“We know that we are of God, and that the whole world lies in the power of the evil one. And we know that the Son of God has come, and has given us understanding so that we may know Him who is true; and we are in Him who is true, in His Son Jesus Christ Little children, guard yourselves from idols.”
—1 John 5:19-21

We live in the world where Satan resides. His spirit of darkness acts like a strong gravitational force that seeks to pull us away from God and onto a downward path of destruction and death. Our enemy is in competition with God for our attention. His goal is for us to be like him and live selfishly, apart from God, and destined for eternal destruction.

In Jeremiah 2:13, God says: “For My people have committed two evils: They have forsaken Me, the fountain of living waters, to hew for themselves cisterns, broken cisterns that can hold no water.” Our Father is jealous for our attention. He knows that when we identify ourselves through what we own or what others say or think, we’ll be tragically disappointed. Material things, prestigious careers, and others’ affirmation never satisfy the longings of our hearts. Father alone holds the key to His child’s identity. When you look to Him, “the Lord will guide you always; he will satisfy your needs in a sun-scorched land and will strengthen your frame. You will be like a well-watered garden, like a spring whose waters never fail” (Isa. 58:11, NIV).

Beloved, be vigilant to cling to and find life in Father God, His love, and His eternal kingdom. Jesus prayed, “Now this is eternal life: that they know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom you have sent” (John 17:3). I challenge you to look upward and reset your thinking today by reading and asking the Holy Spirit for revelation of Ephesians 1. Align your heart and mind according to these truths that reveal who you are in Messiah: redeemed, forgiven, chosen, the recipient of a great inheritance, and so much more. Knowing yourself in your Savior girds you with everlasting joy!

Father, You alone can truly satisfy the longings of my heart. Set my mind and heart on You. Like a horse with blinders on, fix my eyes on You so I don’t turn to the right or left but remain steadfast with my gaze set on You, my goal and prize. Reveal Yourself to me through the words of Ephesians 1, and strengthen me as I discover my identity in You.

Cynthia Schneider, From Passover to Pentecost (Lake Mary, FL: Charisma House, 2021), Used by permission.