If you’re anything like me, you might struggle with seeing yourself the way God sees you. You might wrestle with this idea that God loves you–despite all your flaws, mistakes, and shortcomings. I’m usually my own worst critic, so seeing past my countless inadequacies isn’t always easy. But according to scripture, God’s sees us as holy. He knows your name and mine and He calls us worthy. Redeemed. Forgiven. Precious. Known. And created for a purpose. It’s up to us to accept that love and walk in His truth.
I came across a phenomenal passage recently that really put this into perspective for me:
“Then the angel showed me Jeshua the high priest standing before the angel of the Lord. Satan was there at the angel’s right hand, accusing Jeshua of many things. And the Lord said to Satan, “I, the Lord, reject your accusations, Satan. Yes, the Lord, who has chosen Jerusalem, rebukes you. This man is like a burning stick that has been snatched from the fire.” Jeshua’s clothing was filthy as he stood there before the angel. So the angel said to the others standing there, “Take off his filthy clothes.” And turning to Jeshua he said, “See, I have taken away your sins, and now I am giving you these fine new clothes.” Zechariah 3:1-4
Here’s the thing: Satan wants to make us feel unworthy. Dirty. Messed up. He does all he can to whisper lies that keep us to living in shame and guilt–not deserving of God’s love. But this passage graphically portrays how we receive God’s love and mercy: we do nothing to earn it, we simply accept it. We claim it.
When we turn to our Creator and humble ourselves before Him, God removes our filthy clothes and gives us a whole new identity. He rebukes the accusations of the evil one on our behalf and overshadows us with Christ’s righteousness. He cover us with His feathers and under His wing we find refuge (Psalm 91). It’s absolutely beautiful and breathtaking to visualize yourself in this scenario.
So change your clothes, my friend. Take off those filthy rags that Satan wants you to live in and burn them. Then put on the new, fine clothing that Jesus freely gives and let it transform you into a new person, living in the freedom and rest of The Almighty.
“You must display a new nature because you are a new person, created in God’s likeness–righteous, holy, and true.”
Ephesians 4:24
Thank you, sometiwheen things go wrong, I say to myself I must of done something to deserve this. I needed reminder that God is good and there for me always, it’s Satan that I need to rebuke💕💕💕
The enemy is powerless, yet I find myself listening to him and even agreeing with him. Yikes…
It’s only when I choose to place JESUS about my wicked thoughts, the Holy Spirit reminds me who I am in Christ. Yes, I’ve changed clothes several to times. I love verse and analogy. Thankful for your devotional. I’m new here. 😊
Praise the Holy Sprit for reminding us of who we are in CHRIST. Our identity is in Him and He rebukes the lies of the enemy for us.
Yes indeed, God is always there for us–in the good times and the hard seasons.
Thank you Sarah!
Satan can sabotage so many beautiful things!
That’s his favorite thing to do. Thankfully Jesus WINS.
Love this. As always, you have a gift Sarah. Thanks for sharing.
Thank you!! xo
All we have to do is accept and claim it. Love those words
AMEN!
Sarah ~ this is a beautiful devotional about putting on new clothes! I’ve not captured that scripture in Zachariah before. Now going to reread that book in the Bible…so good. This visual makes sense to my mind where the enemy tries to speak otherwise. Thank you for sharing these words in the Lord laid in your heart. Going to print out that verse and post where I can see it.
Isn’t it a beautiful visual? I actually read that passage last month when we were in Florida and I haven’t been able to stop thinking about it. Had to share!
Your Devotionals always give me what I need when I read them. ❤️
I’m so happy to hear that, Julie. Thank you for taking the time to read them!
I rebuke the father of lies! Praise God for the cleansing of my sins! I have had multiple times in the past few days that satan tried to creep in my head and my home, but the Holy Spirit in me said that is Satan! Don’t listen to him!!! It is vital for us to pay attention to the promptings of the Holy Spirit and follow the commandments. Jesus would never want to hear me say or thing I’m to fat, I’m ugly, I should have a better job. Instead let’s start waking up to our true identity in Christ where we are perfectly made in his image. 💗🙏
Amen to that, Denise! I do the exact same thing. Don’t listen to those lies!
Change your clothes was just what I needed to hear. Sarah you are a blessing to me when I need one! ❤️🙏🏻❤️
so happy to hear that, Julie! xo
I LOVE your blog and look forward to your postings!
thank you so much Lynne!