It’s far easier to dwell on our flaws than to celebrate our strengths. In our nightly prayer and devotional, we reflect on the fact that many of us live with a critical inner voice that whispers, “You’re not enough unless you do more.”

But in Mark 1, we find a different message. At Jesus’ baptism, before He had performed miracles or preached to the crowds, God affirmed His identity: “You are my Son… with you I am well pleased.” God’s delight wasn’t rooted in Jesus’ accomplishments but in His identity and surrender to the Father’s will.

That same truth applies to us. Our worth is not defined by achievements, possessions, or even our good works. It rests in belonging to Christ. You are loved not because of what you produce but because of Whose you are.

When you’re tempted to measure your value by accomplishments or compare yourself to others, remember this: Your true identity is found in being a child of God. And in that, He is already well pleased.

Tonight’s Scripture: Mark 1:11 (NIV)

“You are my Son, whom I love; with you I am well pleased.”
🔗 Read more on BibleStudyTools.com

🙏 Your Nightly Prayer

Dear Jesus,
It is hard not to measure myself by my accomplishments, appearance, or failures. Yet Your Word reminds me that my worth is rooted in being Your child, not in what I do. Help me to see myself as You see me, to rest in my identity as Yours, and to silence the lies of comparison and self-criticism. Thank You for delighting in me simply because I belong to You.
Amen.

🧘 Three Things to Meditate Upon

1. Write down three Bible verses about identity in Christ (such as Galatians 2:20 or Ephesians 2:10). Post them where you’ll see them daily and recite them out loud.

2. Make two lists: one of your earthly accomplishments and another of your eternal identity as a child of God. Which one is unshakable?

3. Listen to Colton Dixon’s song Identity. As you reflect on the lyrics, turn them into a personal prayer of gratitude to God.

📣 Calls to Action

• 📖 Take 5 minutes tomorrow morning to read Mark 1:1–11 and reflect on God’s words of delight.

• 📝 Begin an “identity in Christ” journal, writing truths that counter self-criticism with God’s Word.

• 📬 Sign up for our nightly devotional to continue receiving Scripture, encouragement, and prayer each evening.

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