Seeing Yourself Through His Lens

Why settle for the world’s reflection when God’s mirror is so much clearer?

Beloved Friend,

Last week, we touched on the subject of “Identity Crisis.” Today, let’s take it a step further by diving into how we, as Christians, ought to see ourselves, how God sees us, and why being a believer is something to be proud of.

In the world we live in, there are countless false identities we can easily pick up. The world tells us we can be anything, and as a result, we often settle for labels like successful, competent, polished, or popular. Sometimes, our identity is tied to what we’ve accomplished. But what happens when life throws a curveball, and things don’t go as planned? Suddenly, we start to question everything. We begin to doubt if we were ever really all that in the first place.

I’ve been there. One Sunday, I went to see my spiritual father, and during the service, God was speaking to me. He was saying a lot, but I found myself doubting. And, of course, you can’t hide anything from God; not even your doubts. He knew exactly how I was feeling and said something so simple, yet so profound: “Patience, choose to see yourself through My lens. See yourself the way I see you.”

Those words kept ringing in my heart. And as usual, God didn’t leave it at that, He sent confirmation. After the service, I went into my pastor’s office, and he started speaking. Every word he said was a reiteration of what God had already spoken to me. It was as if God was saying, “See? I mean what I said.”

Here’s the beauty of it: Jesus isn't disappointed in you because He never had unrealistic expectations about who you were to begin with. He sees you for who you are, flaws and all, and He still calls you His own. That’s where true confidence comes from. From that day, my confidence grew; not in myself, but in who God says I am.

Who Does God Say You Are?

Take a moment and reflect on this verse: “But you are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special possession, that you may declare the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His wonderful light” (1 Peter 2:9). You are chosen by God. He calls you His special possession. If God Himself takes such pride in you, why should you be ashamed?

When you start seeing yourself through His lens, something changes. You stop settling for a version of yourself that the world expects. You stop trying to fit into molds that don’t suit you because you’ve been bought with a price (1 Corinthians 6:20). You were created for more, and knowing that will elevate how you see life and how you carry yourself.

Now, I won’t pretend it’s always easy. There are moments when you might forget who you are. But the more you remind yourself, the more it becomes your reality. You’ll start to recognize that certain things are beneath you—not out of arrogance, but because you understand your worth in God. As the psalmist wrote, “I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well” (Psalm 139:14).

Confidence in Him Spreads Across Everything

Once you’re grounded in your identity as a child of God, confidence starts flowing into every part of your life. It’s as if a veil has been lifted, and you can finally see clearly. That’s why Paul could boldly say, “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me” (Philippians 4:13). It wasn’t because Paul was perfect or invincible, it was because he knew his strength came from Christ.

That’s the key, friend. When you see yourself as God sees you, no circumstance will shake you. No storm will uproot you. Jesus promised, “Peace I leave with you; My peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid” (John 14:27). That peace comes from knowing who you are in Him.

So, if you’ve ever doubted your worth or felt pressured to live up to the world’s standards, I encourage you to pause. Remember what God has spoken concerning you. Believe it with your whole heart, and let it shape how you live. As you carry this consciousness of who you are in Christ, it will overflow into every aspect of your life.

You’ll walk with confidence. You’ll refuse to settle for less. And most importantly, you’ll stand firm, knowing that your identity is rooted in the One who never changes.

With thoughts of kindness,
ABBA’s Shofar