Who am I? What is my purpose? Why am I here? What makes me unique?
These are questions everyone faces – they are often first faced during the teen years, but can present themselves again at different times through our lives – especially during crises.
As a pastor’s wife, I find it easy to use the words “youth pastor’s wife” as my identity.
But is that really who/what I am? If my husband sees the Lord leading us away from the ministry, will I suddenly become insecure because I have lost the title of “youth pastor’s wife?”
How about my role as a wife and mom? This is a role that consumes my life. If something were to happen to my precious husband and children, would my identity be lost? Would I be left reeling because I no longer have any purpose to live?
I think the real question is this:
Where do I find my security?
Do I find my security in my role as a mom, wife, or – even more specifically – a youth pastor’s wife?
If so, then the moment that changes, I will become a hot mess of struggling emotions.
If I want to have true stability, my identity must be found in Jesus. (tweet this)
Not in being a wife, mom, youth pastor’s wife, having a degree, driving a specific car, etc.
None of those things are forever. Until my identity is found in Jesus Who is unchanging, my stability will always be changing.
How about you? Where do you find your security? Is it in your job, income level, home life, friends, or possessions?
If you are God’s child, you can find your complete security in Him. Allow your mind to rest in and meditate on these words:
“Fear not, for I have redeemed you;
I have called you by name, you are mine.”
Isaiah 43:1
I belong to Jesus. I am His child. He tells me not to fear. He knows me. He loves me.
Today: Let Christ be your security.
Comments
6 responses to “Who Am I? :: Identity Crisis”
Been sort of asking myself this question myself. Where is my life headed, who am I, what are my dreams and plans for my life since the ones I had aren’t attainable right now and may never be.
Thanks for the reminder to find my identity not in who “I thought I would and should be” but in Christ!
are you reading a devotional book about this? If so would love the title!
It gives such a freedom when we think Biblically, doesn’t it? I’ve been studying Ephesians for the past several weeks. Meditating on the first parts of the book is where a lot of my thoughts have come from recently.
Great post. We have to always guard against using people or things to establish our identity simply because as we all know those things can change or go away. Only Jesus is forever! It’s such an easy trap to fall into because that is usually the way the world identifies us. I have to constantly remind myself who I truly am which is a child of God.
I found you by way of the Old Fashioned Housewife.
Blessings, Em
That was a timely and grand post! My sister is the youth pastor’s wife–and mommy and encourager and sister and a myriad of other things. I’m the sister who moved back in with mom during some troubled times. Now to figure out who I am besides the one who’ll be hangin’ with Mom! There is that constant though: that I am not my own but belong, body and soul, to my Lord Jesus Christ….
Amen, Renee! Focus on who you are in Christ and He will guide you!
Thanks for stopping by and for the encouraging words, Em!