You are indeed my rock and my fortress; for your name’s sake lead me and guide me, take me out of the net that is hidden for me, for you are my refuge. Into your hand I commit my spirit; you have redeemed me, O Lord, faithful God. (Psalm 31: 3-5)

The psalms assigned for today - especially Psalm 35 - are full of enemies. The other readings abound with the intrique, betrayal, quarrelling, pride, and strife of various outsiders.

In my own life I am not aware of any true enemies. But I am certainly surrounded by confusion and contention. I often seem trapped in a net, even if it is my own creation.

The psalmist gives thanks for having been redeemed. There are three Hebrew words that are often translated as redeem. In the verse above the word is padah. The meaning of padah is close to the English "ransom."

A ransom is something paid to free or reclaim something or someone who has been taken. We especially think of paying a ransom to kidnappers. It is a buying back.

God buys us back with love. But - at least in my life - I am also the kidnapper. To be reclaimed, I must accept the ransom, and agree to return my self safely to God.