13th Sunday in Ordinary Time
R. For ever I will sing the goodness of the Lord.
Written by Megan Ourso
In the Old Testament, we read about the unrelenting faithfulness God shows to His people Israel. He came through time after time. To remember what the Lord had done– and where He performed these mighty deeds– the Israelites would build altars and set up stones of remembrance. There is something beautiful about intentionally remembering the moment(s) God changed everything.
Nowadays, we are a forgetful people. Sometimes we fall victim to spiritual amnesia, but other times we are bombarded with so much noise. In a world where everyone has something to say, it is all too easy to hang on to what we are hearing as truth. Add in an enemy who has made it his mission to twist the truth and we have the literal war for our souls.
I humbly suggest that this psalm presents an antidote to our amnesia and a defense against the devil’s twisting: “For ever I will sing the goodness of the Lord.”
It may not be actually singing, but our lives should in some way “sing” of what the Lord is doing in our lives. Sometimes our songs may sound certain and strong; other times they may be little more than a whisper. Both instances are good and necessary in helping us remember the Lord’s goodness. If we are intentionally trying to stay in a state of remembering, this song serves three purposes.
First, it gives praise to God. “He who sings prays twice.” In this quote Saint Augustine speaks of the elevation of prayer, because ultimately we hope to join the Heavenly host and sing the Lord’s praise for all eternity. Think of now as practice, since forever is the goal.
Second, it helps us remember. The miracles of the ordinary can easily become a litany of thanksgiving if we have the eyes to look for those moments. If we look for them, we will find them, because God never stops showing up.
Finally, our songs tell others about a God Who is very real and Who loves His people. We have to be witnesses. Ultimately, all this remembering and “singing” about the Lord’s goodness can restore hope to a world that desperately needs it.
The Lord said, “My kindness is established forever.” That is His promise. Because He IS good. We do not have to pretend that He is or say that just to make ourselves feel good. It is Truth that we can stand firm in and hope in. May God give us the grace to remember it.
Make a list of the good you see the Lord doing in this moment. It can be the good you see for yourself or for others, and it does not have to be a long list if that is intimidating. Then, thank Him for all you see.
Megan Ourso works as an appraiser in southeast Louisiana. She has always been fascinated by stories and is an avid reader and writer. She has recently started watching Boy Meets World for the first time and is thoroughly enjoying it. Follow Megan on Instagram.
Pray with today’s psalm.