Thoughts from daily Bible reading for today- August 19, 2013
For you died, and your life is now hidden with Christ in God. When Christ, who is your life, appears, then you also will appear with him in glory. Colossians 3:3-4
Traumatic events like divorce or a job loss can create a crisis of identity. I previously parented with my spouse, but now I raise my child alone. As a single parent I feel angry, ill equipped and financially stressed. Before I was let go from my job I managed a team and felt respected. Post firing I struggle just to manage myself. I feel unimportant. An identity crisis is an opportunity for Christ to remind me of my identity in Him. I am significant in Him, so I am important to Him.
What feels out of control the Lord uses to bring His child under His control. A parent’s identity is challenged after a child leaves home as a young adult, just as an individual struggles for significance after retirement. If who we are is wrapped up in what we do, we are set up for disillusionment. What we do will change, but our standing in Christ remains the same. Our value isn’t measured by our role, but by the abundance of God’s grace we enjoy. Relationships are what really count.
Therefore, my brothers and sisters, you whom I love and long for, my joy and crown, stand firm in the Lord in this way, dear friends! Philippians 4:1
Because Christ is your life, your life is complete. There is no need to strive to be someone you are not, nor is it necessary to reach back and become someone you were that was only relevant for that season of life. Yes, the value of your life increases as you increasingly align with Almighty God’s character and will for your life. An identity crisis is the Lord’s opportunity to take your integrity to another level of influence. You walk securely when integrity instructs your actions.
Therefore, by God’s grace die to the desire to be someone other than God’s workmanship in Christ. Rest in your relationship with Jesus and enjoy the people He brings into your life for you to bless. It is the immaterial not the material that marks your real worth. Peace of mind, purity of heart and selfless service make you attractive to be around. As you love the Lord and others well it will be well with your soul. You are Christ’s bride, your identity is defined by His last name!
The bride belongs to the bridegroom. John 3:29
Prayer: Heavenly Father, I rest in Your son Jesus as my life. My identity and security is in Him.
Related Readings: Isaiah 29:23, 43:7; Psalm 45:1-17; John 17:13; Ephesians 2:10
Post/Tweet today: Love the Lord and others well; it will be well with your soul. #identitycrisis
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© 2013 by Boyd Bailey. All rights reserved.
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I have always enjoyed your wonderful insights to daily living along with the struggles it may bring. Thank you so much for sharing your life with us on such a personal level. You are right when you say that you ARE important to Christ. We cannot let the world tell us otherwise…no matter what!
God bless you and keep you close to Him.
Regards,
Jimmy Gonzalez
“Identity…”
It’s easy to get caught up in society’s expectations of who you should become where you are always playing the comparison game. Resting in the fact that we’re secure in Him, there’s no need to continue on in crises. He’s got our back no matter our changing circumstances!
I want to thank you for your devotion this morning regarding identity. I truly needed that. I was widowed 21 years ago and finished raising my kids, went back to school and have the work I love. But I had just kept taking on more and more till I had to cut back and ask, “why”. I began to realize I was finding my identity in what I did instead of who I am in Christ. Even though I work for a church denomination and speak around the world. It scared me. How and where did I lose sight of what is really what it is all about. Running here, flying there, projects in Africa, and training women to be all they can be in Christ. I was doing right things and telling others how to do it but began to realize I was empty inside worn out and deeply longing for Jesus to sweep me away. I was needing to reconnect on a deeper level than ever before. I have even longed a few times for that devastating time of losing my husband suddenly, to put me back into that perspective of God’s loving arms around me; a time when I felf so helpless and totally dependent on Him. That time of relying so deep and complete. A time when taking one breath at a time seemed overwhelming. God held me in His loving arms no matter how sad or angry or hopeless I felt
Today, I am asking God to fill me and let me rest and find myself totally in Him again, even deeper.
Bless you for your words this morning. They made me realize “In Him only shalt thou stand”.
Mary Jo
Thank you! I recently lost my job that I had for over 10 years and what I was going through I could not find words to describe. You gave me the words through your devotion. I identified so much with what I did in my job. I appreciate the reminder that my Father in heaven is using this time to take me to a different level. I look forward to sharing an update.
I too raised my son singly and know very well the challenges with that role; I am praying for you.