We all have those times when we feel low. I’ve been there. I know how you feel. Sometimes we look around and conclude we are so inadequate. Poorly prepared. Not up for the challenges before us. It’s not a very good feeling. And frankly, unless we get a grip on those feelings, they can lead to a downward spiral taking us to a dark place!
If you can relate to these feelings, then keep reading. Because there is a sure remedy, and the benefits far exceed feeling happy or content. Actually, you can fully experience the joy, peace and rest that you long for in the innermost part of your soul.
What’s the remedy? The mirror! But not the mirror you may be imagining right now. Instead, there is a mirror that reflects back to you your real self – your greatness. Your unique treasure of gifts. Your awesome value.
What is this mirror? It’s God’s Word! And in it you will find a true reflection of who you are in Christ. Paul put it this way, “For now we see in a mirror, dimly, but then face to face. Now I know in part, but then I shall know just as I also am known.” 1 Corinthians 13:12
In “Susan’s Translation” Paul is saying, “I now see myself according to who I am in Christ, but I don’t see the full picture. But when I am face to face with the Lord I will see my true identity – and even though I can’t see it all now, it truly is who I am.”
Our True Identity
So often, we take our identity from the world. We compare ourselves with other people. We take on the labels from parents, siblings, playmates, teachers, spouses and co-workers. We absorb the opinions of people – many of whom we may not even respect. We look at the perfectly coiffed movie stars or the chiseled muscles of athletes . . . and know there is a huge gap between their picture and our self-image. We even compare ourselves with fictional characters in movies and television shows! How will we ever measure up?
Here is the truth. That is the wrong mirror! If you are finding your identity from the world and from people, you are looking in the wrong place! And your reflection will never be the truth. Not only can you end up feeling bad about yourself. But you can also move into an unhealthy dependency for finding your worth and value from the opinions of other people (all you People Pleasers, wave and say, “That’s me!”).
Here is the truth of who you are:
For You formed my inward parts;
You covered me in my mother’s womb.
I will praise You, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made;
Marvelous are Your works,
And that my soul knows very well.
My frame was not hidden from You,
When I was made in secret,
And skillfully wrought in the lowest parts of the earth.
Your eyes saw my substance, being yet unformed.
And in Your book they all were written,
The days fashioned for me,
When as yet there were none of them. Psalm 139:13-16
For He made Him who knew no sin to be sin for us, that we might become the righteousness of God in [Christ]. 2 Corinthians 5:21
For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son. John 3:16
In this the love of God was manifested toward us, that God has sent His only begotten Son into the world, that we might live through Him. 1 John 4:19
But you are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, His own special people, that you may proclaim the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light. 1 Peter 2:9
For you are a holy people to the Lord your God; the Lord your God has chosen you to be a people for Himself, a special treasure above all the peoples on the face of the earth. Deuteronomy 7:6
Reflect on Who You Are in Christ
When God created you, He used His perfection, His mastery, His artistry. Yes, because of Adam all humankind was stained with imperfection. But Jesus changed all that for you and me and for anyone who believes: “For as by one man’s disobedience many were made sinners, so also by one Man’s obedience many will be made righteous.” Romans 5:19
You are highly valued. You are God’s precious child. You are greatly esteemed and needed.
You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do they light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a lampstand, and it gives light to all who are in the house. Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven. Matthew 5:14-16
The Choice is Ours
We have a choice to make. Which mirror will we use when we seek a reflection of who are? Will we rely on the distorted reflection coming from the world and from people? Or will we look into the perfect mirror of God’s Word and embrace our true identity?
The best answer is easy to see.
Hi Susan
I’m very happy for the website. This is my third day and I’m so happy for the joy I have I n this fast. The word of God has opened up new understanding for me.
Susan, I am new to all of this. But I have been learning to look at myself in relation to the word. I was introduced to the 21 day fast, I looked into it on line and I became interested. I have been following the bible reading and searchin for ways to better myself. Your words seem to be the way! You are teaching me to better myself in various ways. The article is amazing and made me look deeper at who I am and how I want God to view me. This year I have been taking many small steps toward Jesus and I am now taking a giant step thanks to you. I hope to make what you are teaching me a way of life.
Thank you so much for these most encouraging letters. This article was very good. Please pray for me as I do the Daniel Fast. I am starting this Sunday, January 11. I am preparing myself this week, not only for the eating, but to pray for strength to follow-thru ALL 21 days. One of ny big faults is not completing things, especially if it’s hard or painful and I don’t think I can or that I will fail. I am so wanting to grow, but my flesh is so weak.
