Living Loved: See Yourself Through God’s Eyesનમૂનો

Have you ever noticed how easy it is to let your roles or struggles define you? I know I have.

I've let busyness, achievements, or even pain dictate my identity.

I wore stress or productivity like a badge, thinking it proved my worth.

• “See, how hard I’m working? I’m worthwhile. My contributions matter.”
• “I have this diagnosis, this is who I am now.”
• “I’ve gone through this trauma or heartache. This is all I can expect from life.”

We don’t want to ignore them or pretend those things didn’t happen, but we also don’t want to define ourselves by them or claim them as badges of identity.

These “badges” limit your ability to see yourself through God’s eyes.

Including this one…

Question: How are you?

Answer: Busy

I remember a particular conversation with my husband Jared. We were talking about how often we answer the question, “How are you?” with, “Busy.” It had become almost automatic, as if being "busy" validated that our lives held purpose.

But God doesn’t define you by how full your schedule is, how much you accomplish, or even the struggles you’ve endured.

In Exodus 17, after a great victory, Moses built an altar and named it “The Lord is my Banner.” A banner in biblical times was a rallying point in battle—a declaration of authority and identity under their king.

When you look up to God as your banner, you’re reminded that your true identity comes from being under His covering, not from what you do or what happened to you.

I’ve realized how often I look to badges I’ve earned—like productivity or even pain—as proof of my value. But God calls us to lift our eyes to His banner over us, which declares that we are loved, chosen, and redeemed. Can you see it?

Your identity is not tied to performance or pain—it’s rooted in God’s love.

Your true identity isn’t earned. God gives it freely.

You are safe under His covering.

You receive identity because of who God is and what He says about you.

And it’s not just for tough seasons or circumstances. It’s also in those places where you come and draw near to Him in love. Whether out in the chaos of battle or in the calm of the banqueting table, God delights to draw you close under His protection and covering.

Letting go of mistaken identities isn’t always easy. It means releasing the false comforts of self-reliance or comparison and choosing to trust what God says about you. But as you do, you’ll find freedom and peace in the truth that you are already fully known and fully loved by Him.

Ready to continue this process today, upgrading from momentary badges to Love’s banner?

1. Take a moment to ask God what “badges” you’ve been holding onto.
2. Then ask Him to help you lift your eyes to notice His banner flying over you. What does that mean for you today?
3. Make the exchange. Offer Him those lesser badges and ask Him what He invites you to receive instead.

The very places we feel the most broken are where God longs meet us with supernatural abundant love and grace. Discover how to experience this next.