I seem to continue looking to those in the world for redemption and validation. I am from this world and feel as though here is where I should be getting my redemption.
In Psalm 69, David recognizes that the world and those in it are against him. He spends time lamenting at the difficulty he faces daily and calls out in general those that are against him. But, beginning in verse 13 he turns suddenly to acknowledge that only God can save him.
“13But as for me, my prayer is to you, O LORD. At an acceptable time, O God, in the abundance of your steadfast love answer me in your saving faithfulness. 14Deliver me from sinking in the mire; let me be delivered from my enemies and from the deep waters. 15Let not the flood sweep over me, or the deep swallow me up, or the pit close its mouth over me. 16Answer me, O LORD, for your steadfast love is good; according to your abundant mercy, turn to me. 17Hide not your face from your servant, for I am in distress; make haste to answer me. 18Draw near to my soul, redeem me; ransom me because of my enemies!” – Psalm 69:13-18 (ESV)
In the above verses David gives glory to God and asks for redemption that only He can give. David, in his position, still recognizes that God and only God can provide redemption. With the power and influence that David had, he could have “made” the people deal well with him, and to some degree he did as he went to war. But his going to war was sanctioned by God and God provided the victory. When David went to war without God, things did not go quite as he planned.
David was devoted to the love and provision that only God could provide. He recognized that the only place to get true redemption was from God and God alone.
I have to remember that my redemption comes from God and God alone. I should set out on journeys in life that are sanctioned by God and for His glory alone. What others think, say, or do in this world are only my concern as they relate to God and their acceptance of Him as their Lord and savior. I am His and He is mine and I must only lean on Him for my redemption.
When you look at your life, where are you looking for redemption and validation? Are you concerning yourself with those around you to bring you some sort of restoration? What if you were to look to God and God alone for your redemption?
Trevor's Thoughts 