“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

Who Am I?

I recently went away with my husband for our 29thanniversary. We found ourselves quite emotional the day we left—perhaps it was the anticipation of being able to relax and take a deep breath for the first time in months. We did just that: relaxing, hiking and enjoying each other’s company without the distractions and responsibilities which seem to get in the way of our relationship far more often than we both like.

We drove about 1,000 miles in six days, and knew certain commitments awaited us at home, which left us tired and feeling like we needed a vacation after the vacation. We knew that would happen, but were totally unprepared for the sheer exhaustion we felt getting back into our schedules this week. I’ve cried multiple times at the drop of a hat. After a week away, stepping back into a long-standing, difficult situation with a loved one was very hard.

I’ve had moments of fear and near panic. Yesterday morning the Lord told me to read Daniel, so during a break while waiting at an appointment for this loved one, I began. The book starts out with the fall of the nation of Judah and the best of the young men being taken to Babylon to be trained to serve in the king’s palace. Not a great start. However, the book is all about the sovereignty of God as He performs miracles in a fiery furnace and a lion’s den, and deals in an amazing way with the pride of a king. In these three situations, glory is given to God, and His holiness and might are proclaimed by both captives and kings.

After I got home, I asked God what He wanted to tell me from this reading and about life in general. His words: “You are holy, chosen, and dearly loved.” I was completely undone. A little while later I whispered, “I’m okay,” to which He replied, “You are fearfully and wonderfully made, wonderful are My works—let your soul know it full well” (Psalm 139:14).

 My takeaway—and the answer to the question “Who am I?”—is that I am a child of God and He is in control. He is as sovereign today as He was in Daniel’s day. God loves me and wants me to walk in His love, not in fear (2 Timothy 1:7). I’m to proclaim His praises, for He has indeed called me out of darkness and into His marvelous light!

“Father God, thank You for loving us, for choosing us as Your special daughters to proclaim Your praises. May we never fail to do so, even when life is hard. Amen.”