Anchoring Your Identity in Christ

In today's fast-paced world, it’s easy to forget who we truly are, especially when faced with struggles or doubts. On the Faith Over Addiction podcast, I had the honor of sitting down with Jennifer Brooks, a passionate Bible teacher and author, to explore the powerful journey of anchoring our identity in Christ. Jennifer has dedicated the past 23 years to helping women understand who they are in Christ and how to live out that truth daily.

Let’s dive into the transformative process of knowing, believing, abiding, and moving forward with God's peace in the midst of life's struggles, particularly when navigating the pain of a loved one’s addiction.

Step 1: Knowing Your Identity in Christ

The first step in anchoring your identity is knowing who God says you are. It may seem simple, but as Jennifer shares, many of us don’t take the time to learn what God’s Word says about us. As soon as we come to Jesus, we experience an immediate transformation, as 2 Corinthians 5:17 reminds us: "If anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!" However, without a mindset shift, it’s easy to forget or fail to understand what this new identity truly means.

Jennifer explains that while we might know what the Bible says, we often don’t believe it to be true. For example, Ephesians 2:10 tells us that we are God's handiwork, created to do good works. But for many, like Jennifer herself, this can be hard to believe. “I didn't see myself as God's masterpiece," Jennifer reflects. "I saw someone who couldn't get it right." It’s easy to internalize negative beliefs about ourselves, but we must take the time to learn and truly understand who we are in Christ.

Step 2: Believing It to Be True

The next step is believing God's Word about who we are. It's one thing to know that God calls us His masterpiece; it's another to internalize that truth and believe it wholeheartedly. Jennifer shares that for years, she struggled with insecurity and poor self-worth. She knew what God's Word said, but her mind was dominated by negative thoughts about herself. “I was believing my own thoughts of who I thought I was over what God's Word said,” Jennifer admits.

This battle between our thoughts and God's truth is real, but the key is choosing to believe God's Word as the ultimate authority. In moments when self-doubt creeps in, it’s essential to take those thoughts captive and replace them with God’s truth. Just like Jesus did when He was tempted in the wilderness, we must say, “It is written,” and declare the truth of God's Word over our lives. This is the turning point where our identity shifts from what we think about ourselves to what God says about us.

Step 3: Abiding in the Truth

The final component of anchoring your identity in Christ is abiding in the truth. Jesus said in John 15:5, “I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me, you can do nothing.” To truly live out our identity, we must remain connected to Jesus and continually choose to walk in the truth of who we are in Him.

This means regularly renewing our minds with God’s Word and choosing to live in alignment with His truth, even when our circumstances don’t reflect it. Abiding involves constant communion with God and allowing His truth to shape every area of our lives.

The Power of Daily Connection and Embracing Peace

In the midst of life's struggles, especially when dealing with the pain of a loved one's addiction, it's easy to get caught in a cycle of self-blame, frustration, and exhaustion. You may find yourself constantly questioning what you did wrong or how you could have done better. In these moments, it’s crucial to remember the truth that God offers: There is no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus (Romans 8:1).

Jennifer Brooks, in a heartfelt conversation, shares the wisdom of God’s word that helps us navigate such overwhelming times. One of the key aspects she highlights is the importance of constant communication with God throughout the day. It's not enough to compartmentalize our time with Him, meeting with Him only in the morning or at set times. God desires to be with us in every moment, guiding us, speaking to us, and inviting us to pour out our hearts to Him.

The Importance of Self-Care and Moving Beyond Self-Blame

Often, when we are dealing with a loved one’s addiction or troubling behavior, we become hyper-focused on their struggles. We lose sight of ourselves, forgetting the need for self-care, healthy boundaries, and spiritual nourishment. But Jesus calls us to come to Him when we are weary and burdened (Matthew 11:28). This invitation is for those who feel overwhelmed, exhausted, and desperate for peace.

When we abide in Jesus daily, we invite His rest into our souls. His yoke is easy, and His burden is light. It's through this ongoing connection that we are reminded to take care of our own health, both physically and spiritually. We need to nourish ourselves with the right things—whether that’s through God's word, uplifting conversations, or healthy habits—so we can give from a place of abundance, not exhaustion.

It’s easy to think, If only I had done things differently, my loved one would be better. Many women who are walking through the pain of a loved one's addiction wrestle with this thought daily. They feel like they’ve failed, like if they had been more perfect, their spouse or child wouldn’t be struggling. But this kind of thinking is not from God.

As Jennifer Brooks explains, the enemy thrives on these feelings of condemnation. He whispers lies of shame, trying to keep us stuck in regret and self-blame. But we have to stand firm in the truth of Romans 8:1. You are not condemned. You are loved and forgiven in Christ.

Practical Steps for Moving Forward

• Connect with God Daily: Don’t compartmentalize your relationship with Him. Invite Him into every part of your day—through prayer, worship, and mindful moments.

• Self-Care is Not Selfish: Take care of your physical, emotional, and spiritual well-being. Remember that you can’t pour from an empty cup.

• Let Go of Condemnation: When the enemy tries to fill you with guilt and shame, remind yourself of the truth in Romans 8:1. You are not condemned.

• Surrender Your Loved One: Pray for your loved one, but understand that you can’t change them. Surrender them to God and trust that He is working in their hearts.

• Press On Toward the Future: Forget the past and look ahead. God has a plan for you, and His promises are worth pressing forward for.

Closing Thought

As we move forward in our journey of anchoring our identity in Christ, remember that this is a process. It’s not an overnight transformation, but a daily choice to know, believe, and abide in the truth. When we are rooted in who we are in Christ, we can face the challenges of addiction, life’s trials, and self-doubt with confidence, knowing that we are His masterpieces, chosen and loved by God.

You are a masterpiece, uniquely created by God. Your worth is not determined by the actions of those around you but by the love He has for you. No matter where you are in your journey, take comfort in the fact that God’s grace is greater than any mistake or past regret. Step into the future with faith, trusting that He is with you every step of the way.