2 Corinthians 5:17 Devotional: Letting Go of Your Old Identity

365 Mental Health Devotional Challenge: Day 1

Affiliate Disclosure: In accordance with FTC guidelines, please be aware that this post contains affiliate links. This means that if you make a purchase through certain links, I may receive a small commission at no additional cost to you. I only recommend books, tools, and resources that I have vetted and believe provide genuine value to your spiritual and emotional healing journey.

2 Corinthians 5:17

“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!”

Mental Health Insight – Our brains are biologically predisposed to focus on the negative in our daily lives. We play past mistakes, embarrassing moments, and life altering trauma over and over again ruminating on “what we should’ve done differently”. We cannot change the past and yet we base our identity on the darkest moments of our lives. Despite this, our brains also hold something called neuroplasticity; the ability to change responses to experiences, behaviors, and learning by forming new connections in the brain. Neuroplasticity gives our brain the opportunity for true healing, helping us realize our past does not determine the future outcome of our life. 

Faith Connection – I’m sure Paul did not want to be remembered as Saul. However, despite our past God meets us in our shame and offers a radical new identity. God never calls us to carry the weight of the sins of our past. Instead, He radically encourages us to view ourselves the way He views us, a new creation made in His beautiful image. 

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Reflection Question: What part of your old identity are you still carrying? How might God be asking you to let go and step into your new identity in Christ? 

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Prayer Heavenly Father, Thank you for reminding me that my identity is not founded on my past or current struggles. During these moments where my past seems to consume me, remind me of the identity you gave me. Help guide me to create my identity on how you view me through your eyes.  Amen.

Further Resources

Many of you have been asking for further resources that could potentially benefit you on your mental health journey. Below I have attached a book you might find beneficial surrounding this topic!

By Dr. Caroline Leaf

Switch On Your Brain: The Key to Peak Happiness, Thinking, and Health

• Description: A fascinating look at the link between our thoughts and our physical brain health. This book explores the science of neuroplasticity and provides a practical plan to help you “wire out” toxic thought patterns and “wire in” a healthy, new identity based on biblical truth.

Want to stop waiting for shipping? 🚀 You can actually start reading the many book recommendations on this blog for FREE in the next 60 seconds. Grab a [Free 30-Day Kindle Unlimited Trial here] to unlock this title and thousands of other mental health tools, instantly on your phone or tablet. (Note: Kindle Unlimited selection varies over time; check the product page for current eligibility.)

Congratulation! You have completed Day 1 out of 365 Days of our 2026 Mental Health Devotional Challenge. If you haven’t subscribed to our newsletter already please consider to do so! Each blog post will be sent straight to your email so you never miss a single day!

I can’t wait to see what this New Year brings! I am so grateful God has brought you here. I hope you have the best and most blessed new year yet!

Sierra Stratman MSW LMSW U/S PhD Student at Liberty University

Disclaimer

Disclaimer: I am a Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW), but I am not your therapist. The information provided in this blog post, including book recommendations and mental health insights, is for educational and informational purposes only. It does not constitute a therapist-client relationship, nor is it intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified mental health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical or mental health condition. Never disregard professional advice or delay seeking it because of something you have read here.