Mary Pondered

Storing Treasure in our Hearts

“Blessed is the man [whose] delight is in the law of the Lord,
and on His law he meditates day and night.”
Psalm 1:2

Mary’s character is one of careful meditation. Like the psalmist of chapter one, her life demonstrates one who delights not only in knowing, but also in following God’s every word. She is a portrait of the saying ‘still waters run deep.’ Her gentle and quiet spirit is an “unfading beauty…of great worth in God’s sight.” (1 Peter 3:4)
We can learn a lot from her.

Her life-long devotion to the things of God had developed a fine attunement of heart, which harmonized so thoroughly with our Lord’s will, she could respond with humility and faith to Gabriel’s surprising news. “I am the Lord’s servant. May it be to me as you have said.” (Luke 1:38) She placed His will before her reputation. She placed her faith in His authority over laws of nature. Her response is the logical outpouring of a life whose greatest treasure is God.

In Luke’s gospel account, we witness Mary ‘pondering’ and ‘treasuring’ the events brought into her young life several times. Each time relates to Jesus.

• When the angel first appeared to her, she “was greatly perplexed” and “kept carefully considering” what his greeting might mean. (Luke 1:29 AMP)

• After the shepherds visited the manger with reports of ‘good news,’ Mary “treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart.” (Luke 2:19 NIV)

• Upon hearing Simeon’s joyful prophecy at their son’s Temple dedication, she “marveled at what was said about Him.” (Luke 2:33 NIV)

• And after finding twelve-year-old Jesus at “his Father’s house,” Mary “treasured all these things in her heart.” (Luke 2:51 NIV) The Message translation reads: “His mother held these things dearly, deep within herself.”

Mary received these words about her Son but did not completely understand what they meant at the time. Rather than cast them off as too complex, however, she stored them deep within herself like pearls in the treasure box of her heart. Often retrieving and spreading them before her like pieces of a great puzzle contemplating the bigger picture.

How often in life do I only understand the intricate weaving of God’s threads in hindsight? That when I call forth memories of seeming insignificance I can see how carefully—and purposefully—God ordained the details of my life. The many dangers He’s delivered me from. The numerous mercies given throughout my journeys. The guiding of my steps through blackest night.
The divine appointments. The helpers. The comforters. Each season passing through His fingers before meeting me. All provided to fill a particular need. Ultimately shaping my spirit to reflect Him more clearly.

May we order our lives in such a way as to invite periods of stillness and contemplation. That these internal behaviors would so characterize us that we externally respond in kind.
May our meditations on God attune our hearts and minds to think of Him ‘day and night.’ To seek Him as our greatest Treasure.
With childlike faith, may we see His wonders on display in the everyday ordinary moments and, like Mary, store up treasures of His faithful attentiveness and care.

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