When You Need to Remember Who You Are In Jesus
I have the January blahs! I began the year with all the normal enthusiasm that comes with a fresh start.
Three weeks ago, I had a writing plan that excited me, a healthy diet and exercise plan that seemed doable, books I couldn’t wait to read, family and friends who delighted me … I was full of optimism and happiness.
This week, I ran up against a wall of discouragement for no apparent reason other than a bunch of little things piled up one on top of another and I started to feel “less than.”
Not enough! Less than I want to be! Less than I believe I should be.
I decided I need a quick reminder of who I am in Christ. Maybe you need a reminder of who you are in Jesus, too. So … here we go!
Who You Are In Jesus
You are wonderful!
Yes, you!
When I feel like I have the last few days, I can quickly think of a dozen ways I am definitely NOT wonderful.
Most of the time I go straight to the superficial . . . to appearances. And all I see are my imperfections.
I see spots, blemishes, wrinkles, and sagging skin. I have lumps and bumps in places I don’t want them and well, you get the idea.
I’m also well aware of my flaws when it comes to my thoughts, words, and actions.
I could share a long list of things that are not wonderful but I’ll spare you.
I relate to these words from Paul…
I know that nothing good lives in me, that is, in my sinful nature. I want to do what is right, but I can’t. I want to do what is good, but I don’t. I don’t want to do what is wrong, but I do it anyway.
Romans 7:18–19
It’s reassuring to know that a pillar of faith, like Paul, did not hold himself up as the ideal of Christian perfection but let us know that we are not alone in our struggle.
And when you and I recognize our “less than” perfect qualities and characteristics we can embrace the words that follow…
What a miserable person I am! Who will free me from this life that is dominated by sin and death? Thank God! The answer is in Jesus Christ our Lord!
Romans 7:24–25a, 8:1–2, 8:38–39
So now there is no condemnation for those who belong to Christ Jesus. And because you belong to Him, the power of the life-giving Spirit has freed you from the power of sin that leads to death.
I am convinced that nothing can ever separate us from God’s love. Neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither our fears for today nor our worries about tomorrow—not even the powers of hell can separate us from God’s love. No power in the sky above or in the earth below—indeed, nothing in all creation will ever be able to separate us from the love of God that is revealed in Christ Jesus our Lord.
That’s grace! That’s love!
That’s who you are in Jesus.
It’s good news!
Because of Jesus, God looks past our flaws and failures with eyes of grace and love and He sees the wonderful you and me … He created us to be!
Whether you and I feel like it or not, we need to repeat the following often…
1. GOD MADE ME WONDERFUL.
I praise you because You made me in an amazing and wonderful way. What You have done is wonderful. I know this very well.
Psalm 139:14 (NCV)
I love the way the MSG. says it…
Body and soul, I am marvelously made!
It’s not about our feelings. Whether you and I “feel” it or not.
God says in His Word that we are made in an “amazing and wonderful way” … unique and one of a kind. Perfect for His plans and purposes. Out of all the possible DNA combinations, God chose 46 or 47 specific chromosomes just for you.
There are 8,324,608 possible combinations of chromosomes and each one contains dozens to thousands of different genes. The total possible combination of alleles (variations) for those genes in humans is approximately 70,368,744,177,664. This is trillions of times more combinations than the number of people who have ever lived. ~Reddit.com/AskScience
Who you are…
“You weren’t an accident. You weren’t mass-produced. You aren’t an assembly-line product. You were deliberately planned, specifically gifted, and lovingly positioned on the earth by the Master Craftsman.” ~Max Lucado
2. And It’s Okay to Celebrate Being Wonderfully Made
Obsessing about our flaws and faults simply robs us of our peace and happiness.
I believe that’s something high on the list of things satan wants for us because if he can steal our peace and joy, he can stifle our ability to fulfill God’s plans and purposes for us.
Jesus said…
The thief’s purpose is to steal, kill and destroy. My purpose is to give life in all its fullness.
John 10:10
Jesus’ purpose is to give us a full and satisfying life.
When we stay focused on all we have and who we are in Jesus, we have everything we need to live the life He wants for us.
David followed the “amazing and wonderful” verse with…
I worship in adoration—what a creation!
Psalm 139:15–16
You know me inside and out,
You know every bone in my body;
You know exactly how I was made, bit by bit,
how I was sculpted from nothing into something.
Like an open book, You watched me grow from conception to birth; all the stages of my life were spread out before You, the days of my life all prepared before I’d even lived one day.
What a creation!
Known. Loved. Planned.
And in Jesus … Forgiven. Redeemed. Child of God.
That’s you! That’s me!
We are not known for our flaws and faults.
You and I are God’s marvelous creation! God’s loved and redeemed children!
