Our identity in Christ
Life is a constant roller coaster. We have highs and lows; we have times when we are on the mountain tops, then in a matter of days, we are down in the valleys. During my lows, I've noticed that my thoughts are often negative and self-defeating. I feel lost, uncertain, and restless. I ask myself questions like: Is this all there is to life? What's my purpose in life? What's next? Who am I? What legacy will I leave behind? I also feel confused, discouraged, and dissatisfied. I may have mentioned this in previous posts, but whenever I feel this way, it's a good sign that I need to immerse myself more in the Word of God, because the Bible not only tells us what a mighty and amazing God we have, it also tells us who we are. Many people, at one point or another in their life, will struggle with an identity issue; but it is in the Bible, where we can find our true identity in Christ. Below are 10 of my favorite Bible verses.
Psalms 139:14 says I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well.
Genesis 1:27 tells us we are made in God's image.
John 1:12 says Yet to all who did receive him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God-
1 Corinthians 12:27 each of us is a part of the body of Christ
1 Peter 2:9 tells us that we are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God's special possession, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light.
Ephesians 1:7 we are forgiven of all our sins and washed in the Blood of Christ.
Deuteronomy 28:13 we are the head and not the tail.
Romans 8:17 says we are am a joint-heir with Christ.
Ephesians 2:10 states we are God’s workmanship, created in Christ unto good works.
Revelation 12:11 tells us we are an overcomer by the blood of the Lamb and the word of my testimony.
These are just 10 of my favorite verses; however, if you read the Bible, you will find many more. Sometimes I found it hard to believe what I read. I thought, maybe these promises were just for the people in the Bible. How could God love me? Why would He think those things about me? I would base my identity on things like my past, my knowledge, my job, my possessions, or my mistakes. As I continued to read God's Word, He continued to speak love and life into me, and He renewed my mind. One day I decided to read the verses to myself (and negative mind) out loud, regardless if I believed them or not. I would shout them in the car whenever I was filled with self-defeating thoughts (if you were driving next to me and saw me, you'd probably think I was losing my mind). Then eventually, I started believing them. It was amazing how my eyes were opened to God's truth (our truth cannot always be trusted). I decided that I would believe what was in the Bible and stand on God's promises. I believe many of us need to do this. We need to tell ourselves and God this: Father God, I believe that what Your Word says is 100% truth, and if that is the case, I am going to believe everything in the Bible even if it doesn't make sense to me. Help me Lord, help my unbelief and give me the wisdom, knowledge, and understanding to grow in Your Word. Teach my by your Holy Spirit.
In Hosea 4:6, God tells us that we are destroyed from lack of knowledge. We don't know who we are in Christ because we are searching in all the wrong places, only to come full circle to where we first started. We must get to know God, have a relationship with Him, and read His Word. Only then will we find out who we are in Christ. Now let's get something straight. Your identity has nothing to do with your past or your mistakes. That is where I was wrong. God says we are a new creation (2 Corinthians 5:17)! It doesn't matter what color your skin is, where you work, how much money you make, the type of car you drive, where you live, who your family is, the type of clothes you have, or even how much education you have. I believe God gives us highs and lows to humble us. But also, when God gives us different seasons in life, when we are able to experience both the highs and the lows, only then can truly be thankful. I talk about this in my post Just a thought how no one is immune to hurt or pain. We've all made mistakes, big ones and small ones. But remember this: The only thing that matters is who God says you are. Do you know who you are in Christ?
Let us pray.
Father God and mighty King,
I thank You for this vital message and for all the readers. At this time, I lift them up to You in the name of Jesus. The devil is the author of confusion, and his goal is to confuse us so that we do not know who we are in Christ. Thank You for Your Word and Bible verses that tell us who we are and most importantly, who we are to You. Thank you for Your love and redemption work at the Cross. Lord, I ask You to work in the lives of all those reading, and show them who they are in Christ. Give them wisdom, knowledge, and understanding so that they may come to the truth and knowledge of who they are to You (who they truly are). Show the readers that their past and mistakes do not define them, and if they ask, You will forgive them of their sins. Show them also, that other people's opinions do not matter LORD, but only Yours. If any words of death, or words to tear down have been spoken to the readers, I bind all those words right now in the name of Jesus, and cast them to the pits of hell. Lord, we reject those words and do not receive them. Right now I speak life, blessings, good health, prosperity, peace, and truth to the readers. Psalms 34:10 says those who seek the LORD lack no good thing. We believe that Your Word is truth and we choose to believe everything written in Your Word. Protect and shield us from the enemy and send Your angels to protect us. Send your Holy Spirit so that we may grow in the Word and grow in Christ. In Jesus' Glorious name, amen.
Prayerfully,
Pam
