The Story I’ll Tell, Part One
Let the Redeemed Tell Their Story
Psalm 107 opens with a powerful invitation: “Let the redeemed of the Lord tell their story.” This single verse reminds us that redemption is never meant to be private. When God redeems us, He gives us a story—one that carries power, purpose, and hope for others.
But what does it actually mean to be “redeemed”?
In Scripture, redemption carries several layered meanings. First, it points to the idea of a kinsman redeemer—someone who steps in to rescue, reclaim, and purchase another out of bondage. This image is beautifully illustrated in the story of Ruth, where Boaz redeems her family line. Ultimately, Boaz is a picture of Jesus, who came to redeem us from sin, shame, and condemnation and restore our lives.
Redemption also means rescued, reclaimed, and restored. Something redeemed is brought back to its original purpose. Like reclaimed wood repurposed into something beautiful, God takes the broken pieces of our past and brings them into something new. What was once meant to harm us, He now uses to heal us—and to help others.
Finally, redemption speaks to a restoration of identity and purpose. In a world that constantly reshapes our identity through culture, comparison, and social media, it’s easy to forget who we truly are. Some of us don’t need to be rescued again—we need God to remind us of who He says we are and why we’re here. God doesn’t erase our story; He rewrites it in a way that reveals His grace and glory.
Stories matter deeply to God. In fact, nearly 70% of the Bible is narrative. Jesus Himself taught primarily through stories—parables that made spiritual truth memorable and relatable. People may forget principles, but they remember stories. Stories connect us, remind us, and help pass faith from one generation to the next.
Psalm 107 itself was written after Israel’s return from exile and served as a song of remembrance—a reminder of God’s redeeming work. Within it are four kinds of stories that reveal how God redeems His people, and they are still deeply relevant today.
First, prodigal stories. God brings wanderers home. Those who chased fulfillment and found only emptiness discover that when they cry out to the Lord, He leads them back. Like the prodigal son in Luke 15, God isn’t waiting with condemnation but with open arms.
Second, freedom stories. God breaks chains. Psalm 107 speaks of people bound in darkness and captivity who cried out—and God shattered their chains. This is the story of addiction broken, cycles ended, and lives set free.
Third, miracle stories. God heals what seems hopeless. Psalm 107 tells of people afflicted physically, emotionally, and spiritually, who cried out to the Lord and were healed by His word. We still need miracles—healing for bodies, minds, and hearts—and God is still able.
Finally, transformational stories. God brings peace in the storm. Some find themselves in circumstances they never expected, but when they call on the Lord, He calms the storm and redeems the situation for His glory.
God’s power is most clearly seen not in perfect stories, but in redeemed ones. Broken lives become living testimonies of grace. Revelation tells us that we overcome by the blood of the Lamb and the word of our testimony. Our stories are a witness to a world searching for real faith.
So the question remains: What is your story?
What has God redeemed you from?
And who might be waiting to hear it?
God is still rewriting stories—and He’s inviting the redeemed to tell them.
