The fact that I am in prison does not in the least diminish my awareness of my “in-Christ-ness”. I am imprisoned in Christ. My complete existence is defined and confined in him. Let the detail of your day-to-day life flow from the consciousness of your true identity and worth. As it is mirrored in him.
— Ephesians 4:1 (Mirror Bible)
Paul wrote this while in prison, but prison was not his focus. What a depressing place to be yet he was seeing himself co-seated in heavenly places with Christ. He says,”I am imprisoned but I am still in Christ. That has not changed. I didn’t earn it and neither do you earn it. It is a gift given when we accept Jesus as our Lord and Savior. In spite of Paul’s dismal circumstances, he made a choice to focus on who he was – his true identity and value.
Life gets messy for all of us at times. And this is where choice comes in. We can sit and let discouragement take over or we can remind ourselves that we are valued and loved and are “in Christ” just as Paul did. Jesus is not wringing his hands wondering what to do. He says in John 16:33 that we will have challenges and difficulties but he has overcome the world by defeating the enemy, so be encouraged.
Worry weighs a person down bringing depression (Psalms 12:25). You are the one who controls your thoughts. Therefore, you can not allow your thoughts to continue on “what if”. It only brings you down. Paul didn’t allow his thoughts to go down that trail. You and I must say, “the fact is that God has good for me and He will bring me through this situation because He loves me. Even if I brought this on myself, God will not leave me to work it out on my on. He tells me to call on him in the day of trouble”.
Just to remind you, God never says to beg Him. He tells us how to pray in Philippians 4:6 and that the result will be peace (verse 7). Everyday I remind myself of God’s goodness and love. Beating myself down does nothing to help my feelings or the situation. God wants to help. We must trust Him and learn to listen and follow His leading.
You can live victoriously everyday. However, the choice is yours. You are cherished. You are loved. You are valued. Don’t listen to thoughts of defeat and unworthiness. Say what God says about you and live in victory! It is a process by choosing God’s view and opinion and making it yours. Believe me when I tell you that He will help you!
“Dwelling in the heart of the Trinity”
Rooted In His Love