09/26/2026
When we rise in the morning, and first open our eyes, are we awakening to the world, or to God? Is our first thought of getting a cup of coffee (or juice) and beginning another day at work, or is it in thanksgiving to the Lord for this day with Him? What do our checklists look like, are they our own personal lists, or are they written for two (ourselves and the divine)? These answers depend on who you think you are.
“Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth. For you have died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God.”
Colossians 3:2-3 ESV
How we begin our day has everything to do with who we think we are. If I think I am first and foremost a husband then my initial thought will be to look over at my spouse. If I believe I am a provider then my first thought will be of work. But, if I think that I am one with Jesus Christ, and that above all else I am in Him, and He is in me, then my first thought will be of thanksgiving, and spending my day, and all I do in it, with God. Deciding who we are is paramount in determining how we will live our life. So, who do we believe we are?
“In that day you will know that I am in my Father, and you in me, and I in you.”
John 14:20 ESV
There were times in my life when I played different roles, and in those times I would have answered the question of who I was quite differently. There were times when As a young boy that I thought I was a cowboy, or a football player, and when I woke up I would pull back the covers, see if I still had my cowboy boots on, (yes I slept with my boots on) and then grab my hat and pistols as I headed towards the living room to watch Roy Rodgers, or The Lone Ranger. Later in life I became other things, a student, a computer professional, a husband, a father, a manager of people, a writer, and several other things, but there were also times when I was lost, and didn’t know who I really was. Have you ever felt lost? Are you feeling that way now?
When we put our trust in the world, and search alone for who we are in it, we will often feel lost. Even believers can become convinced that there is something in life that is more pressing and important than God at a certain juncture. It is during these times, when they are searching alone, that feeling lost comes upon them, and yet in the midst of this seemingly barren desert they are not alone...
“you whom I took from the ends of the earth, and called from its farthest corners, saying to you, "You are my servant, I have chosen you and not cast you off"; fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.”
Isaiah 41:9-10 ESV
And, as for those who have never known Jesus, this sense of being lost is what you feel as you wander from one definition of who you might be to the next... you are lost; or at best confused. But as helpless as you might feel you are, you are never truly alone, because God is with you, and has sent someone to rescue you... Jesus Christ.
“He answered, "I was sent only to the lost sheep of the house of Israel." But she came and knelt before him, saying, "Lord, help me."”
Matthew 15:24-25 ESV
In 2018 there was a news story about an 18-year-old Indonesian boy who was swept out to sea by a storm on a makeshift wooden boat, and lost there for 49 days before finally being rescued. If you listened to the report you would have heard an interesting fact “He only had the Bible with Him, and when he became desperate he even turned to it as he looked for help.” These are the exact words of a reporter who didn’t know God. This was a person who didn’t see the miracle... this is someone who didn’t understand that 49 day’s meant something (7 times 7), that it wasn’t by chance that he had a Bible, it wasn’t lucky that he was fed on fish that he was able to catch, it wasn’t scientific that he was able to drink seawater (that should have killed him) by pouring it through his shirt, and when he was finally rescued, it wasn’t happenstance that as the crew set him on the deck of their ship the first thing he did was pray as they tried to drape a blanket over him. Who did this young man think he was? He was lost at sea, but did he feel that he was ever truly lost? Was he alone as the reporters claimed, or was he abiding in Jesus Christ, and God?
“He delivers and rescues; he works signs and wonders in heaven and on earth, he who has saved Daniel from the power of the lions."”
Daniel 6:27 ESV
So, when we rise in the morning who do we think we are? Are we afloat in the world alone, or are we abiding in Jesus Christ? Are we first and foremost a husband, father, a worker, or... are we a godly husband, a godly worker, a godly father? If we define ourselves first as a child of God then that is how we will live our lives. If we do this then the morning news reports of a young man lost at sea will cease to be just a curiosity, and be transformed into a miracle performed by God to reveal himself. Eating fish will remind us of other miracles, drawing fresh water from the salty sea will remind us of water in the desert, and the number 49 will become 7 times 7 instead. These are but some of the many signs that God’s hand is on us in our world, and defines who we are.
“Prophetic Symbolism: In biblical numerology, 49 is the square of 7 (7 × 7), representing a complete or perfect spiritual cycle, often tied to the lead-up to the Year of Jubilee (which follows 7 sabbath years, or 7 × 7 = 49 years).” – this reference is from Google search
Prayer:
Father, thank you for your Son Jesus, and for His abiding in me, I in Him, and we both in you. Thank you for defining who I am and never abandoning me. Thank you Lord for each day I awake to find that we are still together in this world, and for hearing my prayer of thanksgiving, and for the many blessings and mercies that will certainly come to me on this day. Thank you Holy Father for the signs and wonders you give me, and for opening my eyes to them. As I make my way through this world, and this life, it is a comfort knowing that I am not alone, and that as I try to determine who I will be each day I am always your child before all else. As my worldly roles change, and the years go by, I am still young in you Father, and secure in your mercy and grace. Guide me Gracious Father, and never let go of my hand as I am buffeted by the world. You are my God and it is you who defines me. I might cast myself as other characters in life, but I always find you there in my true self. I cling to you Holy Father, and find direction and solace in you when I am lost, and companionship in you when I feel alone. Praised be your name for your grace and every blessing in my life. Holy, Holy, Holy, are you my God of every morning, and every day. Holy are you in my nights and as you lead me forever along your way and in your will. Great is your name, and greatly to be praised! I rest in your grace when my hope wavers and when I am lost you come and find me, you save me from the world, and even from myself! In loving me, and allowing me to love you, I will honor and lift you up… always and forevermore.
“Strengthen the weak hands, and make firm the feeble knees. Say to those who have an anxious heart, "Be strong; fear not! Behold, your God will come with vengeance, with the recompense of God. He will come and save you."”
Isaiah 35:3-4 ESV
And now I say to all who believe they are lost… “Call out Hallelujah! Hallelujah! Hallelujah! unto the Lord who is with you now and forevermore, and to Jesus who is with us always, to the end of the age”
“… And behold, I [Jesus] am with you always, to the end of the age.””
Matthew 28:20 ESV
Amen! Amen! Amen!
Rich Forbes