S is for Steadiness

With that Luther shows us the outer life of Mary and of all believers whom God has regarded. We will have a steadiness of heart, like Mary, and not "let our spirits rise or fall according to how He gives or takes away our gifts." In such contentment Mary sings God's praise from a pure love of Him, not tied to His gifts. Her contentment came, and ours will come, from knowing God as "He who is mighty." "This is a most important article of faith .. . . It completely puts down all pride, arrogance, blasphemy, fear, and false trust, and exalts God alone . . . because he does all things. That is easily said but hard to translate into life. For those who carry it out in their lives are most peaceable, composed, and simple-hearted folk, who lay no claim to anything, well knowing it is not theirs but God's."

So the evil is to take from God His divinity. This can be done by coveting more than He gives, or by being proud of what He has given, or by doubting His goodness when we are brought low. But for the sake of His own mercy He has regarded us. Those who believe this will love God, even when He is not bestowing blessings and even taking them away. They will praise God. And trusting Him, they will wait patiently until, with His mighty arm, God lifts them up.

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