Identity

   It has been a couple days since I wrote last; life decided to become busy with lots of homework and studying lately. However, it is really nice to sit down and take this time now that the tests have been taken and the papers have been turned in. Today continued the busyness, but it was a good day. I am very thankful for the people God has placed in my life and the strong friendships and relationships I have with them. I have been very encouraged lately by the support and love of the people around me. Through them, I have experienced God's love as well. 
   As much as I enjoy people and the blessing that they are in my life, I have found that I struggle with wanting to win people's approval. I want people to approve of me, my appearance, and what I'm doing. I want to be well-liked and I find myself getting my identity from the people around me rather than in Jesus. It is so easy to let people's opinions about me control my thoughts, actions, and how I view myself. It's not healthy and is very exhausting because it is obviously not possible to please everyone. 
   As I have come to this realization about myself, I have learned the importance of seeking God. Whenever I have a negative thought about myself or a doubt about my identity, God reminds me that I have an audience of only One; turn to Him. He reassures me that I am His child and my identity is in Him and Him alone. It is easy to compare ourselves to the people around us and feel that we are not good enough. Whether it's comparing our abilities, talents, or appearance to someone else, we are not living in the freedom that God created us to live in. He made us the way we are for a reason and in His image. When we compare ourselves or get discouraged because we think something about us isn't right, we aren't being thankful to God for the uniqueness and the amazing qualities He has put in each of us.
   When we go through these times of doubt and uncertainty in our identity, God calls us to Him. In Him, we will find our identity. We will find peace, hope, and encouragement. I always get so excited thinking of the day that I will meet Jesus face to face. He will welcome us with open arms and we will have eternal life with Him in Heaven. There will be no more discouragement, anxiety, or fear. We will be in the presence of our Heavenly Father.

   As difficult as the trials of this world are, God is always there for us through every circumstance that we face. When we are searching for our identity and unsure of who we are, God reassures us that He will put purpose into our lives and that our identity is in Him.