Day 1: Who Am I?

Pray

Dear God, thank you that I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Let me know who I am in you first—before my job, role, or title. Give me a firm identity as your beloved child. Let me rest in the assurance that my life is hidden in Christ with God. Fix my eyes on things of you, not of this earth. Amen.

Read

Psalm 139:13-14

Colossians 3:1-4

1 John 3:1

Reflect

God created each of us—fearfully and wonderfully. Even in our mother’s womb, God formed us and knew us. Our very breath proclaims God’s marvelous works. When we clear away distractions and listen quietly, our souls know this well. We are beloved children of God.

As God’s children, we are first and foremost God’s own. This is our identity before any job, role, or responsibility. While your job requires uniforms, badges, and other elements that signify your role to others—these things don’t define you.

Think of the freedom this realization offers you! Your real life is hidden with Christ in God. While you regularly encounter the world’s corruption through violence, natural disasters, even through living in bodies that are vulnerable to decay, you are being raised to life with Christ. As you keep your eyes fixed on things in God’s throne room—where God’s glory is fully expressed—you can live into the fullness of who God created you to be. You can rest assured that God knows and loves you. Your true identity is made possible in Christ. Everything else follows.

Respond

In the New Testament Jesus addresses God as “Abba.” This is a name like “Daddy” or “Papa.” It speaks of tender endearment and mutual love. Take a moment to sit quietly and settle into your body. Pay attention to your breathing. Try saying “Abba” as you inhale and exhale. Breathe in and say, “Ah.” Breathe out and say, “bah.” Say it repeatedly until it becomes as natural as breathing. Let this prayer connect you to God, your beloved Father. Let it remind you that you are God’s beloved child. Try this simple exercise throughout your work shift. Whether in a moment of conflict or in downtime, let your breath root you in your deeper identity, as God’s own.

----

Each of our readers has a unique story of how they interact with the Bible. We invite you to click on the link below, so we can learn more about you and readers like you. Your participation will help the American Bible Society continue to provide high-quality Bible resources for people everywhere and will inform the development of new Bible resources.

Start Survey