Redeeming Still
So much in this world seems, well… broken.
No matter where you look, evidence of hurt and broken lives are everywhere. From the news channels to our local churches, the cries of the shattered, the wounded, and the lost resound.
In 42 years of breathing on this earth, I confess that living has never felt more strained or more stressed. The pressure is intense. The enemy is at work. The threat is real. Have you felt it, too? I am certain you have – in one way or another.
Yet, as I hear the sirens and watch the drama unfold, there is another voice I hear. It’s not shouting or demanding, threatening or fearful. No. This Voice is different. This Voice whispers. It is a gentle prodding that beckons my heart to a grander vision and higher hope than anyone or anything else is offering.
Jesus. He is redeeming…still.
(sigh) Indeed, He is.
I can see it? Can you see it? Are you even looking?
Sometimes we just need the Truth of His promises to be louder than the sirens in our lives.
Let me give you an example.
My husband and I have a favorite psalm that, unfortunately, gets some of its verses taken out of context fairly often.
“When the foundations are being destroyed, what can the righteous do?”
Psalm 11:3
This argument sounds ominous and familiar, doesn’t it? Familiar because it rings with the pessimism of our culture – that all good is lost and we are just going downhill from here.
But this interpretation is way out of context. And when I hear it, I cringe at the temptation that rises up to give in to fear, to worry, to the overwhelming sense that nothing is right and our world is totally out of control.
But, here’s the thing…
The sky can threaten and it can pour down, but it is NOT falling. (Think “Chicken Little.”) You can’t stop at that one verse and not understand the context. (Can I get an “Amen?”) My husband and I love this psalm because it reminds us NOT to fear – even when circumstances tempt us to do otherwise. When David wrote this psalm, He was actively running from his enemies. He was under great stress and threat. This psalm was the response from his mighty heart that defied the pressure to cave in to fear.
“In the LORD I take refuge. How then can you say to me: ‘Flee like a bird to your mountain. For look, the wicked bend their bows; they set their arrows against the strings to shoot from the shadows at the upright in heart. When the foundations are being destroyed, what can the righteous do?’”
Psalm 11:1-3
David isn’t lamenting that the foundations are being destroyed and the righteous are at a loss with how to proceed. Not at all. He simply states (even in his current stressful situation) that He takes refuge in the LORD, so despairing is not an option… Listen to his question – “How then can you say to me?…”
David knew the character and calm of God. And even in the midst of trouble, hardship, persecution, and suffering, He knew without a doubt that his place of refuge was found only in the One who is always on the throne, always King, always working, and always good.
He goes on to say,
“The LORD is in His holy temple; the LORD is on His heavenly throne…”
Psalm 11:4a
Did you hear that? Let’s read that again…
“The LORD is IN His holy temple; the LORD is ON His heavenly throne…”
(emphasis mine)
He is IN the place He is supposed to be. He never left it.
He is ON the throne that belongs to Him alone. He never gave it up.
What does that mean for you and me?
Think about all the areas of your life (I am thinking of mine, too) that pull and press upon your heart. Think about all those spaces that worry and regret fill up and choke the joy and hope right out of you. When you have those things in mind, take a deep breath and speak the Truth of this statement over each and every one:
He is on the throne and He is redeeming…still.
Redeeming and restoring is what He does. It’s who He is. And He is still working, still moving, still breathing life and redeeming all things unto Himself. He is.
Truly.
The song I want to share with you today came to me in a time when I seriously needed the reminder of who God is and His redemptive, restoring nature. It’s a great song to remind you of the character of God and what He is capable of doing in our lives – right here, right now. It is called, “You Redeem” by Aaron Shust, off his brand new album entitled, Love Made a Way. It is set to release March 10, 2017. Have a listen and be encouraged for your journey today.
With joy for the journey,
Sarah
Sarah’s heart and passion is to connect worshipers around the globe, with all their gifts and talents, and come before the Throne of God…together. She is a proud Army Chaplain’s wife and homeschool mom of 3 full-throttle kiddos. She and her beloved husband, Jeff, have been married for 21 years.