I have a progressive illness and I get tired easily ,am VERY slow, and have to have lots of sleep. I really want God to show me what he wants me to do and learn how to hear his voice and how he wants to use me.
I’m excited about this journey and I’m already getting a taste of what’s to come just in this preparation week!
Thanks again for your encouraging e-mails.
Praise God for the healing and strength He has for you. Be blessed on your fast and enter into the rest only Jesus can give.
Thank you, Susan, for the scriptures that tell me clearly and wonderfully who I am. This time with my Lord is growing my spirit toward our Father in surprising (to me!) ways. In the love of Jesus, Kathleen
Hello Susan, I’m challenge myself to do the 21 day fast with Gods help I know I can make it and beyond your word is so true it gets hard sometimes not to think on what i can’t have instead of what I have but by gods grace and his word I will find strength!…Thanks for these words of wisdom
Thanks, Annette Miller
Ackerman,Mississippi
Refreshing thoughts! Our focus should first and foremost rest in out Faith in Jesus Christ. He is the answer and will continue to provide our daily needs.
I just simply trust that he knows of my every needs and each morning I arise He supply me with fresh and free anointing. Genesis 1:31 speaks to me:” And God saw everything that He made, and behold it was good. ”
I was created in His image and created to worship Him. So my mirror reflects God’s awesomeness!
Thank you so much for reminding us that we are a reflection of God’s divine Love. I believe that it is sometimes difficult for us to believe that, when we accept Jesus Christ as our Lord and savior, we are renewed. God no longer sees us in our past transgressions, but through the redemption of Christ, and by His Grace we now walk in His Light. The verses that you highlighted says it beautifully. I Thank God for Loving us so much, that He gave us His son; I thank Jesus for Loving us so much, that He gave His Life, so that I may Live. Please share with me, my praise to Him.
Your Love is Greater!
1 John 4:4 “You are of God, little children, and have overcome them, because He who is in you is greater than he who is in the world.”
Your Love is greater than any love can ever be
Your Love is so great, that You created this universe for me
Your Love is so great, that You forgave, when I turned aside
Your Love is so great, that You promised, in You I can always abide
Your Love is greater than shame and and secret pride
Your Love is so great, there is nothing I can do, that you won’t see me through
Your Love is so great, You will never turn away, leaving me lost, and astray
Your Love is greater than any lies the devil can tell
Your Love is greater than the illusions he conjures, to keep me, under his spell
Your Love is so great, You gather me into Your safety, to dwell
Your Love is greater than the world’s condemnation
Your Love is so great, You have cleansed me with redemption
Your Love is greater than gossip, and idol worship
Your Love is greater than the physical and materialistic
Your Love is so great, You overcome spiritual wickedness, in realms of majestic
Your Love is greater than weakness and fear
Your Love is so great, sinful as I am, You hold me dear
Your Love is so great, You claimed me, unconditionally, by Your grace
Your Love is so great, I rest in Your embrace
Your Love is greater than false pride, You hold me precious, and call me Your bride
Your Love is greater than the grave
Your Love is so great, You took my sin, my soul to save
Your Love is so great, You took my pain, You bore my stripes in humility, to justify me
Your Love is so great, You were tortured, and slain
Your Love is greater than the sword, living water, and redeeming blood flowed to cleanse my stain
Your Love is greater than the tomb
Your Love is so great, you returned my sin to Lucifer, in his dark domain
Your Love is so great, You rose to give me the victory and set me free
Your Love is so great, the very mention of your name is liberty
Your Love is greater, omnipotent, sublime
Your Love is greater, more joyful, and peaceful than anything this world has to offer
Your Love is so great, I am crowned with Your favor, I rejoice in Your Holy splendor
Your Love is so great, You fill me with Your Light, I reflect Your delight
Your Love is so great, I am renewed, daily
Your Love is greater, I am Yours eternally
Your love is greater, Hallelujah, Amen!
By AWAREWEAR: Elizabeth Maria Reynolds (Gallo) 2/6/2014
that was so beautiful and i am feeling better i will continue to read this to keep my spirit lifted up thank you.
Thank you so much! I loved reading this. I plan to look in the real mirror! Blessings to you! : ^ )
This is an awesome article. I could relate to it and it brought light to what I need to get a grip on and eyes off of.
I will look to a mirror of righteousness,i will follow His commands n live the life He wants me to lead!
Thank you so much for sharing these precious words with me today. I have truly enjoyed the scriptures and I will do my best to live by them as closely as I can. Thank you so much.
I am who God say I am praise God.
