Revisiting Redemption

Contemplating my life’s path, I often wonder at the choices I’ve made. When I turned left instead of right, only to find provision for the road to the right came shortly after. When I’ve changed my mind and struck out in a new direction that over the years has challenged me to the depths. When I have stood up to other’s counsel, intent on doing things my way, and now look back at the results. Remembering the saving grace of God and His hand on me through it all, yet my struggle with who I am, even though I have been redeemed, made new in Him. Percolating to the front of my mind’s awareness is my need to revisit redemption. What really happened to me when I was born again? And has God allowed this tumultuous journey in my mind for me to experience yet His ongoing grace and restoration? So, here I am, ready to contemplate again.

Really, there has been no need for tumult at all. Some would look at my life, see all the incredible blessings and praise God from Whom all blessings flow. And I do, when not sloughing around wondering about things. I wonder if my tendency to overthink has been a target for the enemy’s darts of doubt, despair and discouragement. Obviously! “Listen up, soul! You have been redeemed, at the highest price, so start living and thinking that way! Stop dwelling in the past! March on!”

Myles Munroe, in his excellent book Potential for Every Day: A Daily Devotional, explains the difference of spirit and soul. The soul is one’s emotions, will, personality and is tied to our earthly body. The spirit, the life God breathed into us, became spiritually dead since the fall of man, but is awakened and made new, born again, when one asks Christ to enter in, the indwelling Holy Spirit teaching one’s spirit thereafter. The earthly soul relishes the elevation and recognition of its self, and so the ongoing battle of who is on the throne of one’s life: one’s self or God. There will always be one or the other driving the bus…

Since making the choice to let God drive the bus of my life I have been amazed at the evidences of His presence, the many rescues and saves, guidance, consolation, promises and encouragement, and His ongoing love and forgiveness. So what about redemption? I have been made new, yet my soul-self still hounds my mind with woes, depression, insecurity, frustration. No wonder we are told in Philippians 4:8 (NKJV) 8 Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy—meditate on these things.

Psalm 130: 4-8 reassures and promises God will forgive and redeem His people Israel. For those who have accepted Jesus Christ, that forgiveness and redemption is a gift for all.

Isaiah 43:1 states: 1 But now, thus says the Lord, who created you, O Jacob,And He who formed you, O Israel:
“Fear not, for I have redeemed you;
I have called you by your name;
You are Mine.

I say to my self: “So, my soul. Forget not the promises of God! Forget not the ultimate sacrifice Jesus made dying to pay the penalty for your putrid sins, all those things great or small that separate you from God’s best for you. Remind yourself of His forgiveness! Forgive your self! Think only of those good things He brings! And be a light of hope and encouragement for those still lost in the darkness of their despair! Arise, my soul, and sing! You belong to God! Walk moment by moment with Him! He created you, and He proposes to make you whole!”

Redemption having been received is a living, ongoing process. Not static, it is a gift that is new each morning. My spirit must remind my quivering earthly soul that “God’s got this!” (to quote my dear friend Dede, who lives now in Heaven). God promises in the Old Testament in Isaiah 41:10 10 Fear not, for I am with you; Be not dismayed, for I am your God.
I will strengthen you,
Yes, I will help you,
I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.

In the New Testament Jesus‘s purpose as Redeemer is recorded in Ephesians 1:7 7 In Him we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of His grace

And so, with thanksgiving, I choose to take Him at His Word. My LORD, the Redeemer of my soul. Day by day, moment by moment, rejoicing in the abundance of His love and redemption! All Praise to Him!