Thrive: A Journey Through the PsalmsSample

A Time to Pause

When I was growing up, most stores were closed on Sundays. Even for those who never went to church, the lack of places to go signaled that it was a day to slow down, take time for family, and rest. Several decades ago, our government lifted the ban on Sunday shopping. With everything now open seven days a week, there is very little resting in our modern-day world. 

Today's Psalm was to be sung or read on the Sabbath. A sabbath day for the Israelites would have been a day where everything slowed to a standstill. It was a day for them to dedicate the entire day to the Lord. Today's society does not stop, so we have to choose in our lives to live out in intentionality, setting apart time to acknowledge what God has done. 

The Psalmist encourages us, showing how good it is to praise God, exhorting us to focus on his love every morning and remember God's faithfulness at night.  Busyness can cause us to fail to remember how God has protected, blessed, and poured His goodness on us. Today's reading is an encouragement to acknowledge the goodness of God daily. 

Daily Challenge: 

When was the last time you intentionally paused to remember God's goodness in your life? As you read this Psalm, take time to pause and reflect on God's love and faithfulness in your life.