Identity Matters
by Karisa Tolley
Identity is such an complex thing to talk about. Not because of what the world has made identity seem to be, but because, on a surface level, we all 'know' who we are. It isn't until something has changed in our lives that we start questioning things.
For me, I felt like I went through a bit of an identity crisis when my husband and I moved to Texas from Florida. I thought I knew who I was, but after we moved here, I started questioning some things. I questioned how I dressed, my hobbies, what I liked to do in my free time, etc. The people here dress differently than what I was used to; the way of life is a bit different than I was used to. I don’t go to the beach in my free time here because there isn’t one near me now! I thought I loved getting my nails done; it turns out I just loved spending time with the girl who did my nails in Florida. Haha.
This example isn't that serious, but it made me realize just how quickly I can question things about who I am! Sometimes it is more serious. We usually really question who we are when we go through something traumatic; when we are faced with some crisis in life or a season that we did not ever expect to be in. That is when we really start to ask ourselves the question, “Who am I?” These seasons of life can feel scary and overwhelming. Going through something that dramatically alters your view of self is terrifying. But something I think is interesting is when we enter into a relationship with Jesus, we also go through a bit of an 'identity crisis.' However, this time, it’s a beautiful one, we feel new in an exciting way. It makes us question who we are at a deeper level, giving us the freedom to view ourselves the way God created us to be! God uses this to redeem our view of identity.
The Bible tells us in 2 Corinthians 5:17, “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a NEW creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come.” We also get told through scripture about how God created us from our very beginning, so He knows us BEST. “For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother’s womb. I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, and I know that full well,” - Psalm 139:13-14. God knows every single detail about who we are because He created every aspect of who we are. The Bible even says in Luke 12:7 that even the hairs on our head are numbered! God was so intentional in our creation, so He should be our primary source for our identity.
The reality is that once we find our true identity in the Lord, we start to live a more peace-filled and free life! We are no longer consumed by what culture says about us -- our feelings, our situations, our circumstances -- we can stand on truth! Much about who we are is tied directly to what we believe about ourselves.
My encouragement to you today, whether you are going through something that is really shaking your identity or something more minor like my move to a different state, cling to the word of God! Let God speak to you and reveal who HE has created you to be. Nothing can make us more confident than knowing what our creator says about us.