By Kristen Rupp

Several weeks ago, during a string of rough days consumed by depression and anxiety, intrusive thoughts attacked my mind: You are weak, you are unloved, you are unworthy, just give up now. In their wake, they left behind a tear-stricken face and warped identity.

I don’t know what your hard season looks like—job loss, heavy-hearted loneliness, a difficult diagnosis, grief from losing a loved one, a broken relationship, anxious and depressive thoughts, an eating disorder, or something entirely different. In weary seasons, negative thoughts fueled by guilt, grief, heartbreak, loss, hurt, and shame may feel as though they pen the pages of our stories. However, friend, if you were sitting with me over a cup of coffee, I would place my arm on yours, reminding you hardship and destructive thoughts do not define your story, Christ does.

So if, like me, your eyes are tear-glazed and your mind consumed with lies, I invite you to speak aloud these three truths from Romans 8. In these words, Paul implores us to tether our identities to Christ, rather than the lies of the enemy.

1. Romans 8:11: “And if the Spirit of him who raised Jesus from the dead is iving in you, he who raised Christ from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies because of his Spirit who lives in you” (NIV).

Friend, the Spirit who resurrected Jesus is living in us, no matter our circumstances or thoughts. We rest in His resurrection power to raise us out of lies and into new life in Him. We have power because of His Spirit, as we courageously battle the enemy.

2. Romans 8:37: “No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us.”

Because of Jesus’ love He displayed on the cross, we are more than conquerors. This means we are not just barely conquerors, but we are greater than conquerors, friend. Even though the lies may feel consuming today, we will not be consumed by them; instead, we are confidently victorious.

3. Romans 8:39: “…neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.”

Just prior to this passage, Paul lists many difficult hardships and out of these, absolutely nothing separates us from God’s love. His love reaches us, even amongst the all-consuming lies, and His love draws us close, reminding us of His comforting presence.

Although the difficult circumstances and thoughts might not vanish today, God’s Word is an anchor for our floundering minds. Dear friend, when our minds are consumed with the enemy’s attacks, let’s tether ourselves to God’s truth in Romans 8, securely resting in our identity in Christ.

Father God, what a blessing we can tether ourselves to Your Son, Jesus Christ, as our secure identity.  Thank you for the gift of Your powerful Spirit living within us.  Help us to boldly step out of the lies and courageously into the new life You graciously offer.  Father, help us remember that we are more than conquerors—we are confident victors.  And God, may we confidently pronounce that nothing separates us from Your love.  Enable us to rest in Your faithful love today.  Throughout this day, may we pause to declare these truths to our minds and hearts.  Amen.

Meet the Author

Hello friend, I am Kristen Rupp.  First and foremost, I am a follower of Christ.  I am also a wife to Neil, and I stay at home with our two children (6 and 3).  A few of my favorite things are reading, writing, walking, and being outdoors. 

Over the last 3 years, I experienced periods of debilitating depression and anxiety.  Intrusive thoughts bombarded my mind, making daily tasks difficult.  About 1.5 years ago, I struggled with suicidal thoughts.  As a Christian wife and young mom, it was difficult to reach out and ask for help, but I am grateful I did.  I sought help from a Christian counselor and began taking medication.  Today, I still struggle with negative, anxious, and sometimes suicidal thoughts, but I now have the medication and tools needed to fight this battle by the power of the Holy Spirit. 

You can follow Kristen on Instagram, Facebook, or at her blog refuge-of-grace.com