Living in today’s world is hard. So many people feel lost. Some question, “Who am I? How do I find my identity? Does my life really matter?”
Google searches for these topics and “hope” are on the rise.
Let me give you good news. Your life does matter. You have value and worth. In fact, finding your identity will give you the power to live the life God intended.
Finding your identity in all the wrong places.
God never intended for finding your identity in relationships, occupations, hobbies, and so many other places. At some point, they will all disappoint us.
In a relationship
I remember the day I was engaged to be married and the “candle lighting” ceremony that followed in the college dorm. Everyone was excited to find out who had snagged another eligible bachelor.
Interrogation ensued from all the other nursing students.
- What was his occupation?
- How much money did he earn?
- What kind of car did he drive?
- And a host of other questions.
You get the picture. The more successful the young man was the more prestigious the young women would be.
But what happens when prince charming falls off his white steed and the relationship crumbles?
- Does the young woman suddenly have less value or worth?
- Does her life no longer matter?
Breakups often catapult people into the pit of despair questioning who they are. I know. I have been there.
A spouse, however, is not the only relationship that people rely on to find their self-worth.
Being a parent becomes the identity for some. But what happens if the child dies? Or turns their back on you and your values?
- Have you lost your identity?
- Do you no longer have a purpose?
- Are you to blame for what happened?
Sometimes people find their identity in who they know. When I was a child I remember telling a few people that I was a distant relative of the monarch of another country. In my mind that made me important.
Relationships do not define who we are.
In an occupation
When I graduated and began my career as a Registered Nurse, I felt pretty important. Years later I wondered, “What if I had an accident and couldn’t work in the medical field any longer? Would I still be important?”
Way too many professional athletes and movie stars end up committing suicide. Many others turn to drugs and alcohol to numb their feelings of inadequacy in spite of their so-called success.
An occupation does not define us. It is not who we are.
In the opinion of others
This is a dangerous road to travel. Our identity is not wrapped up in the opinions of other people. If we depend on someone else to validate our worth, we will be let down. There will always be someone who does not like us.
In a thousand other places
So where are you finding your identity? Fame? Fortune? Sports? Hobbies? Exclusive brand name clothes? Educational degrees?
There is no end to the many lies people believe will make them matter, make them valuable, make them important.
Life has a way of rearranging things. Does that also change your identity? The answer is no.
Don’t believe the lies. While there is nothing wrong with the previously mentioned things, they do not define who we are.
There is a better way.
Finding Your true identity
There is one relationship, occupation, and opinion that will not disappoint us.
Don’t worry. This does not make you a carbon copy of everyone else. In fact, it makes you unique as you are finding your identity.
Finding your identity In the right relationship
There is only one relationship that will not disappoint. It is found in Jesus Christ. This is where we begin finding our true identity.
Human relationships are necessary. But humans change, sometimes for the better, sometimes for the worse. Finding your identity here will eventually hurt you.
Jesus is the only relationship that remains true, does not change, and does no harm.
If you don’t know Jesus, you probably have questions. The people at Chat About Jesus have answers. You can text, call, or chat with them online any time of the day or night.
Finding your identity in the right occupation
The good thing about a relationship with Jesus is that He has a job for you to do that you can always accomplish no matter what the circumstances.
We are called to love God and love people. These are the two greatest commandments (Matthew 22:36-40).
What that looks like depends on your health, abilities, finances, and a myriad of other things.
Regardless, you can always love God and always love people.
Finding your identity In the right opinions
I wish as a young person I had realized how much God loved and cherished me. My understanding was minimal and because of it, I made many unwise choices.
God’s opinion is what really matters. Here is just a portion of what the Bible says about finding your identity:
- His love for us is everlasting (Jeremiah 31:3, Romans 8:38-39)
- We are God’s handiwork, wonderfully made, created in God’s image (Psalm 139: 14, Genesis 1:27, Ephesians 2:10)
- God will never leave us (Hebrews 13:5)
- We are chosen by God (I Peter 2:9, John 15:16, Ephesians 1:4)
- We are God’s children, daughters or sons of King Jesus (John 1:12, Galatians 3:26, I John 3:1-2, Romans 8:16)
- We are God’s friends (John 15:15)
- God provides for us physically and spiritually (Philippians 1:6, 4:13 and19, Galatians 5:22-23)
- God knows everything about us and still loves us (Psalm 139: 1-24)
Lauren Daigle talks about God’s opinion of us in her song, You Say.
“I keep fighting voices in my mind that say I’m not enough . . . Remind me again just who I am . . . In you I find my worth, in you, I find my identity.”
Your true identity found
So who are you? Do you believe what God says? Finding your identity is not hard.
But it does take practice to think correctly and to keep your thoughts from holding you captive.
Don’t believe the lies. Believe the one who truly loves you and gave His life for you.
Casting Crowns recorded the following song. I pray that it will bless you as much as it has me.
“Who am I that the Lord of all the earth would care to know my name, would care to feel my hurt? …You’ve told me who I am, I am yours.”
Since we are children of King Jesus, let us think and live like it. The following is a scripture card you can download, no email is required. It will remind you about finding your identity in Him.
If you are looking for further scripture cards or coloring pages, please see the resource page.
You might also like to read:
- I don’t know who I am anymore
- Don’t act like an orphan if a daughter of the King
- Who am I after divorce?
References:
- Global Media Outreach had a 170% increase in clicks on their search engine ads about finding hope (as reported in Turning Points Magazine, August 2020)
- Thanks to Bible Gateway for easy navigation of the Scriptures