Many believers are familiar with the phrase, “Let the redeemed of the Lord say so,” but far too few consider its immediate context in scripture. As the Lord's children, we are to “say so,” but what are we to be saying? Believers are to offer thanks to the Lord and continually speak of His goodness and mercy. Oftentimes, the Bible admonishes God’s people to give thanks unto God for His mercy, especially those who have been redeemed from the hand of the enemy (Psalm 107:2). We also need to give thanks to God because of His redeeming mercy (Psalm 136:1, 2, 3, 26). One who is redeemed can best say so by giving God thanks. Let others know you are not ashamed to belong to God and that you are truly grateful for His working in your life.
Some people attribute a lack of joy to unfavourable circumstances. They believe joy is attainable only when their circumstances enable them to experience joy. The Bible offers a completely different perspective. Paul testified, “I am exceeding joyful in all our tribulation.” Paul experienced tribulation and yet was exceeding joyful! He also wrote of the churches of Macedonia abounding in joy though they were “in a great trial of affliction” (2 Corinthians 8:2). Furthermore, Paul wrote of the saints of God in Thessalonica that they received the word of God with joy even though they were “in much affliction” (1 Thessalonians 1:6). Lastly, believers should “count it all joy” when falling into divers temptations (James 1:2). We should understand that our joy as Christians is not dependent upon favourable circumstances.
