The Road to Redemption: How to Recenter Your Heart in Hard Times (Psalm 111)

Life can feel overwhelming, uncertain, and out of control—but Psalm 111 offers a better way forward. The Road to Redemption is paved with praise, anchored in God’s faithfulness, and strengthened by His unchanging character. In this message, Pastor Chris Teien shows how recentering your heart on God’s works and promises can renew your strength, reshape your perspective, and restore your joy—even in hard times.

Link: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2285086/episodes/17457266

Key Points:

1. God’s Redemption Flows from His Character – Psalm 111:9 reminds us that redemption begins with who God is—gracious, faithful, and just. (Exodus 6:6; Hebrews 9:15)
2. Redemption is a Gift, Not an Achievement – Salvation isn’t earned but received through Christ’s finished work on the cross. (Titus 3:4–7; Ephesians 2:8–9)
3. Redemption Results in Transformation – Psalm 112 shows how the redeemed live differently—with purpose, generosity, and stability. (1 Peter 1:18–19)
4. Praise Re-centers Our Perspective – When life unravels, choosing to praise helps re-align our hearts with truth and reminds us of God's ongoing faithfulness.

Personal Stories:
Pastor Chris shares a personal reflection on 29 years of ministry and how God has faithfully provided through both challenges and seasons of joy. He also draws a practical illustration from pawning a wedding ring to explain redemption—and offers examples of how acrostics like “ACTS” and “GRACE” can help us stay spiritually grounded.

Notable Quotes:

• “Redemption is a gift, not an achievement.”
• “Praise helps re-center your heart when everything else feels off balance.”
• “Jesus didn’t just free us—He gave us a new life with eternal purpose.”

Actionable Takeaways:

• Heart-level reflection: Where in your life do you need to remember what God has already done?
• Daily-life application: Begin each day this week by thanking God for one specific way He has been faithful.
• Spiritual step or challenge: Recenter your heart by meditating on Psalm 111 and praying it back to God.
• Practical next step: Commit to one act of praise or generosity this week as a response to God's redemption.

Scripture References:

• Psalm 111 & 112 – God's works, covenant, and the response of the redeemed
• Exodus 6:6 – God’s promise to redeem His people from slavery
• Hebrews 9:15 – Christ as mediator of the new covenant
• Titus 3:4–7 – Salvation by grace through rebirth
• Ephesians 2:8–9 – Not by works, but by grace
• 1 Peter 1:18–19 – Redeemed by the blood of Christ
• Luke 22:20 – The new covenant in Christ's blood

Keywords:
Redemption, Psalm 111, praise, hard times, God’s faithfulness, spiritual renewal, covenant, worship, grace, transformation

Challenge:
Recenter your heart this week by praising God out loud, reflecting on His faithful works, and taking one step of bold trust—because the road to redemption is paved with worship and hope.

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New messages released Sundays.
Replay messages from Pastor Chris’s earlier ministry (2021 and prior), marked with an asterisk (*), are posted midweek.