Living Changed: After Divorceনমুনা

Identity One of life’s biggest questions is, “Who am I?” Some people spend their whole lives searching for the answer, trying to find themselves in their hobbies, their careers, or the opinions of others. But when we look to the Bible, we realize the answer is simple. We are children of God. When we stay rooted in our identity as a child of God, we don’t need to search for validation in what we do or what others think of us. We don’t have to strive so hard to find love because, with Jesus, we already have it in abundance. But when we lose sight of this truth, our lives fall into confusion and disorder. For most of my life, I sought the approval of the men who surrounded me. I wanted my dad to adore me. I wanted my bosses to be impressed by me. I wanted desperately to be loved by every boy I ever had a crush on. I wanted to be seen, to be loved, and to find my Happily Ever After. My need for validation and adoration followed me into marriage. I loved being a wife, but I constantly felt insecure. I always tried to look my best, keep the house tidy, and cook award-winning dinners every weeknight while working more than 40 hours a week. I was completely wrapped up in keeping up appearances. Being his wife was such a core part of who I thought I was, that when it went away, I felt lost. Wanting to fill that hole with a new identity, I decided to go on a journey of self discovery. I tried all kinds of new things like eating octopus, running my first 5K, and zip lining to face my fear of heights. But the best new thing I did, by far, was choosing to invest in a more intimate relationship with Jesus. I read the Bible more, poured myself into serving in the Church, and made time to just sit in His presence. When I did, I finally realized who I am. I’m a child of God who is deeply loved. I never needed a knight in shining armor to declare his undying love for me. Jesus already sacrificed himself on the cross so that I could live. Talk about a Happily Ever After! God loves you with the same unfailing love. Let that sink in. He will never fail you, never let you down, and never leave you. He’ll never stop loving you, never become disinterested, and never choose someone else over you. He will always be beside you softly, lovingly, and constantly reminding you that you are His—and that He is enough. Knowing who you are in Christ will give you strength to be yourself, peace through the storms, and hope for the future. God, thank you for your immeasurable love for me. Thank you for loving me so completely that I don’t have to search for love in the wrong places but can be secure in who you say I am. Forgive me for the times that I tried to fill the empty spaces in my life with anything but you. Help me to remember that I am yours and I don’t have to strive to be anything else. Thank you for your promises that you’ll never leave me and that you’re working all things for my good. I trust you, Jesus. Amen.