I needed that! Thanks. One of those people pleasing people.
Very inspirational. This gives one a lot to think about. Thank you.
To God Be The Glory!! This was a blessing. The Lord allowed me to do a sermon entitled Reveal Me to Me and the only way would be through the Word of God. Thank you so much for sharing.
Hello Susan,
Thank you so much for the much needed words of encouragement.
How did you know I needed to hear this just now? Amazing grace!!
God bless you in your work.
Jan
I Thank you for all you newsletter please continue to inspire with your good work.
When i read you letters i feel so BLESS.
The battle between flesh and Spirit has become evident more to me during this 3rd fast day. I realize I have drifted from my Source of all things and needed the reminded that Greater is He that is in me. That I am more than a conqueror– that who I am is mirrored in the Word and not in comparisons with any others. The daily walk, the alone time, journaling, The Word time must take priority over all. It’s a battle, it’s hard but your devotionals make a difference, they point us to Jesus. We move and have our being and find strength and wisdom for the battle through him. He’s won our victory.
Thanks Susan. Sandi
Thank you, Dave.
Thank you so much for this. I really needed it at this point in my life.
Thank you sooo much for those encouraging words. I choose to believe the one who created me in the first place. 🙂 and loves me UNCONDITIONALLY.
I’m a child of god but I don’t feel like I am there to many demons around me and right now I live with my sister who is a bad seed in my life and it affect me in many ways I need a financial blessing to be able to get my own place or for her to move so I can live alone and make changes in my life I’m not saying she is the blame for my problems but she is not good for me to be around so I’m asking you to pray that I get the financial break through I need so I can be that person in the Mirror
Thank you
Nancy Dorsey
This is what i needed today
Excellent article! Great reminder of who we are in Christ Jesus!
Thanks so much for your support and theses words of wisdom designed for us to let us know he love’s. Our God is amazing! Bless you my sister in the body of Christ.
Thanks so much for your support and theses words wisdom. Our God is amazing he will do and use whoever he wants to let us know he love’s us. God bless you!
Thank you, this reading was timely for me.
Yes I will use the mirror of the Word. I praise Abba Yah this morning Susan for your words of encouragement to check myself. Where I’m I getting my directions. I was awaken this morning with these words, “Will you go with. Yes I will follow.” Yes Susan, I told Abba Yah, I will follow. And thank you for confirming what I heard. The Word of Abba Yah I will follow. Blessings to you and your staff.
I have trouble forgiving myself…I love God , but I don’t have that daddy relationship with Him. I want it.
Inspirational reading, I give thanks to Jesus who gave his life for us and to god for giving his son. With my life I trust in Jesus he has saved me. He is my companion who I love.
Awesome message. I shall incorporate this into my readings while on this fast. I needed that. THX! Love Glenda
Thank you, Susan once again for the wonderful guidance in getting on my journey to a breakthrough. I don’t want to count my days as yet since I’m just at the beginning. The scriptures help me understand more each time I read them. I must say I’m not a good reader and don’t like dwelling on one book for long, but since day one, I’m beyond myself with strength and commitment to this path I’ve chosen. I really excited!!
I’m taking it a day at a time with God as my strength.
God bless.
I will look into the mirror of God’s Word and embrace my true identity.
I will look into the mirror with a positive attitude, and have a lot of faith that good things are going to happen in my life.
This was very helpful. Simple but powerful..the mirror you can’t purchase…it free! Use it.
I love reading spiritaul & positive news letters.
Thank you God. Yes I have been on that road before. But now I will trust Jesus ways always. God Blessed you.
I am truly blessed to have started with the Daniel fasting. My wish is to grow spiritually and to have a closer relationship with my Lord. I am thankful for the daily inspirational messages. May the Lord bless the good work you are doing.
Trully blessed. What an eye opening lesson
Hi Susan,
Thanks for the encouragement, for I shall definitely look at my self through the mirror of Scripture, as we pray the Holy Spirit to subdue our flesh into submission to Him.
Thanks for the Daniel Fast.
Val.
As I begin my 21 day consecration, I am feeling a sense of joy. After reading this site and gathering different receipes, scriptures, I want to learn who I am in Christ. Alth ough these next 20 days may be challenging, I am ready and excited, and inspired. Thank you. Amen
Teresa
Hi Susan
thank you for all the wonderful and inspiring words.
the one about the mirror it is very encouraging to look into
the mirror I pray to the Lord and the Holy spirit
to subdue my flesh into submission with him
thank you so much for the Daniel fast as I embark on it for
21 days may God bless you