Ponder To Praise
December 12, 2021

Luke 2:8-20 (ESV)

Luke 2:18-20 ESV
All who heard it wondered at what the shepherds had told them. But Mary treasured up all these things, pondering them in her heart. And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all they had heard and seen, as it had been told them.

Treasure - To preserve a thing; to keep within so that it will not be forgotten.


Ponder - Meditate; the conversation you have with yourself; (whispering, musing)

When we treasure and ponder we are internalizing, we personalize it until it becomes a part of us.

Jesus has moved from a promise to a reality in Mary’s life and she is choosing to treasure that, to never let that go!

DON’T INTERNALIZE THE PAIN OF THE PROCESS MORE THAN YOU INTERNALIZE THE PROMISE.


**
We have two choices:**

1. Walk through life wondering.

Luke 2:18 - All who heard it wondered at what the shepherds had told them.
Many people stand at the doorway and marvel at the promise, Jesus is inviting us to come through the door and make him a part of our lives.

2. Treasure what God has done and cause it to erupt in praise.

What we mutter and muse about in quiet will erupt into an outward expression (praise) publicly.

Luke 2:20 - And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all that they had heard and seen, as it had been told them.

*Psalm 77:12
I will ponder all your work, and meditate on your mighty deeds.*

Psalm 143:5 -
I remember the days of old; I meditate on all that you have done; I ponder the
work of your hands.


**
Discussion Questions:**

  1. What is a life experience that you have pondered and treasured that has defined your life in some way?

  2. What is the difference between walking through a painful situation and internalizing the pain?

  3. What is harmful about internalizing painful situations?

  4. How has internalizing pain caused you to view life or other people in an unhealthy way?

  5. What are some practical ways we can personalize or internalize the promises of Jesus as we walk through pain?

  6. What are some specific areas of your life you can praise and glorify Jesus for in this season?