So, it’s time to look at things in a new way, to know who you are in Jesus. So…
Stop and Celebrate Who You Are
- Make a list of your greatest strengths and abilities. You’re kind. Smart. Funny. Musical. Artistic. Athletic. Strong. Caring. Helpful. Make a list of everything you do well.
- Make a list of things you like about the way you look. Just do it. Beautiful eyes. Cute nose. Strong arms. Dimples. Curly hair. Curvy figure. Find a minimum of 5-10 you can celebrate.
- Ask your closest friends to help you make your list. They love you. You’ll be surprised by the blessings they see in you and the things they love about you.
- Spend less time focused on yourself and more time loving others. Avoid lengthy sessions in front of the mirror and ask God to forgive your failures. Then focus on loving your people. You will feel better about yourself. I promise.
- Refuse to compare your appearance, gifts, or abilities with anyone else’s. Comparing is the thief of joy and peace. Don’t do it!
- Take occasional breaks from social media. Everyone puts their ideal on social media. If you find yourself discouraged while scrolling through posts . . . walk away for a while.
- Do your best and be at peace about the rest. Live today with enthusiasm. Then put the day behind you and start again tomorrow.
- Reject negative self-talk. Stop it! If it’s sin, confess it, receive forgiveness and celebrate God’s grace.
- Do something positive every day to become the person you want to be. Let God work in you to grow you for His purposes. Learn something new. Exercise. Eat a healthy diet.
- Limit your time with toxic and negative people. You can’t avoid them all but you can lessen their ability to discourage and defeat you.
- Be patient with yourself – think long term. Expect progress, not perfection. One of my favorite sayings is, “Baby steps are still steps.”
- Cherish values like honesty, integrity, kindness, etc. Follow the Golden Rule and treat others the way you want them to treat you.
- Speak a minimum of five positive and encouraging things to yourself every day. Remember Stuart Smiley’s quote, “I’m good enough, I’m smart enough, and doggone it, people like me.”
- Do one nice thing for yourself every day. Take a long bath. Read a chapter of your favorite book. Light a candle. Use your good dishes. Celebrate today.
- Pursue a close relationship with the One who created you. Spend time in prayer and Bible study. Ask Him to help you become the best version of the person He created you to be.
- Ask God to help you see yourself the way He sees you. He loves you so much! The God of the universe calls you precious.
- Remember how very much God loves you. Memorize His promises to speak truth to your heart when you feel discouraged.
- Remember – God looks past the surface to the heart. The Lord does not look at the things people look at. People look at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart. 1 Samuel 16:7
Verses to Memorize:
Remember How Much God Loves You
Even before He made the world, God loved us and chose us in Christ to be holy and without fault in His eyes. Ephesians 1:4
But God showed His great love for us by sending Christ to die for us while we were still sinners. Romans 5:8
But God is so rich in mercy, and He loved us so much, that even though we were dead because of our sins, He gave us life when He raised Christ from the dead. Ephesians 2:4
The Lord your God is with you; the mighty One will save you. He will rejoice over you. You will rest in His love; He will sing and be joyful about you. Zephaniah 3:17
See how very much our Father loves us, for He calls us His children, and that is what we are! 1 John 3:1
Finally, it’s important to…
HAVE AN ETERNAL PERSPECTIVE.
All of those things that discourage and annoy you are temporary.
Your soul, the person God made you to be in Him, the person created in His image … that person will live forever.
You are God’s beautiful creation! You are someone to celebrate!
I needed that reminder today. Maybe you needed it too.
If so, you may want to write this down…
God loves me. He made ME for His glory, for His plans and purposes, and for eternity. It’s time for me to celebrate His grace, mercy, and love by remembering who I am because of whose I am. I belong to Jesus!
Hi Deb Happy New Year, Hope is well with You. Thanks for reminding Me I am a Child of God who is Loved By Him . Many Blessings in the New Year . Sincerely Robert
Happy New Year to you as well, Robert. Thanks so much for visiting and for your kind words of encouragement. God bless you!
Hi Deb. Thanks for the awesome words of encourgement and God Bless you and your family and Relatives too. =)
Thank you, Brian! May God bless you and your family as well.
A blessing indeed to read your writings! Thank you for your God-inspired sharing and encouragement
Thank you, Faith! I’m so glad this blessed you! It was something I needed and I love knowing when it has encouraged someone else as well. God bless you!
Deb, I think you are wonderful too! Sending prayers.
Thank you for this great post I will cherish it on the days I doubt myself and feel overwhelmed.
Maree
Thank you, Maree! That’s why I wrote it. It was definitely one of those days for me. It’s always a blessing to know I’m not alone! God’s blessings, my friend!
I need to remember always, that God loves me and all those in this hurting and fallen world. He wants us to seek Him and love Him without reserve. God certainly made us for His glory, and may we honor that during our life times that are bestowed by Him. I’m so grateful, Deb, for His recent reassurance with current events. I know God is in my corner, just as He is in yours!
