Cause To Pause

A Reflection on the Psalm for August 23rd, 2020:
Twenty-First Sunday in Ordinary Time

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Psalm 138

R. Your steadfast love, O Lord, endures forever. Do not forsake the work of your hands.

I give you thanks, O Lord, with my whole heart; before the Angels I sing your praise; I bow down toward your holy temple, and give thanks to your name for your steadfast love and your faithfulness. 

R. Your steadfast love, O Lord, endures forever. Do not forsake the work of your hands.

For you have exalted your name and your word above everything. On the day I called, you answered me, you increased my strength of soul. 

R. Your steadfast love, O Lord, endures forever. Do not forsake the work of your hands.

For though the Lord is high, he regards the lowly; but the haughty he perceives from far away. Your steadfast love, O Lord, endures forever. Do not forsake the work of your hands. 

R. Your steadfast love, O Lord, endures forever. Do not forsake the work of your hands.

Pause. Pray.

And then read more...

This is a psalm of thanksgiving.

The events of 2020 have caused me to pause. I have had a good long chance to see things. When I say “see things,” I mean stop and have a look at the things that are right in front of me every day. 

Here’s what I see:

I have a roof over my head so when Premier McNeil said, “Stay the blazes home,” I could do it.

I have a husband and eight children who kept me “entertained” for the weeks of lockdown.

I have enough money to buy toilet paper, flour, wine — you know, all the essentials for a global pandemic.

I have friends who “Zoomed” with me many times to help keep me sane. 


In this crazy, uncertain time we are living in, I realize that I have a lot to be thankful for. Sure I hung my head a few times and cried out to God, “When will this end?” But even being able to do that is a blessing. Actually, my faith in Jesus is the thing that I am most thankful for. 


“When I called, you answered me; you made me bold and stouthearted.” (Psalm 138:3)

“Though I walk in the midst of trouble, you preserve my life.” (Psalm 138:6)

“The LORD will fulfill [his purpose] for me; your love, O LORD, endures forever.” (Psalm 138:8)


God has not abandoned me nor has He abandoned you. In fact, more than ever He is right beside us as we walk through the midst of trouble.

I have a little sign above my kitchen door. It says, “If God brings you to it, He will bring you through it.” I am also thankful for this reminder.

What are you thankful for?

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Let us Pray:
God of all creation, Help us to see all of the good that You have given to us and help us to live in the hope that You will continue to bless us through these uncertain times. Let our “new normal” be a life lived in praise of You with a whole heart every day. Amen. 




​Maxine Brown
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