August 28, 2026 // Memorial of Saint Augustine, Bishop and Doctor of the Church

Read the Word // Open your Bible to today’s Psalm: Psalm 33:1-2,4-5, 10-11

Reflect on the Word // 

I notice my thoughts criticizing my recent harp playing: It didn’t sound so good. The triplets were so messy. I don’t practice enough. I don’t know enough tunes. I messed up so many times in that session in front of all those people. I’ll never be as good as those other musicians. One negative thought leads to another until I’m criticizing myself even personally. I pause, checking myself. I remember that the intent behind choosing to learn this instrument was to thank God for His healing in my life. I remember the Psalms that literally command me to praise God through my harp music: “Give thanks to the Lord on the harp” (Psalm 33:4).

There is more I need to learn than just the skill of playing this instrument well. My life needs to be an instrument of praise to the Lord. How do I learn the skill of praising the Lord for His goodness and His kindness? How do I offer praise throughout my life, whether playing music or any other kind of work or activity? This is what I really need to practice. This is the real “music” to express. This is the “song” of praise I need to live—that whatever I do may be offered as thanks and praise to God.

Regardless of whether we play or sing, our lives can be instruments for the Lord. He can make music through us and our lives can be songs of praise for His glory. He calls us to practice offering our thanks to God through the actions of our work of this day. Let us shift from negativity, complaints, and judgments and turn our hearts to practice praise, because truly “the world is full of the goodness of the Lord” (Psalm 33:5).

Relate to the Lord // How has the Lord healed you? Give thanks and praise to Him today!