This post is part II of our series on Identity -updated December, 28, 2024
Identity: Who Am I?
A Listening Heart
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Have you ever looked in the mirror and wondered, “Who am I, really?”
The world constantly tells us who we should be. It’s easy to lose sight of the truth about our identity. Maybe you’ve felt like your value is tied to your roles as a wife, a mother, a professional. Or perhaps past mistakes, failures or even others’ expectations have shaped how you see yourself. If any of this resonates, you’re not alone. Let me share a truth that can set you free. Your identity is not determined by the world or your circumstances. It is rooted in something far greater: God’s unchanging Word and love for you!
The Struggle to Know Ourselves
When my children were young, I often heard sounds from the hallway and would ask, “Who is there?” My three-year-old son would respond, “It’s me,” and then pronounce his first name confidently, albeit with a few missing consonants. I always chuckled at his response and marveled at his assurance of his identity, even at that age.
Imagine you are on a bus traveling with two women from Moab to Bethlehem. You introduce yourself and ask them their names. The first woman smiles as she introduces herself as Ruth. The second woman answers with a scowl, “I am Mara.” Without knowing her or her story, you feel negative vibes and a wave of underlying anger. You probably suspect life must have dealt her a hard blow. (Ruth 1:19-21)
Mara’s real name is Naomi, which means pleasant, but because she lost her husband and two sons while living in Moab, she renamed herself Mara—bitter, resentful, and angry. She was angry at God because she felt He had made her life very bitter.
Jesus also powerfully explored identity in a powerful moment with His disciples. While hanging out in private, He wanted to understand how people identified Him. He asked them: “Who do the crowds say I am?” The disciples replied, “Some say John the Baptist, others say Elijah, and others say you are one of the prophets from long ago who has come back to life.” Then Jesus further challenged the disciples by asking them, “Who do you say I am?”
Peter answered, “The Christ of God” (Luke 9:18-20).
The two questions Jesus asked reflect how you and I often define ourselves: by who we think we are and how others define us.
So, how do you define yourself? Who do you say you are? Sometimes, like Naomi, we, too, call ourselves names such as foolish, dumb, slow, and unloved based on our own perceived failures or how others have treated us unfairly.
It’s easy to get caught up in the labels life and others place on us. Whether we’re defined by our careers, relationships, or circumstances, these labels can feel like they dictate our worth. But the reality is these things are fleeting. Roles change, people come and go, and circumstances shift.
So, what remains constant?
God’s view of you and me.
Identity: Rediscovering Who You Are in Christ
The Bible reminds us of our true identity. Here are a few powerful scriptures that reveal how God sees you:
- You are fearfully and wonderfully made (Psalm 139:14): God crafted you with purpose and intention. You are not an accident or an afterthought.
- You are a new creation in Christ (2 Corinthians 5:17): Your past does not define you. In Christ, you have a fresh start and a new identity.
- You are chosen and loved (1 Peter 2:9): God has called you His own, setting you apart for a purpose.
- You are God’s masterpiece (Ephesians 2:10): He created you uniquely, equipping you to do good works prepared just for you.
- You are the apple of God’s eye, and He rejoices over you with singing (Zechariah 2:8; Zephaniah 3:17): God cherishes you deeply and takes delight in who you are.
Who you and I are is not defined by our successes, accomplishments, significance, bad experiences, feelings, or how others see us.
Walking Confidently in Your Identity
Knowing your identity in Christ changes everything. It gives you confidence, peace, and purpose. But how do you embrace this truth in daily life? Here are a few practical steps:
- Spend time in God’s Word: Meditate on scriptures that affirm your identity. Write them down and place them where you can see them daily.
- Pray for clarity and strength: Ask God to reveal areas where you’ve believed lies about your worth and to replace those lies with His truth.
- Speak truth over yourself: When doubt creeps in, declare God’s Word over your life. Say out loud, “I am fearfully and wonderfully made” or “I am a new creation in Christ.”
- Surround yourself with encouragement: Share your journey with trusted friends or join a community that uplifts and reminds you of God’s promises.
Identity in Christ: A Personal Reflection
In my own life, there have been seasons when I’ve struggled to understand my worth. I’ve let fear, comparison, and the opinions of others cloud my perspective. But time and again, God has drawn me back to the truth: my identity is secure in Him. And so is yours.
Take a moment today to reflect on who you are in Christ. What labels have you been carrying that you need to release? How can you lean into the truth of God’s Word?
A Prayer for You
Father, thank You for creating me with intention and purpose. Help me to see myself as You see me. When I doubt my worth, remind me of Your Word. Teach me to walk confidently in the identity You’ve given me. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Your Turn
What does your identity in Christ mean to you? I’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments or connect with you on this journey. If this post encouraged you, please share it with someone who might need a reminder of their worth in God’s eyes. Please subscribe to the video on YouTube.
Let’s walk confidently in the truth of who we are. You are loved, chosen, and created for a purpose.
God bless you, friend.
You may also like: Discovering Your True Identity in the Goodness of God
Scripture: Ephesians 1:3-14, Psalm 139:14, Deuteronomy 32:10, Zech. 2:8, Ephesians 2:10, John 1:12, John 3:16
