Come out of the Shadows – Embrace Your True Identity
“You’re too sensitive.” “Stop being so sensitive.” If I collected change every time I had heard those sentences when I was growing up I would be living in a far nicer home.
What sentence is popping in your head? I know there’s one there because each one of us has at least one phrase people in our life used to (or still) use. Something that wraps a hold of you and keeps you in the shadows.
Phrases that make you feel like you’re not enough.
- “Why can’t you be more like…?”
- “I wish you would…”
- “You’re not…”
Or phrases that make you feel like you’re too much. And that no one would want to put in the effort to deal with you.
These statements have a way of becoming your identity. The way you view yourself. The insecurities that define you.
But these are false. They aren’t who you are.
God created you for more! And when you believe in Him you get to step into your new identity. Your true identity.
2 Corinthians 5:17 Therefore if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creature; the old things passed away; behold, new things have come.
Bathed in Warmth and Light
I love this feeling. When one of God’s truths about His love for me finally clicks and resonates. There’s a collection of joy and peace. Warmth in my heart and excitement in my spirit. Everything else doesn’t seem as big. Because I know my importance to the Creator of the universe.
I pray you’ve had this experience, too.
It’s as if in those moments I am who I was created to be. My relationship with God is strong. My excitement for the Word is unquenchable. I see God’s blessings everywhere and I am quick to be thankful and grateful.
These are the times that I am also most effective in glorifying God and building His kingdom. Because I allow His light to shine through me. He is better able to use me because I am more connected with Him.
My identity in Christ is strong in these times!
Creeping Shadows
But then shadows creep back. And I falter.
Life happens. Something unexpected, disappointing, or gut-wrenching.
And doubts start to linger longer. The sinking in the stomach starts to feel stronger. The tiny whispers get louder. Insecurities creep back in and once more replace your new identity.
And the light gets darker.
John 11:10 (NIV) It is when a person walks at night that they stumble, for they have no light.
And Satan laughs.
Because this is his game. Satan does what he can to bring back your false identity. He wants you to feel insignificant. Worthless. Less than. Because then you aren’t as effective. He brings back the past statements that used to cut you so deep. Unfortunately he knows you too. He knows what to whisper so that you will trip if you aren’t prepared.
Ephesians 6:12(NASB)12 For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the powers, against the world forces of this darkness, against the spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly places.
Stay in the Light
The sad truth is that we will continue this pattern throughout our life. Because we are human. But it doesn’t have to be as often. And we don’t have to fall so deep into the darkness each time.
With practice and self-awareness, we can stay in the light and remain rooted in our identity in Christ even when we falter.
[ctt template=”7″ link=”46eIg” via=”yes” ]With practice and self-awareness, we can stay in the light and remain rooted in our identity in Christ even when we falter.[/ctt]
Ephesians 5:8-9(NASB) 8 for you were formerly darkness, but now you are Light in the Lord; walk as children of Light 9 (for the fruit of the Light consists in all goodness and righteousness and truth),
Be Prepared
Know what situations have a tendency to flareup insecurities and self-doubt.
I know that Satan uses the emotional lability of my PMS week as a foothold to pull me back into the shadows. I also know there are people in my life that can cause me to feel like the 12-yr-old version of myself.
Because I am aware of these situations I can better prepare.
During my PMS week I spend more time praying, listening to worship music, and talking through my emotional (and often irrational) thoughts with my husband to help me stay grounded.
If I have to interact with the people that increase my insecurities and self-doubt I remind myself of God’s truths about me. Stay Rooted in God’s Word.
Know the truth of God’s Word
Read it. Study it. Memorize verses that help you remember your identity in Christ. Use His word to protect you and keep you in the light.
John 1:4-5 (NIV) 4 In him was life, and that life was the light of all mankind. 5 The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.
Be Thankful
Recognize the unmerited gift that you have received in Jesus Christ. That regardless of your current life circumstance, if you know Jesus, that is enough.
Colossians 1:12-15 (NIV) 12 and giving joyful thanks to the Father, who has qualified you to share in the inheritance of his holy people in the kingdom of light. 13 For he has rescued us from the dominion of darkness and brought us into the kingdom of the Son he loves, 14 in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins. 15 The Son is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation.
Focus on Positive Self-Talk
Get rid of the negative reel that is playing in your head and actively work to replace it with positive self-talk.
Make a Commitment to View Yourself in Your New Identity
Change is necessary for growth and that means you have to change the old ways of viewing yourself with your new identity in Christ.
