Day 7. Know your Identity
-
We have an American Staffy called Watson. He looks tough and sounds rough, but he's actually a complete baby. If the wind blows, he freaks out. If there's a storm, he hides under the table. Worst of all, there's a little white fluffy dog across the road who pushes Watson around.
That dog even does his business on our lawn, and Watson acts powerless to do anything about it. If Watson just knew how much bigger and stronger he was, there's no way that dog would rule the street.
It can be the same with our mental well-being — if we don't know how strong we actually are, we could find ourselves being pushed around.
The Bible says that the same power that raised Christ from the dead lives in you. That promise is for everyone who knows Jesus. Tap into that power and you'll find real strength.
Let’s Talk
Your identity isn’t your job title, your diagnosis, your bank balance, or the image you project to the world. It’s not your failures or even your successes. It’s not the sum of what others have said about you — or what you’ve come to believe in your lowest moments. Identity runs deeper. It’s the solid core that stays steady when everything else feels sketchy.
When you live with anxiety, depression, trauma, or any form of mental ill health, that identity can get lost in the fog. You start second-guessing yourself. You say yes when you want to say no. You shrink back when you know you should push forward. Not because you’re weak — but because fear and other things are holding you back.
But catch this! The Spirit of God — the same power that raised Christ from the dead — actually lives in you. Not beside you. Not in theory. In you!
Think about that! The Spirit who hovered at creation, who split the sea, inspired prophets, and rolled the stone away from the tomb — THAT Spirit has taken up residence in you. You’re not empty. You’re not forgotten. You’re not powerless.
This is not some abstract Christian bumper sticker. This is your reality, whether you feel it today or not. God has placed His Spirit in you. That means you carry power, peace, wisdom, and freedom — even when you feel overwhelmed, unsure, or broken.
You are not disqualified. You are not too far gone.
You are Filled. Chosen. Carried. Empowered.
You are stronger than you think — not because of who you are, but because of who lives in you.
Scripture
“The Spirit of God, who raised Jesus from the dead, lives in you.”
— Romans 8:11 (NLT)
Mental Health Moment
When your nervous system is unregulated, it’s easy to believe you going to cave. But survival itself is strength. Success isn’t always magnificent or spectacular. Sometimes it’s just showing up, even when your brain is screaming not to.
Strength doesn’t mean pretending you’re fine and that everything is sweet.
It means acknowledging the battle and still choosing to take the next step.
With Jesus in you, you’re never walking alone — and never walking powerless.
Practice for Today
Take five quiet minutes today to write out a list of who God says you are.
Not what you do.
Not the roles you fill.
Not the expectations people have for you.
Just who you are.
Start with these truths from Scripture:
I am a child of God (John 1:12)
I am God’s workmanship (Ephesians 2:10)
I am chosen, holy, and dearly loved (Colossians 3:12)
I am a temple of the Holy Spirit (1 Corinthians 6:19)
I am a new creation (2 Corinthians 5:17)
Write them down slowly. Say each one out loud. Then add your own.
Let the words settle. Don’t rush them.
This is who you are — not because you earned it, but because He said so.
Ask God to help you live today out of your true identity — steady, secure, and already loved.
A Prayer for Strength
God,
Sometimes I forget who I am.
I forget what You’ve put inside me.
But Your Spirit lives in me.
So today, I choose to believe that I’m stronger than I think…
Because You’re stronger than I know.
Amen.
Reflection Prompt
Where have you been underestimating your God-given strength?
What would it look like to walk with quiet confidence today?
