About a year ago, I wrote my first blog post. I was really prompted to first start sharing my heart some time after my Dad’s heart attack last year on August 6, 2017. It really opened my eyes to some things, and looking at the stars on the beach that night, I felt God’s presence so dearly and His prompting to start sharing His story at work in my life.
My first post was titled “Thoughts on Identity” and tonight, almost a year later, I have a few more thoughts on that same topic.
For awhile I’ve struggled with identity and comparing myself to other people. When I compare myself to other people, I feel less than, not good enough, and unworthy.
But that’s not who I am.
Recently, I hosted a going away party for myself and my closest friends as we all go off to different colleges. For each girl, I chose a name for God to speak over them. I also chose one for myself.
Jehovah. I AM.
I felt like God was telling me that my identity is in Him, the great I AM.
I am who YOU say I am, God. My identity is in Jehovah God, not in the fleeting things of this world like comparing myself to other people, and trying to be perfect all the time.
But how can my identity be in God if I don’t truly know His character?
That’s another thing I really felt that God’s been impressing on my heart for awhile now, and to be honest, I haven’t really listened in the past. I need to know Him through His Word, and build that kind of foundation for my life.
When the wind and the waves of life come, where do I stand? Is it on the sand, or is it on the Rock? The grass withers, and the flowers fade, but the Word of the Lord stands forever.
God, I don’t want to be distracted by the flashy things of this world anymore. The things that steal my time away from you and put it elsewhere in places that really don’t matter. I want to make Jesus my first love again. He needs to be on the throne of my heart and nothing else. Not the desire for approval, not the distractions, nor any pride, perfectionism, or control issues.
God, in all humility I return to you, but you are never ever far from me. You are always near, even when I am distant. Forgive me for my wayward ears and eyes that gaze elsewhere at people, things, and places instead of looking to You.
As I enter this next season my life, I want God to be my first priority, my first love, my whole life. I want to be so filled with God that it spills out of me from the top of my head to the tips of my toes. God, I am your vessel. Use me for your Glory.
You and you alone are my identity. I leave these lies that I’ve held on to for so long behind me. Comparison is not my travel companion as I go to Lynchburg. Jesus is.
He is with me, before me, and behind me. I am covered. I am His, most of all. The road ahead is yours, Jesus.
The good things of God are ahead of me.
sarah's heart 