The Big Question: a Reflection on Psalm 128, Psalm 146, 2 Samuel 7:18-29, Galatians 3:1-14 and Luke

Who I am is not determined by what I do professionally or my family system or my socio-economic status or anything else for that matter. Who I am is determined by the One who made me, loves me and has the number of my days mapped out according to his purpose and will. I am still learning not to place my identity in my abilities and circumstances. With the psalmist, I know that my happiness is in the fear of the LORD and that banking my help and hope on the LORD produces happiness that is rooted in my true identity in the LORD. There are so many things tugging on us and pushing us down; life is oppressive in so many ways when our sense of worth is not anchored in the Truth. Yes, asking the question “Who am I?” is the correct one for all of us to be asking. But only in God’s heart and promise can the question be ultimately answered and true happiness found. I have received the Spirit of God by grace and not works. In Jesus Christ, the image of God in which I was created, continues to unfold. I yearn to experience more fully who I am. And that pursuit will never be fulfilled rooted in human definitions. To God be the glory for the hope and help we find for life’s ultimate question, “Who am I?” In Christ, the answer begins to unfold and the happiness of knowing and being known begins and continues throughout life. In living the answer, we fulfill the covenant of redemption.

Scripture texts are taken from the two-year daily lectionary cycle which follows the liturgical calendar and begins on the First Sunday of Advent.