Who You Are In Christ
Hi, I’m Joni Eareckson Tada and sometimes we forget who we are.
Especially when we are sad or drifting off into discouragement. It’s true of me. I can so easily allow my emotions to lead me down that dark, grim road to self-pity, simply by forgetting who I am. A few weeks ago, I experienced this on a rainy Saturday afternoon. While my husband was taking a nap, I was at my computer doing odds and ends. And suddenly, my computer froze and I could not do a thing about it, even with my voice activation – remember my hands don’t work; I can’t use a keyboard; I use voice activation. And even that didn’t work. I could not wake up Ken. And so, there I sat. I mean, I couldn’t even move away from my computer because a tray table blocked my way. And again, I did not want to call out for Ken. So, I’m sitting there, looking at the rain outside, and I begin feeling sorry for myself. “Woe is me. My hands don’t work; my computer doesn’t even work.” My spirits began to feel as damp as the rainy afternoon. And, yep, feelings of self-pity began to lead me down that dark road – the one I’ve been on many times.
Which is why, after a few minutes of that, I said to myself, “Wait a minute. I recognize this. I know where this is going; my feelings are trying to lead me. And I don’t want to go there. Uh uh. I’ve been there, and it’s awful!” And so, even though my feelings were dragging me one way, my spirit rallied and started pulling me the other way. And I found myself praying, “Oh, Jesus, my spirit is so willing here, but my flesh is so weak. Please help me, this child of yours. You purchased me with the price of your blood, and that includes all of me, even my emotions. And today, this Saturday afternoon in the rain, I’ve got every reason to hope. I’m a citizen of the heavenly kingdom. I’m a new creation in Christ. The Holy Spirit dwells within me. I’m a co-heir with Jesus. And what I do with this moment, right now, at this frozen computer, it’s going to count for all of eternity. So, rescue me, from my feelings; please rescue me from myself.”
I went on that way, reminding myself of things I know to be true. And you know what? The computer may have crashed; the tray table may have hemmed me in; the rain may have been pouring outside, but on the inside of my heart, my spirit was rising; it was coming up. I was coming up out of that miry pit. It’s like God gave me spoonfuls of grace with every proclamation I made of who I am. I was not about to forget who I am. And in a short time, the self-pity vanished.
So, if today you are feeling out of focus spiritually, please remember this: you are a co-heir with Christ and one day, all your labors will be rewarded. You are the bride of Christ and one day, His joy is going to so flood your heart, you won’t be able to stop the overflow; you’ll be happily carried along on a wild and wonderful current of impossible pleasure. You’re a citizen of heaven, and one day there will be no more self-pity, no sadness, no sin. You’ll be completely enveloped in the love of God, so sweet and delightful, that you’re going to jump up and down and say, “Oh, my goodness! I knew it was this good; but not this good!” Friend, that’s your destiny.
So, please, if you are feeling low and down today, remember who you are and where you are heading. And don’t forget to visit joniradio.org to ask for your free copy of the booklet about bipolar disorder. True, what I shared with you today isn’t as serious as bipolar disorder, but the insights in this little booklet? They’re going to help you stay focused on who you are in Christ. It’ll help you deal with those unruly feelings that sometimes get you down. So ask for your free copy today at joniradio.org. And remember who you are.
© Joni and Friends
Bipolar Disorder: Understanding and Help for Extreme Mood Swings
Bipolar Disorder: Understanding and Help for Extreme Mood SwingsBipolar disorder is confusing and difficult both for those who struggle with the disorder and those who care for them. Edward T. Welch applies God’s Word to this serious, life-dominating disorder and offers practical strategies for change. Rejoice in the hope of God’s grace as you or your loved one face the daily challenges of bipolar disorder.
