Believe The Truth About Who You Are

Reflect on God’s Word

Where do you normally turn to boost your self-worth? Social media? Your friends who tell you what you want to hear? Do you go shopping or watch videos of the failings of others to make yourself feel better? Or do you follow the wisdom of Scripture, which says you are created in the image of God—loved and chosen by him for a purpose?

First Peter 2:9 says, “But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special possession, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light.”

You have worth because of who you are in Christ: a member of a royal priesthood. Satan, though, wants you to doubt God. He wants you to live a life of guilt and regret, not one full of joy and peace.

In John 8:44, Jesus said to the Pharisees, “You belong to your father, the devil, and you want to carry out your father’s desires. He was a murderer from the beginning, not holding to the truth, for there is no truth in him. When he lies, he speaks his native language, for he is a liar and the father of lies.”

Think about that: Satan cannot tell the truth! Satan isn’t simply a liar. He is the father of lies! Satan hates the truth. He doesn’t want you to believe it when God says you are royal and holy. But you are both.

How should the truth about who you are impact how you live? Think about how Moses, King David, and the apostle Paul—all pillars of the faith—were affected when they listened to how God viewed them.

Moses once murdered someone. It would have been easy for him to believe that “murderer” would always be his identity. But he chose, instead, to listen to the truth, to believe that God was going to use him in a mighty way to free the Israelites from slavery in Egypt.

King David could have listened to Satan’s lies. He could have believed that he was and always would be an adulterer and someone who plotted the death of an innocent man. But he chose, instead, to accept the truth spoken to him by the prophet Nathan (see 2 Samuel 12), to repent, and to humble himself before God. And God did mighty things through him to help save the nation of Israel from its enemies and ultimately to bring the Messiah through David’s line.

The apostle Paul—as Saul—persecuted Jesus’ followers. He could have listened to the lies that said he was good enough on his own. He certainly had the credentials. But, instead, he opened his heart to an encounter with the risen Christ. And God used him to spread the gospel around the world.

Clearly, God chooses sinful, flawed people to accomplish his work—people convicted of sin by the Holy Spirit and then guided to God-honoring actions.

Your worth isn’t determined by what you or others think. And it’s definitely not determined by what Satan thinks. It’s determined by the way God sees you: as someone he loves and wants to use for his purposes.

Release Who You Thought You Were

As you meditate on God’s marvelous truth, take a deep, relaxing breath.

You are the temple of God (1 Corinthians 3:16–17).

You are a royal priesthood (1 Peter 2:9).

You are no longer a slave but an heir (Galatians 4:7).

You are a new creation (2 Corinthians 5:17).

You are his handiwork, created for good works (Ephesians 2:10).

Whisper to God, “Thank you for loving me and choosing me for a purpose.”

As you continue meditating on God’s Word, push away your self-doubt and anxiety.

Slow down and rest in God’s peaceful presence. Open your palms heavenward, inviting God to surround you. Take another deep breath and imagine yourself inhaling his grace and mercy. Breathe out, as if you’re casting your troubles on him. He’s a big God. He can take care of them!

Take another deep, relaxing breath. Now breathe out. Think about when you are most likely to believe Satan’s lies about who you are. Maybe it’s when you’re around certain friends. Maybe it’s when you’re alone. Ask God to help you confront Satan’s lies with God’s truth.

You are loved. You are forgiven. You are valuable. Don’t believe the father of lies. Today, trust in the glorious God who saves.

Father, thank you for your love. Thank you for your peace, your mercy, your grace. I confess that, too often, I listen to the lies of Satan. Draw me closer to you. Help me see myself the way you see me: forgiven and holy. Fill me with joy. Encourage me. Give me power to defeat doubt. Thank you for saving me and loving me. Forgive me for the moments I listen to the lies of Satan instead of your perfect truth. You are a God who cannot lie, so I know that what you say about me is true. I’m grateful. Help me see myself the way you see me—as blessed, unique, and chosen. It’s in Christ’s name that I pray, amen.

JOURNAL PROMPT: How does knowing how God worked in the lives of Moses, King David, and the apostle Paul give you courage to accept God’s truth (not Satan’s lies) about who you are? What do you know is true about you from Scripture?