Blessings!
Me too, Martha! I need to remember that I am who He says I am. I love Lauren Daigle’s song, You Say. It’s so full of hope and love. I am really glad God has blessed you with His reassurance. Blessings to you!
Such an amazing way to remember to see ourselves how Christ sees us. I love these ways you have provided to combat feeling less than as well. Less social media, more real life definitely does wonders for the soul. So much good information here!
Thank you, Brittany. I sometimes have to actually stop and do something when I want to change my negative thoughts. Thanks again for your encouragement. I sure do appreciate you. God bless you!
This is such a powerful and practical post, Deb! I love the list of things you’ve given us to do to reinforce who we are in Christ–which is so much when we stop to meditate on it! Pinning this for sure!
Thanks so much, Beth! I really appreciate your kind encouragement. I needed this reminder myself, I’m so glad to know it blessed you, too! Blessings and hugs!
Hi Deb… This is wonderful indeed.
Be blessed with more wisdom to feed us always.
we love you but God loves you most.
Thank you so much, Aina! You totally made my day! God bless you!
Deb!!
Just found your blog a week ago! … subscribed right away. My very first thought when checking it out & seeing “about” you was “what a warm person”! Seeing the pic w/you & your husband & little grandson: “now there is someone who’s GOT IT ALL TOGETHER”!!
Because I’ve had a lifelong tendency to focus on my own shortcomings, add to that my lack of family (VERY grateful for my most incredibly wonderful husband & also an old crippled dog who’s been a blessing straight from heaven! They ARE my family! Though other than them, I have none AT ALL…. None whatsoever…. Zip, nada, no one!!) Yet, satan attacks us at our “weakest areas” & because I value good relationships more than anything else life offers, wouldn’t you know this is where I’m attacked often!
I confess, seeing others enjoy their loved ones often makes me well up ~ not with envy, mind you, as I am grateful for you/others….. just that I wish I had that, TOO!! I will have some day – when walking the streets of gold, perhaps will never even recall what it was to be mostly alone in this world.
At any rate, I feel I was put on this earth to be an encourager, so that’s what I offer you today! Seems you spend your time, energy & effort encouraging others. It’s OKAY if you, too, need a little encouragement now & then! You share your heart (along with a hefty dose of Scripture and great advice) with us, and you bless us, now may we bless you!
And I quote you: I have the January blahs! I began the year with all the normal enthusiasm that comes with a fresh start.
Three weeks ago, I had a writing plan that excited me, a healthy diet and exercise plan that seemed doable, books I couldn’t wait to read, family and friends who delighted me … I was full of optimism and happiness.
This week, I ran up against a wall of discouragement for no apparent reason other than a bunch of little things piled up one on top of another and I started to feel “less than.”
Not enough! Less than I want to be! Less than I believe I should be. ~#~
Deb!! It is January after all…. And “S.A.D.” affects many of us! I know it hits me “big time”!! Not only the brrr…. Very cold days to deal with (and admittedly, I prefer to hibernate in such weather! Yet if I don’t get out & about, it’s way too easy to get depressed.) Also I’ve noticed it’s in the winter when “past thoughts/feelings/memories” come back to haunt me & batter me around! Wonder why that is? I’ve even considered less blood flow! Possibility anyway….
You obviously put your new year’s goals to move forward. Honestly? The list somewhat overwhelmed me. Could it also be that now & then, instead of focusing on a “to do list” ~ you need to sit back, take a deep breath, get in God’s Word (you do, often, I see!) and simply be a human BE-ing…… not a human DO-ing?! /smile-smile!
And don’t we just hate those “brick walls” for no apparent reason?! Ugh…. Soooo understand the “bunch of little things” PILED on top of another…. SOOO understand when we start to feel “less than” like we can’t measure up!
I am glad you shared how you can be vulnerable, because here I was, right off the bat, wishing I could measure up to you! Nice to know we’re both human! And yep, fragile & vulnerable at times. You have such a warm, welcoming, sincere smile! And truly the love & light of the Lord shines in your eyes!
GOOD ADVICE to take a break from social media, BTW! I’m not even on FB. Through my DH’s account, I take a peek now & then especially when I wonder whatever happened to someone who may be on my mind. But HONESTLY? Given my life situation, 99% of the time I come away from FB feeling horrible DEPRESSED!! Almost like I could go into a hole & pull the cover on top of me!
As I reread through this & another post you wrote, I see you use the words, “I’m THANKFUL” and that right there, my new friend, can help us overcome a big mountain of depression, discouragement, feeling “less than”!!!!! The Lord tells us over & over again to BE thankful. I expect He meant it! /smile Sure seems to take the weight off our shoulders when we keep the garden of thanks giving and thanks living cultivated! Title of your blog says it all!
