I was raised in a home where it was always understood that the Bible is the source of absolute truth and the foundation on which I should base all my beliefs and opinions. I was always thankful for that, but as I get older and the world seems to go crazier, I’m even more grateful for the solid discipleship I was given as a child.
Never in a million years would I have ever imagined that people would struggle with identity the way they do. Our kids are bombarded with messaging that would make anyone question what is true. Moms are constantly questioned and made to feel insignificant or like they’re failing by comparison to the persona they’re trying to live up to, and dad’s roles are marginalized or mocked, which is hurting everyone.
My heart breaks as I watch the impact that this is having on individuals and families all around the world.
• Children not even sure what gender they are.
• Young people giving their purity up because they think it’s expected and cool.
• Parents holding on to historic burdens and guilts that are causing mental anguish and often causing them to pass on the same burdens and guilt to their children.
• Families falling apart as each individual seeks their own interests, rather than what’s best.
That’s not how it should be!
As believers, our identity is as sure as the One Who created us in His own image.
Throughout God’s Word, we’re shown how an Almighty, Unchangeable God, our Father, Savior, and King, sees us. THAT,—not some Instagram influencer or YouTube star, should be where we are finding our identity.
For, once we recognize WHO we are as children of God, and as people who belong to the King of Kings…it is going to change our perspective on everything.
My identity and my mission here on earth is as settled as yours is—and as settled as your children’s are if they put their trust in Jesus.
In Colossians 3, we get a real quick look at how God sees His own: …giving thanks to the Father, who has qualified you to share in the inheritance of the saints in light. He has delivered us from the domain of darkness and transferred us to the kingdom of his beloved Son, in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins." Take that in, for a moment… As a believer, you are a Child of the living God. You have been qualified to share in the same eternal inheritance as the saints who have gone before you—not because of what YOU have done or how wonderfully compliant and well-put-together you are, but because of the grace of our loving Father. He sent Jesus to deliver you from the domain of darkness and transfer you to His own kingdom. Therefore, nothing that the world is trying to sell you should matter—you’re truly a citizen of another, much-improved, world. And, you are forgiven. FORGIVEN! No matter what you’ve done. No matter what you’re carrying. No matter what, YOU ARE FORGIVEN! Jesus died for you because He loved you from before the foundation of the world (Ephesians 1:4.) You were known before you were even formed in your mother’s womb (Jeremiah 1:5,) you are fearfully and wonderfully made by a God Who makes no mistakes (Psalm 139:14,) and He promises in I John 1:9 that you are not only forgiven, but when you confess, you will always be forgiven as you continue to stumble in your humanity.
God knows you from the inside out. He sees your heart and not just what man sees. He knows the plans He has for you, and He is faithful to accomplish those through you. He created you for a purpose—and He wisely gave you the children He did because you are the perfect parent for them. And, nothing—NOTHING, can separate you from the love of God (Romans 8:38-39.)
In every area of your life, despite every insecurity you may struggle with, you’ll see who you truly are listed out from the beginning to the end of God’s Word. Drink it in. Rest in it. Let the gratitude that it will most definitely fill you with overflow in praise to the God Who loves you so completely… and then pass that confidence in God on to your children, once and for all breaking the chains of generational insecurities.
There are many verses in the Bible that show us who we are. I’ve compiled a list of 40 of them for you to study, memorize, and call to mind whenever doubts and insecurities arise. You may even want to keep this list in your Bible for quick reference.