Woman to Woman: Apprehended By Peace

Recently, facing an identity crisis resulted in freedom for me. After so many years of “performing” and keeping up with a created identity, I felt free to be myself.

Believing the lies from my past imprisoned me. Running and hiding, allowing my past and everyone else define the real me, resulted in chronic exhaustion. Unable to rest, I had to keep up, remember what everyone wanted, and be that perfect person.

This state of performance and running caused me to feel under constant siege.

Until peace apprehended me in the form of the Prince of Peace. Though knowing and serving Jesus many years, it was a one-sided relationship. Refusing to let Him see “me”, or so I thought.

I hid from Him the way I hid from everyone else. Yes, I know how foolish that sounds, He’s God, He already knew me.

Still, I “performed” for Him too. Saying what I thought He wanted me to say and doing what I knew pleased Him.

Truly believing the Gospel, I knew Jesus died on the cross to redeem sinners.

So, what was the problem?

Believing lies from the past told me I wasn’t loved, accepted, heard, or valued by anyone. Even though I believed, followed, and served Christ, I was “earning” His approval.

Peace Not Performance

Peace is not a “thing” or state to have; real peace is a person. Christ offered me His own serenity, “My peace I give you.” (John 14:27).

All my striving to find approval and acceptance from others was misguided dependence, which never offers real peace. Jesus beckoned me to find real peace and rest in Him; “Come to me all who are weary and I will give you rest.” (Matthew 11:28-29).

The peace and rest Christ offers is not found in worldly approval or acceptance.

Existing in the assurance of Christ’s love and acceptance, authentic peace and rest is mine when I come to Him.

“But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far away have been brought near by the blood of Christ. For he himself is our peace”

Ephesians 2:13-14

Understanding for the first time, I was made in the image of God and therefore valued, I realized my identity exists in Him, not the lies from my past or the opinions of other people.

I am precious in His sight, He redeemed me, accepted me, and loves me. (Isaiah 43:4). This assurance removed the performance mentality from me and silenced the lies.

My relationship with Jesus grew more intimate and vibrant. I no longer came to Him fearful and striving for approval; I longed to rest and be with Him. This newfound freedom literally energized my soul.

If you struggle with identity issues, stuck in performance mode,

Learn to recognize the lies from your past and speak God’s truth over them.

Notice when you allow others to define you and remind yourself only God as your Creator defines you.

Notice the signs of performance mode in your life, especially when you feel less at peace. Stop, and seek Christ for rest and restored peace.

Even when things feel like they are falling apart around you, you can have a deep, abiding peace, when you allow the person of Christ to apprehend you with perfect peace and rest.

Reflect:

Where do you seek peace?

What one thing can you do today to seek God’s peace?