How to Magnify the Lord and Let His Peace Rule in Our Hearts

If you’ve ever wondered how to magnify the Lord in your daily life, you’re not alone. Our lives are filled with busy schedules, worries, and distractions that can pull our focus in every direction but up. Yet, God calls us to center our lives on Him, to make His character and love the focal points that everything else revolves around. When we magnify the Lord, we lift Him above all other concerns, inviting His peace to rule in our hearts. And in that peace, we find gratitude, purpose, and the strength to let His love shine through us to others.

How to Magnify the Lord and Let His Peace Rule in Our Hearts

Oh, magnify the Lord with me, and let us exalt His name together! ~Psalm 34:3

And Mary said: “My soul glorifies the Lord and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior,” ~ Luke 1:46

And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body. And be thankful. ~ Colossians 3:15

What Does It Mean to Magnify the Lord?

The Hebrew word used in Psalm 34:3 for “glorify” or “magnify” is gadal (גָּדַל). This word means “to make great” or “to make much of,” and it can also imply growing in importance, honor, or reverence. When David calls us to “magnify” the Lord, he’s inviting us to make God the greatest part of our lives, to lift Him up in our hearts and minds above every other concern.

But how do we practically live this out? In the Bible, we find two people who showed us what it looks like to magnify God with their whole hearts. Psalm 34, David calls others to exalt God with him, encouraging us to focus on God’s greatness rather than on our own struggles. In Luke 1:46, Mary, the mother of Jesus, declares, “My soul magnifies the Lord,” as she rejoices over the miracle of carrying the Savior of the world. In different seasons and circumstances, David and Mary both chose to make God the center of their lives, filling their view with His goodness and trusting His plans.

The Peace That Comes with Magnifying God

Let’s be honest—magnifying the Lord doesn’t always come naturally. We live in a fast-paced world with endless demands and uncertainties. It’s all too easy for worry to take control of our hearts. This is where Colossians 3:15 comes in, reminding us to “let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts.” Paul’s words are a powerful reminder that peace and worship go hand in hand. When we allow Christ’s peace to settle in our hearts, we can release our grip on anxiety, fear, and self-reliance, making room to lift God above everything else.

When Christ’s peace rules in our hearts, our focus shifts from our problems to His promises. We can surrender our worries, letting go of what we cannot control and trusting that He is greater. Peace becomes the foundation that supports our desire to magnify Him. It fills us with gratitude and enables us to live lives that reflect His love and grace.

How to Live a Life That Magnifies the Lord

So, how do we live this out in our daily lives? Magnifying the Lord is about more than just words; it’s a way of life. Here are a few ways we can choose to magnify God and let His peace rule in our hearts:

1. Shift Your Focus
   When your mind is weighed down by worry or fear, remember the invitation of Psalm 34:3: “Magnify the Lord with me, and let us exalt His name together.” Pause to focus on who God is—His faithfulness, His love, and His promises. Fixing our gaze on Him rather than on our circumstances fills us with hope and peace.
2. Invite God’s Peace to Rule
   Colossians 3:15 encourages us to “let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts.” This isn’t a passive suggestion; it’s a call to actively choose peace. When we give space for His peace to take charge, our anxieties lose their grip, making room for gratitude and worship. Make it a practice to hand over your worries to God, inviting His peace to calm your heart.
3. Live with Thankfulness
   A heart that magnifies the Lord is a heart filled with gratitude. When we recognize the ways God has provided, protected, and guided us, thankfulness becomes our natural response. Take time each day to reflect on God’s blessings, no matter how small, and thank Him for His faithfulness.
4. Bring Others Along
   David’s invitation in Psalm 34:3 is communal: “Oh, magnify the Lord with me!” We aren’t meant to live out our faith in isolation. Find ways to invite others to join you in exalting God—through prayer, conversation, or acts of kindness. Together, we can reflect God’s love and draw others to Him.

Reflection Questions

1. Are there areas in your life where fear or anxiety are louder than God’s peace?
   Reflect on areas where you feel overwhelmed or distracted. Ask yourself how you can shift your focus to make God the priority, inviting His peace into these spaces.
2. How can you practically let Christ’s peace “rule” in your heart each day?
   Consider simple practices that will help you stay centered on God, such as prayer, worship, or quiet moments of reflection. Make it a goal to start each day by inviting God’s peace to fill your heart.
3. Who can you invite to “magnify the Lord” with you?
   Think of a friend, family member, or someone in your community who could benefit from a reminder of God’s greatness. Pray for an opportunity to encourage them and to share the peace of Christ with them.

Dive Deeper with Our Psalm 34 Series

If you’re longing for more insights on living a life that magnifies the Lord, check out our Psalm 34 series on Wildly Faithful Women. This series will help you explore David’s words verse by verse, discovering ways to focus on God’s faithfulness in every season.

Prayer

Lord, thank You for inviting us to magnify Your holy name. Help us to let Your peace rule in our hearts so we can live fully for You. When we’re tempted to look inward at our struggles, remind us to look upward to You. Like Mary and David, may our lives declare, “My soul magnifies the Lord!” Fill our hearts with gratitude and peace, so that others are drawn to Your love and goodness. Amen.

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Living a life that magnifies the Lord may not always be easy, but with His peace as our anchor, it is absolutely possible. As we choose to make Him our focus, surrendering our worries and anxieties, we’ll find that our souls are lifted, our hearts are filled with gratitude, and our lives begin to radiate His glory. May we be women who magnify the Lord and let His peace rule in every part of our lives.

xoxox, Erin