Strength in His Embrace

A Reflection on the Psalm for Sunday, March 30th, 2025:
Fourth Sunday of Lent

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Psalm 34 

R: Taste and see that the Lord is good.

I will bless the Lord at all times; his praise shall continually be in my mouth. My soul makes its boast in the Lord; let the humble hear and be glad. 


 R: Taste and see that the Lord is good.

O magnify the Lord with me, and let us exalt his name together. I sought the Lord, and he answered me, and delivered me from all my fears. 


 R: Taste and see that the Lord is good.

Look to him, and be radiant; so your faces shall never be ashamed. The poor one called, and the Lord heard, and saved that person from every trouble.


 R: Taste and see that the Lord is good

Pause. Pray. Reflect.

The pressures of life can sometimes feel overwhelming, and it’s easy to forget that we don’t have to face it all on our own. Psalm 34:1-7 is a beautiful reminder that God is always with us, ready to listen, protect, and deliver us, no matter the struggles we face.

The psalmist begins by declaring, “I will bless the Lord at all times; His praise shall be ever in my mouth.” These words may feel like a challenge when life is difficult, when fear and doubt cloud our hearts. Yet, there is power in choosing to praise God even in the hardest moments. Praising Him when it’s hard doesn’t just lift our hearts; it shifts our focus. It reminds us that His love never falters, no matter what storms are raging in our lives. When we make the decision to thank God, even through our tears, we invite peace into the chaos.

But it’s not just about giving praise—it’s about trusting that we are seen. The psalmist says, “My soul will glory in the Lord; let the humble hear and be glad.” As women, we can easily fall into the trap of measuring our worth by what we do or how we’re perceived. We may feel overlooked or like we don’t matter, but our worth isn’t defined by the roles we play or the praise of others. Our worth is in the fact that we are loved by God. In Him, we are enough. When we choose to rest in that truth, we can find joy that surpasses any earthly approval. We can glory in the Lord, not because of what we’ve done, but because of who He is and what He’s done for us.

Psalm 34:4 offers a promise that hits home for many of us: “I sought the Lord, and He answered me, and delivered me from all my fears.” As women, we often carry the weight of worry—worry for our families, for the world, for our future. But here is the truth: when we seek God, He hears us. Every prayer, every cry for help, every whispered plea is known to Him. And He responds. God doesn’t just watch from a distance; He draws near to us. In our weakest moments, when our fears threaten to overwhelm us, He promises to deliver us, to hold us in His love and give us the courage to face what lies ahead.

And perhaps one of the most beautiful truths of this psalm is the promise of God’s protection: “The angel of the Lord encamps around those who fear Him, and delivers them.” Life can be scary. We face uncertainty, danger, and challenges that feel impossible. But God’s angels surround us, guarding us from harm. This isn’t just a nice sentiment—it’s a powerful truth. When we feel alone or vulnerable, we can rest in the knowledge that we are never truly alone. God’s protection is unwavering, and His love is a shield around us.

Psalm 34:1-7 is a reminder that God is with us—always. In our moments of fear, in our tears, in our joy, He is near. As Catholic women, we are called to trust in His faithfulness, to seek Him, to praise Him, and to rest in His protection. Whatever you are facing today, remember that you don’t have to face it alone. God sees you. He hears you. And He will never let you go.




Theresa Langley

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