STORY

And Mary said, “Behold, I am the servant of the Lord; let it be to me according to your word.”

—Luke 1:38a (ESV)

As I sat quietly at our piano one morning earlier this year, the house empty of the usual noise of a TV, kids voices or water bottles flipping, the reality of just how overwhelmed and disconnected I was from my soul settled on me. My mind had been “on” constantly, and I couldn’t remember the last time I had enjoyed the non-anxious presence that is a hallmark of the spiritually maturing. My life—at least in my head—had become overly complicated.

There we were, in the middle of trying to finish writing a new Advent album, and I had nothing to give. As I reflected on Mary, trying to think of a new way to sing her Magnificat, the Spirit of God directed my eyes up 8 verses to her acceptance of her calling. For Mary it was simple. She trusted God with a childlike faith. She wasn’t distracted by the noise of her questions, her plans or what others may think. There was such a beautiful simplicity about it. “I’ll just do whatever you ask, God… One step at a time, trusting you completely.”

Her baby boy would eventually grow up to say things like, “come to me all you who are weary and carry heaven burdens, and I will give you rest.” He also declared the God yoke easy and burden light. He assured us the Father will take care of all our needs, so we need not be anxious or live franticly. Jesus said all these good things and many more. And here’s the deal: Jesus speaks for God.

So, wherever you are in life right now, you can trust him. Whatever he may be leading you into or out of, you can simply rest in his presence in and through it all. And know that he wants to pass the gift of his light burden, his rest, his provision, his life on to others through you. Whatever the calling on your life, it doesn’t have to be heavy. It need not be a burden. Though there will no doubt be a little death in it, there is a love that more than conquers the death and a greater joy on the other side.

May we learn to say with Mary, “be it unto me”. Whatever you want, wherever you lead, I’m in! Because our souls find peace in his presence, and our lives find purpose in following him wherever he leads.

—Seth Primm

LYRICS

Be it unto me

Have your way in everything


What you want, as you will

I will obey


Be it unto me


In mercy, by your grace

What you want, as you will

Lord, have your way

You are my everything


My joy, my one delight


I’ll give you anything

My trust, my love, my life

What a glorious gift

Your love is magnificent

What marvelous mercy

I never will forget

—Seth Primm