Our Lord cares about our physical concerns, too (and often they are all intertwined, the spiritual/emotional/physical) so an FYI…often times it can be something as simple as deficiency in B vitamins or a major mineral such as potassium which can create/cause depression! Once upon a time a naturopath’s bloodwork showed I was severely lacking in B vitamins & he also mentioned any time I’m under great stress, this “washes” out the B’s quicker! Hmm!!
Best I can do is pray for you…. encourage you…. offer a cyber hug (how about a mocha latte to go with that?) and ~~THANK YOU~~ for using your time & talents to encourage us!!! You are truly an inspiration from heaven! You are truly using your “gifts” in a way the Lord intended! Because of this, however, don’t expect the devil to leave you alone! RESIST HIM and he will flee from you!
I’ve heard it said that the devil is such an egomaniac that he can’t even stand to be in the same room when we are praising the Lord! (as he wants that praise for himself) Turn some praise music to the Lord on LOUD – and sing along with it!!! No matter how pretty your voice is, or whether you think it’s lacking. I hit a lot of sour and flat notes – who cares… I’m still making a joyful NOISE ~ unto the Lord~!! ????
And yep, almost forgot to say: I’m a BIG emotion person, too! But once a Dr. (GYN, not a psychiatrist – ha!) told me to NOT suppress my feelings/emotions – as, he stated, there are far too many in this world who DO NOT care!!!! Some of the world’s best artists (writing is an art, too!) are big emotion people. So this is OKAY!!!! God created these emotions. He expects us to “feel”!!! Can you imagine the coldness of NOT being able to feel….
You are truly a sincere, caring person, though I wonder if, because of this, you can get “burned out” from time to time! It’s OKAY to go on vacation! Or have a nice staycation inside your home, your sanctuary! You don’t want to be arrested for “resisting a rest”, do you?! 😉 Remember Jesus told His disciples to come apart and rest for a while…. so if we do not rest, do we simply “come apart”?
Finally, from the words of Twila Paris, this has almost been “my” (lifelong) song!
The Warrior is a Child:
Lately I’ve been winning battles left and right
But even winners can get wounded in the fight
People say that I’m amazing
Strong beyond my years
But they don’t see inside of me
I’m hiding all the tears
Chorus:
They don’t know that I go running home when I fall down
They don’t know who picks me up when no one is around
I drop my sword and cry for just a while
‘Cause deep inside this armor
The warrior is a child
Unafraid because His armor is the best
But even soldiers need a quiet place to rest
People say that I’m amazing
Never face retreat
But they don’t see the enemies
That lay me at His feet
Chorus:
They don’t know that I go running home when I fall down
They don’t know who picks me up when no one is around
I drop my sword and look up for a smile
Because deep inside this armor
Deep inside this armor
Deep inside this armor
The Warrior is a Child
Today, on January 21, 2020, with the Lord’s providence and provision, let us focus on being blessed! ~ not stressed!
And may the PEACE OF GOD guard your heart and mind in Christ Jesus!! Don’t worry about ANYTHING!! But in EVERYTHING through prayer and petition ~ WITH THANKSGIVING ~ let your requests be made to God.
~ Amen & Amen!
P.S.>> would love if you were here, we could browse an antique shop or two, and actually sit down to physically enjoy that mocha latte! Oh the smiles & laughs we’d have! For now, I’ll have to settle being your cyber friend & sister in the Lord!
Thank you, R.J., for your kind encouragement and prayers. I’m glad you’re here. God is always faithful to get me through my blah days and give me exactly what I need. I would love an opportunity to sit and chat as well. Thanks again and God bless you! I’m looking forward to getting to know you!
God richly bless you for sharing such an amazing life transforming experience. Glory be to God!!!
Thank you, Michael! God bless you!
Thank you, Deb, for the encouragement and the reminders to “Celebrate Who I Am.” May God continue to bless us as we grow in Him.
Amen, Judy! That is my prayer! Thanks so much for visiting and for stopping to say “hello.” God bless you!
Thank you for this wonderful post!
Thank you! I appreciate your encouragement!
Thank you for this awesome encouragement Deb. As someone who easily falls prey to comparison its so special to me to have these loving, gentle reminders.
Thanks for your encouragement, Diane! I think comparisons are a struggle for all of us. I need the reminders too! Blessings!
Hi Deb ,
Thank you for your uplifting message today. Pray for me this week as I meet with a coworker who is making my job difficult. I’ve been praying for Jesus to lead me through it and to hold my composure( not cry!)
Thanks again, Sandy
I’m praying, Sandy! Those are difficult situations. I’m asking God to give you His peace and the words that will bless and resolve this for His glory! God bless you!