Identity for Image
Yesterday, we focused on receiving the invitation and exchanging our weariness for God’s rest. Today, we ask God to examine our hearts. We ask to be seen deeply like only God can, not superficially as people do so that we can lean into our God-given identity rather than the curated image that we present to the world.
We live in a world that constantly misjudges us by appearance, performance, persona, and progress in people's eyes:
“We should know better, look better, do better, and carry ourselves differently.”
We're expected to serve, show up, and add value, even if it means pouring from an empty cup. But while people would have you nip and tuck your life to meet their expectations, they often miss this truth:
Even someone with a seemingly perfect life can be breaking on the inside.
That's why God examines us.
That's why God's examination is so necessary.
He sees beyond what we show others.
He sees beneath what we've covered up.
He sees through what we try to hide.
He doesn't just glance.
He gazes.
The only way to be examined deeply is to be still… still enough to be searched… still enough to be known… still enough to be healed.
This is not the kind of test you can cheat on. This is a soul searching heart check wrapped in grace and mercy. God examines us not to shame or exploit us, but to lovingly expose what we can't see, what others won't take time to understand, and what the enemy hopes will stay buried.
While the process of examination can feel intimidating, don't forget, God wants to deliver us.
Today, We'll root our reflection time in Psalm 139, but before we begin, let us pray.
Lord, we believe your Word. Hebrews 4:12-13 says:
“For the Word of God, is alive and active, sharper than any double-edged sword. It penetrates even to
dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow. It judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart. Nothing in all
creation is hidden from God's sight. Everything is uncovered and laid bare before the eyes of him, to whom
we must give.”
Lord, we acknowledge the power of your word, and as we read Psalm 139 today, we ask that you receive it as our personal invitation to search us completely. Examine our will; our thoughts; our motives; our fruit.
Like the fig tree you examined for fruit, we ask that you examine what we are producing. Where there is pretense, prune us. Where there is pride, humble us. Where there is hurt, heal us. Teach us your ways, oh Lord. Replace every hardened place in our hearts with soft, fertile ground.
In Jesus’ name we pray.
Amen.
You have searched me, Lord, and you know me.
You know when I sit and when I rise; You perceive my thoughts from afar.
You discern my going out, you, I lying down; You are familiar with all my ways.
Before a word is on my tongue You, Lord, know it completely.
You hem me in behind and before, and you lay your hand up on me.
Such knowledge is too wonderful for me, too lofty for me to attain.
Where can I go from your Spirit? Where can I flee from your presence?
If I go up to the heavens, you are there; if I make my bed in the depths, you are there.
If I rise on the wings of the dawn, if I settle on the far aside of the sea, even there your hand will guide me, your right hand will hold me fast.
If I say, “Surely the darkness will hide me and the light become night around me,” even the darkness will not be dark to you'; the night will shine like the day for darkness is as light to you.
For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother's womb. I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well.
My frame was not hidden from you when I was made in the secret place, when I was woven together in the depths of the earth.
Your eyes saw my unformed body; all the days ordained for me were written in your book before one of them came to be.
How precious to me are your thoughts, God!
How vast is the sum of them!
Were I to count them, they would outnumber the grains of sand - when I awake, I am still with you.
Search me, God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts.
See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.
Worship While You Reflect
Today’s Worship: "Where Can I Go (Psalm 139)" – Ellie Holcomb & "Known" – Tauren Wells
As you prepare for today’s reflection, take a moment to pause and feel what it means to be known by God.
Today isn’t about doing. It’s about allowing God to see you — fully.
Bring your whole self, even the parts you’d rather hide.
Let these songs quiet the pressure to perform and open you to the God who examines with mercy and grace.
How does it change or challenge you to know that God sees everything and still offers covering grace and mercy rather than condemnation?
Your Heartwork Assignment
During your journaling time today, reflect on the parts of you that others don’t always see. Begin by writing this sentence at the top of your page:
Lord, I exchange the image I present to the world for the identity You created for me. Search me, and reveal who You have created me to be.
Then complete these prompts honestly:
What do I wish others understood about me?
What do I wish I understood about myself?
What am I afraid to let God uncover in my life?
What identity has God already spoken over me in His Word?
Locate 3–5 scriptures and rewrite each one as a personal “I am” statement.
Example:
Psalm 139:14 → “I am fearfully and wonderfully designed.”
Close by asking:
Lord, show me who I am beneath who I’ve tried to be.
