Much of our time in life is spent determining our identity. Identity encompasses the memories, experiences, relationships and values that create one’s sense of self. It is easy to let your identity become tied to who and what is in your life at the present moment. The danger in this is that these things are changeable. As things in life change, your identity can seem to become elusive and shaken at times.
Things that have shaken my identity the most over the years seem to be major losses beyond my control. The loss of parents (even when you are an independently functioning adult), the loss of others close to you, temporarily undesirable financial circumstances and “unexpected” career changes name just a few. These and so many other experiences are just things you may have to deal with when living life in a fallen world.
Although circumstances can and will change, an identity established in Christ will remain. The Message states “It’s in Christ that we find out who we are and what we are living for” (Ephesians 1:11a). Hebrews 13:8 tells us that “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today and forever.” When the ups, downs and trials of life come, we can cling to those truths that are unchanging with an identity established in Christ.
A devotion by Brian Simmons and Gretchen Rodriguez from the book I Hear His Whisper: Encounter God’s Heart for You caught my attention. The devotion is entitled I am the one who defines you and states: “I have not rejected you. When others cast you aside and wound you, I draw you close. I long for you to understand who you are and how I see you. Your worth is not defined by the words of others. When those of seeming importance spat at me, called me names, and crucified me, my identity did not change. Your identity is not established on anyone’s opinion of you. It is rooted in my truth.”
Regardless of what life throws our way, who we are in Christ will ALWAYS remain. And some of those trials that we have little or no control over will turn into better things in the long run that we couldn’t see coming at the time. Establish your identity in Christ and watch what is planned for you unfold!