saying the words without the meaning. So maybe it’s time for a holy upgrade.

Instead of “Oh my soul,” when life surprises me -- or overwhelms me -- I want to say, “My soul magnifies the Lord!” Not making much of myself or my worries, but making much of Him. Making His power bigger than my problems. His love larger than my fears.

Because what we magnify grows.

Mary shows us the way. When God is made greater in our hearts, peace follows. Joy rises. Hope takes root.

And just like it did for her -- hope springs forth in the soul. “My soul magnifies the Lord!” is more than a phrase now. It’s a posture. A turning. A quiet decision to step aside and let God be made larger, clearer, more glorious in every moment -- whether joyful or challenging.

#MagnifyTheLord #ohmysoul #mysoulmagnifies