In the past few years, it’s become a thing for us to end the year with a round table gathering with the husband and the kids to take stock of the year that was and our hopes for the one to come. We usually start with a few questions about what we’re thankful for from the past year and what we’re looking forward to in the next one.
Over the years, we’ve had some pretty regular answers, a few unexpected ones and a handful of profoundly deep ones ever since the kids started expressing themselves more and more.
This year, as we looked back on 2021, it was a little tough emotionally—it was a year of losses, physical and emotional upheavals, faith-stretching, heart-wrenching experiences with a splash of homesickness thrown in – and the kids’ answers were peppered with these feelings alongside their hopeful aspirations for the coming year.
As I was thinking about what I was looking forward to this 2022, my mind kept going back to this little bookmark I had. It was from a two-day spiritual retreat called Victory Weekend from our church and is usually given to each participant.
It answers the question, “Who am I?” and I thought it was the best place to start the year with these declarations.
WHO AM I?
I AM ACCEPTED…
I am God’s child. (John 1:12)
I have been bought with a price, I belong to God. (I Cor. 6:19-20)
I am a saint. (Eph. 1:1)
I have been adopted as God’s child. (Eph. 1:5)
I have direct access to God through the Holy Spirit. (Eph. 2:18)
I have been redeemed and forgiven of all my sins. (Col. 1:12)
I have been filled in Christ and I am complete in Him. (Col 2:10)
I AM SECURE…
I am free from condemnation. (Rom. 8:1-2)
I cannot be separated from the love of God. (Rom. 8:35)
I am confident that the good work that God has begun in me will be completed. (Phil. 1:6)
I have not been given a spirit of fear, but of power, love and self-control. (2 Tim 1:7)
I can receive mercy and find grace in time of need. (Heb. 4:16)
I am born of God, and the evil one cannot touch me. (1 Jn. 5:18)
I AM SIGNIFICANT…
I am Christ’s witness wherever I go. (Acts 1:8)
I am God’s temple. (1 Cor. 3:16)
I am a minister of reconciliation. (2 Cor. 5:18)
I am God’s co-worker. (2 Cor. 6:1)
I am seated with Christ in heavenly places. (Eph. 2:6)
I am God’s workmanship. (Eph. 2:10)
I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. (Phil. 4:13)
Focusing on this list of lifegiving verses instead of new year resolutions shifts our eyes back to what’s essential in our lives as Christians — our foundation.
For as every foundation determines how high or how strong a structure is, knowing who we are, (who created us and who holds our hearts and our lives in His hands) determines how we build (or rebuild) our lives — equipping us to face the coming year and all that is in store for us.
We face 2022 with the reminder He is the “author and the perfecter of our faith” and with every pain and trial, is the hope and reassurance that in Him no experience is wasted. He holds us in His hands — comforting, strengthening, polishing, molding us with care — ever faithful and trustworthy.
We’ve provided a FREE downloadable bookmark for you to print out and help get you started declaring His words of truth this year.
*Content reprinted from Victory Philippines.
