2 Corinthians 3:18 But we all, with unveiled face, beholding as in a mirror the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from glory to glory, just as by the Spirit of the Lord.
My four children remind me daily that they are a reflection of me and their dad. I see characteristics of myself in their behaviors and responses, both good and not so good. This is sobering and a constant reminder that we become like those we spend the most time with. We all have our moments of inconsistency, but God is constant. His nature, kindness, and love never fail and will never change.
Every human soul is searching for the same thing – to know our true identity. Satan has attacked mankind from the beginning of time with lies, shrewdness, and twisting the truth of God’s Word regarding our identity in Christ. I believe the struggle with identity issues is a result of listening to the wrong voices and focusing our time and attention on the wrong things.
A fundamental spiritual discipline in the daily life of a believer is prioritizing time in the presence of God. More specifically, in the daily reading of God’s word, meditating on and memorizing scripture, prayer, and worship. There is no other way to know God or grow in your relationship with God without time spent in His presence. Frankly, I’m amazed at the number of Christians who want something from God but don’t make room for daily communion and fellowship with Him. It’s a backwards and selfish theology. We’d be fools to think we are friends with those we do not spend time with intentionally.
God reveals to us His nature and our identity when we are in His presence.
Psalm 139: 23-24 Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. Point out anything in me that offends you and lead me along the path of everlasting life.
2 Corinthians 3:18 But we all, with unveiled face, beholding as in a mirror the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from glory to glory, just as by the Spirit of the Lord.
This powerful scripture points out these truths:
· We go from former glory into new glory.
· From glory to glory (to be ever-increasing in glory) means to continually be transformed into what you were created to be.
· To be conformed to His likeness, increasing in the character and nature of God.
· We are made holy and righteous (into the likeness of God Himself) through a process of renewing and healing.
There is no shortcut to transformation, yet it is not as complicated as you may think. Though not complicated, it requires commitment on our part to come before God to be renewed and transformed. If your search for transformation and identity is focused on the wrong thing (social media, pop culture, and other’s thoughts and opinions) you only widen the gap between truth and deception. The good news is that you can rest assured that God is faithful, and He will never hold back His goodness from you. No matter how broken, defeated, or discouraged you may find yourself, God’s presence is the only place to discover His pure and holy nature and your identity.
1 Peter 2:10 “Once you had no identity as a people; now you are God’s people. Once you received no mercy; now you have received God’s mercy.”
If you’re feeling a little lost on where to start, begin by choosing a time each day that you will spend with God in prayer and reading the Word. This should be when you are at your best. It doesn’t really matter what time of day it is.
PRAY.
· Begin with thanksgiving. Worship God for who He is, His character, and His nature.
· “Enter his gates with thanksgiving; go into his courts with praise. Give thanks to him and praise his name.” Psalm 100:4 NLT
· Present your needs before the Lord. You do not need to beg God. Simply ask in faith, believing that He is listening and responding.
· “Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need and thank him for all he has done.” Phillipians 4:6 NLT
· Repentance – confess your sins to the Lord. Welcome His loving correction and healing to flow in your life.
· “Then if my people who are called by my name will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sins and restore their land.” 2 Chronicles 7:14 NLT
WORSHIP.
· Bless the Lord with the words of your mouth. Be free to lift your hands, to sing and praise, to kneel, and position your body before the Lord in whatever way Holy Spirit leads you.
· “And so, dear brothers and sisters, I plead with you to give your bodies to God because of all he has done for you. Let them be a living and holy sacrifice—the kind he will find acceptable. This is truly the way to worship him.” Romans 12:1
· “Let all that I am praise the Lord; with my whole heart, I will praise his holy name. Let all that I am praise the Lord; may I never forget the good things he does for me. He forgives all my sins and heals all my diseases. He redeems me from death and crowns me with love and tender mercies. He fills my life with good things. My youth is renewed like the eagle’s!” Psalm 103:1-5
· “Sing a new song to the LORD! Let the whole earth sing to the LORD!” Psalm 96:1
MEDITATE ON SCRIPTURE.
· Choose one or several scripture verses to meditate upon. Declare them out loud, pray them out loud, and memorize them. All verses listed here are great verses to meditate upon and memorize!
· “I have hidden your word in my heart, that I might not sin against you.” Psalm 119:11 NLT
Remember that God’s presence reveals His nature and who you were designed to be! Enjoy growing in God and falling in love with His presence!
Lydia xo