New Year Resetნიმუში

Introduction

In a new year, we often aspire to reset the rhythms of life. We want to recalibrate, or in some cases, newly create what we consider to be healthy practices. We think about our calendar, physical health, work-life balance, and relationships. But what if the most powerful RESET we could make is to reconsider the lens through which we view life? God’s Word paints a divine perspective for every facet of life. As we consider what, where, and how to RESET, we look to Scripture and find that God has a lot to say.

Bible Reading for Today

Ephesians chapter 1 – A poem and a prayer about identity in Christ

RESET: How I See Myself

The apostle Paul prayed that the people of Ephesus would experience a RESET. In his letter to them, he prayed that the “eyes of their heart would be enlightened”… to be able to “see” things differently (Ephesians 1:18). Today, we begin a RESET in how we see ourselves. Our identity is shaped over time by many influences: family of origin, life experiences, relationships, culture, key decisions, and our internal narrative, to name a few. A.W. Tozer in The Knowledge said,

“What I believe about God is the most important thing about me. What God believes about me is the most important thing for me to believe about myself.”

When we surrender our lives to Christ, the miraculous and beautiful truth about our identity is that it is defined by what God says, not by what we do, how we feel, or what we were in the past. The best way to know who you are – to know your true self – is to KNOW GOD deeply and personally! This is where our phrase “KNOW GOD” comes from; it’s found in Ephesians 1:17.

Ephesians 1 declares some powerful things about who God says we are. We are holy, faithful, chosen, forgiven, redeemed, and marked with the seal of His Spirit. Is that what you listed in the biography of your latest resume or college application? Probably not. As you RESET this year, choose a new lens. Instead of analyzing your behavior, obsessing about your calendar, or nitpicking your relationships – spend your energy getting to truly know God. Invest in that relationship like you would any other that matters to you. Prioritize spending time together. Talk every day, throughout the day. Listen to His counsel. Be honest about everything. Don’t hold anything back. Go all in.

When you KNOW Him, you will see your true self. He is ready when you are.

Reflect

When you read Ephesians 1, what are the words that most stand out to you as Paul names how God sees you? What makes it difficult for you to believe that is your true identity in Christ?

Pray

God, would you help me overcome the barriers to believing what You say about me? Holy Spirit, I need You to help me rewrite the narrative about how I see myself. Give me new eyes to see what You see, through the work of Jesus on the cross. I AM MADE NEW! Help me walk confidently in the freedom of my true identity in You! I ask these things in the name of Jesus my Saviour, amen.

Additional Resource: To watch an overview of the book of Ephesians, check out the Bible Project!