Get the printable- Embrace Your True Identity so you don’t forget to stay in the light!
I pray that this post meets you where you are and helps you to remember your true identity in Christ.
God bless!
Melissa
p.s. Check out all of the beautiful sites I linkup with.
There are many people in my world too who makes me feel like a vulnerable 11 year old unless I cling on to God’s promises and under His Shadows. Now I am prepared with the Word when I feel attacked by the enemy
His word can protect us from all attacks when we utilize it! I’m glad you have found the Word to be beneficial to you during these times. Thank you for stopping by Diana and sharing your insights. God bless!
I loved the way how you connected the truth that we are waking in light when we embrace our true identity in Christ. If we don’t we are eventually walking in the dark.
Yes, it is a continual process that we need to maintain so that we can stay in the light. Thank you for stopping by and commenting. God bless!
This makes me think as a mom to be careful what messages I give my kids as I don’t want them to be labeled with anything other than a precious child of God! Speaking truth to ourselves and those we love is so critical to our spiritual, mental, and emotional health.
It is so critical. The words of others can unknowingly cause pain. Love and truth to everyone we come in contact with is how we are called to interact. Thank you for stopping by and sharing your thoughts. God bless!
We shouldn’t be defined by what other people say about us, but that’s hard to do when things are spoken into a child who has no way of knowing how to not internalize what is being spoken.
It is hard for a child which is why it is so important that we are interacting with child in love. And if a child is acting in a way that is not appropriate, that we are focusing on the behavior we would like them to be doing instead. Thank you for stopping by and sharing your thoughts. God bless!
This is great! As someone who grew up hearing verbally abusive words, negativity was a lifeline for me. It wasn’t until my husband (who also experience VA) was purposeful and intentional about speaking positive words over me, did I start to do what is mentioned here. It has pulled me out of a lot, and the Lord has really ministered to me.
Yes, I have an awesome husband, too who raises me up over and over. It has taken a lot of years heal some of the old wounds. Thank you for stopping by and sharing your experiences. God bless!
I’ve never looked at 2 Corinthians 5:17 that way before. I struggle with my identity, not feeling good enough, constant comparison. You’ve definitely given me something to think about.
This is a struggle for so many people. I’m glad you found hopefully a few nuggets to think about! Thank you for stopping by and sharing your experiences. God bless!
I had the same issue! Finally God told me that he made me sensitive on purpose. I was created empathy and kindness. It took me years to see myself the way he saw me.
Yes, there is a reason I am empathetic and can read the emotions of others – it has become my career. But owning my identity has been a hard process. Thank you for stopping by and sharing your insights. God bless!
When I feel like I’m made strides, I’m back to the little girl who thought no one liked her. Yes, Satan likes to pawn on my insecurities and keep me captive. I’m not going to believe his lies any longer!
Amen! You are not what people have told you or called you. You are a child of God and He loves you unconditionally! God bless your journey, Julie!
I firmly believe one of Satans most devious and effective tactics is separating us from those who love us and other believers. Like a predator hunting a pack of animals, he’ll pick off the one furthest from the group and run that as far as he can away from them. If you noticed when he tempted Jesus, Christ was alone. Keep doing all you need to to stay close to God.
That’s a great analogy Stephanie. I agree. When we allow ourselves to be separated for Jesus and His truth we become easy prey. Thank you for stopping by and sharing your insights. God bless!
Amen!
Thank you Debbie! God bless!
I’ve had some shadows creep in lately and I’ve been speaking truth to them when I realize what is happening. It is such a difference. Holding onto Jesus brings peace when satan is trying to shatter it.
It does make such a difference! I’m sorry to hear that shadows have been creeping in but Jesus is always the way to fight against Satan. Thank you for stopping by and sharing your experiences. God bless!
Knowing our value & worth in God & through His love, is so important. It is the catalyst for standing steadfastly in Him when the enemy comes to try & convince us we have no identity, value or worth..
I am also a professional Christian mental health worker. You are welcome to drop by & join me in a time of reflection & inspiration.
Jennifer
So true Jennifer! Thank you for the invitation. It’s nice to find other mental health professionals. God bless!
Taking every thought captive….
Yes! So important and takes tremendous practice and diligence to achieve. Thank you for stopping by. God bless!
I am amazed… that you not only give us TRUTHS but also address practical ways to deal with PMS which is a real issue for so many people. I am sharing this on in two groups. Keep doing what you are doing, precious sister.
Thank you Tammy! I’m glad you enjoyed the post. Thank you for sharing it with others. God bless!