This question has always been in my mind since I was young (like 11 or 12)! Who am I?? Where do I fit in? Am I social enough? Do I have enough friends? I wonder what they think of me?? Now these are some pretty normal thoughts for teenagers and even people in their early 20s. I am now 27 and I do not want to have these thoughts anymore but the truth is that sometimes I am still anxious about these questions.
Recently I was reading my bible and came across Philippians 4:8 which says: 8 Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy—meditate on these things
I read those words knew God was speaking directly to me. I don’t need to cloud my thoughts with things that make me doubt myself and make me feel insecure. I began to really pay attention to what I was thinking about and when I found myself slipping off into worry, fear, and anxiety I would begin to pray and ask God to help me focus on the positive side of the situation. It wasn’t too long before I began to push those negative thoughts away quickly so much so that even now if I have the slightest feeling of negative thinking I immediately begin to pray and praise Him for all the good in my life.
As a matter of fact right before verse 8 He says verse 6&7:
6 Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; 7 and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.
These words comforted me but I still needed more! I learned how to channel my thoughts to praise but I still didn’t really have my answer- who am I? Well, I am a Pre-K teacher. No, that wasn’t the answer. I am a daughter, a niece, a granddaughter. But no, that still wasn’t it! And then I found it!!! Romans 8:16-17
16 The Spirit Himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God,17 and if children, then heirs—heirs of God and joint heirs with Christ, if indeed we suffer with Him, that we may also be glorified together.
I AM A CHILD OF GOD!!! That gave me a peace. I had always heard that but it was never real to me until recently! I said it over and over to myself. I am a child of God. I am a child of God. I am a child of God and a co-heir with Christ!!!! That’s pretty spectacular if you ask me! so then I dug deeper finding other verses that explained who I am to Him!
Gen 1:27 says I am made in His image
Psalm 139:14 says I am wonderfully made
Colossians 3:12 says I am chosen, holy, and loved
These things were great to read. God pointed them out to me multiple times in the ways that He’s provided for me and through reading my bible.
And then this past weekend I attended a chruch conference that lasted few days and nights. I have NEVER felt God more alive in me than I did during those few and even still now after!!! His presence was so overwhelmingly peaceful, loving, and comforting! And guess what!!!! I discovered who I am………I AM A CHILD OF THE LIVING GOD THAT LIVES WITHIN ME!! HE IS MY HEAVENLY DADDY THAT LEADS EVERY SINGLE ONE OF MY STEPS AND KNOWS EVERY SINGLE HAIR ON MY HEAD!!! IN HIM I AM A NEW CREATION!!!!
I danced like I’ve never danced before and I sang louder than I ever have!!!
I worshiped the creator of the universe all weekend with such a freedom from my past. Freedom from the chains that had always weighed me down. A freedom that consumed my entire body! That freedom has helped me understand who I am!!!
I AM A DAUGHTER OF THE GOD OF THE UNIVERSE!!!
And so are you!! Daughters and sons!! He will draw you into Him the same way He did to me- with love and kindness, affection and comfort! all you have to do is allow Him. Romans 8:14-15 says:
14 For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, these are sons of God. 15 For you did not receive the spirit of bondage again to fear, but you received the Spirit of adoption by whom we cry out, “Abba, Father.”
That has been my cry all weekend and everyday since then!!! Abba Father!!!! Thank you for your peace. My prayer for you is that you choose to allow God to woo you!!! It truly is beautiful! I pray that your heart will be open to receive all the love that He has for you! That you will begin to feel His comforting peace overwhelm your heart, mind, and soul. That you will remember to take hold of your thoughts because they shouldn’t consume you. We have a creator who says to cast all fear and worry on Him. He is BIG ENOUGH to handle our problems. He is our Glorious and Wonderful Abba Father!!!!!
