redeemed

we don't just get peace from God; God is our peace - He gives us Himself.
we dont't just get joy from God; He is our joy - He gives us Himself.
He is our hope, and He gives us Himself.
He is our love, and He gives us Himself.

God doesn't redeem you and me just so we can be happier all by ourselves; He is on a mission to make His name known to the whole word. We who have been redeemed are swept up into His story and sent out on His mission.
I am currently reading through Exodus and seeing that it was God's mission that was at stake when He sent plagues upon Pharaoh and Egypt, for He said to Pharaoh: "For this purpose I have raised you up, to show you my power, so that my name may be proclaimed in all the earth" (Ex. 9-16).
"Hence God's purposes in these events are not focused simply on the redemption of Israel. God's purposes span the world. God is acting in such a public way so that His good news can be proclaimed to everyone".
God had His mission in mind when He made the covenant with Israel. He reminded them of their identity as His chosen people, His treasured possession, whom He redeemed from slavery in Egypt. Then He called them to His mission: as a nation they would be His priests, making His presence known to the world. (which is exactly what He is doing with me here).
Everything about the life of an Israelite was to be an imitation of God: their attitudes, actions, relationships, possessions, and sexuality - everything is to reflect Him. As is my life.
"Let the redeemed of the Lord say so, whom He has redeemed from trouble." (Ps. 107:2)

He has redeemed us.
How will you proclaim the name of your Redeemer?