Daily Reflection Thursday of the Twenty-fifth Week in Ordinary Time

Today I found the Psalm to be inspirational, and a song I’ve prayed with for years (linked below) quickly began to repeat in my mind, so my reflection will unpack that passage. 

In the journey of our lives, the Psalmist reminds us that God has always been by our side, infusing our struggles with meaning and purpose. Even as we navigate the fleeting nature of our individual lives—much like the new dawn that springs up each morning and fades by day’s end—we can take comfort in knowing that our existence matters in the grand scheme of creation. The image of God's faithfulness has always been a consistent thread in my spiritual journey so the refrain of “in every age” rings clear that God is ever faithful. The true question isn’t whether our lives hold significance, but how we come to understand and embrace that truth.

The Psalm invites us to pray, “Teach us to number our days aright, that we may gain wisdom of heart.” This gentle call challenges us to shift our perspective: we learn to count what truly matters, which often diverges from what the world values. By recognizing the importance of our daily actions and interactions, we can cultivate a deeper sense of purpose and fulfillment. The faithfulness of God is with is in the mundane and the sublime, inviting us to find the rhythm of God in the present moment. 

This shift in mindset is transformative. Each morning, we’re invited to rise with hope, filled with kindness, joy, and gladness—allowing these virtues to guide our labor. It’s easy to start the day feeling weighed down by our to-do lists or to go to bed fretting over what we didn’t accomplish. Yet, the Psalmist encourages us to end our day with gratitude, acknowledging God’s refuge and presence in our lives, no matter how our tasks unfolded. We are more than the tasks undone or the weight of the day to come. 

While embracing this approach our daily struggles can become opportunities for growth and grace. Each moment becomes a part of a larger narrative, rich with purpose. By allowing ourselves to be guided by joy and love, we open our hearts to the Divine, finding peace and fulfillment in every step of our journey. In this way, our lives resonate with a deeper meaning, reminding us that we are all woven into the beautiful tapestry of God’s creation.

In Every Age - Janet Sullivan Whitaker