Did you know that we all have unique fingerprints? That is what law enforcement uses to aid them in identifying perpetrators. We also have a personal identity that helps to define our character, worldview, life philosophy, religious beliefs, nature, physical features, etc.
As authentic Believers, we do not depend on any of that to determine our self-worth. We all deserve hell, because we are inherently full of Adam and Eve's sin; however, Jesus died in our place and took on the sins of the entire world - past, present and future (John 3:16-18).
Our belief in Jesus' work on Calvary ensures that we are unconditionally loved, eternally forgiven, blessed beyond measure, and that the fulfillment of our needs is continually provided for us.
We build our life on the rock of Christ. Christ in us causes us to excel in every area to which God calls us to serve. Once we grasp these facts, we are no longer plagued with negative emotions.
We feel secure, peaceful, joyful, and welcomed into God's family as co-heirs with Jesus of all of His Kingdom. We simply live our life in Christ, by His Spirit, and for His glory (Romans 5:17).
We build our identity in Christ by totally trusting in, relying on and obeying Him at all times. We look forward to eternity with Him, and we find joy in Him now and through all of our earthly circumstances.
Unity with Christ by His grace is the most important aspect of our earthly existence.
When we stop pulling our self up by our bootstraps, trudging on into the next trial, relying on our human resources and understanding, and creating our own yoke of burdens to carry, we start to experience the depth of God's love, the freedom of His rest, and the intensity of His peace and joy.
Prayer:
Father God, teach us to completely trust only in You, to snuggle under the shadow of Your wings (Psalm 91:1-2), to realize the depth of Your love and care for us, to live in Your perfect plan for our life (Ephesians 2:10), and to follow the guidance of Your Holy Spirit as He leads us to do only Your will with our life (Galatians 5:15-25). Build up our faith in Your faithfulness and help us to enter into Your rest (Hebrews 4:10).
We want our identity to be about You, not about our merits, looks, bank account, privileges, and accomplishments (Ephesians 2:8-9). Help us to realize the extent of Your magnanimous love for us all, and that nothing can occur in our life without Your permission (Job 1:9). As our Father, You have our best interest in the center of Your heart, and we choose to trust You rather than in our self, or anyone or anything else.
Thought for the Day:
We can find joy in the termination of our plans when they are superseded by God's plans, because everything about our life - even down to our finger prints - are uniquely given to us by God; when we trust only in His perfect plans for us, we find fulfillment and so much glorious joy that no words can adequately explain how we feel. - 1 Peter 1:8; Ephesians 2:20
