If you’re feeling worn out, like you’re carrying a weight you can’t quite name, and no matter how hard you try, you still feel like you’re coming up short in your own eyes, I need you to hear me clearly:
You are not an orphan trying to earn your way back into the family. You are a son. Right now. Today. You are fully loved, fully accepted, and fully pleasing to the Father—not because of what you’ve done, but because of what Jesus has already done.
I see this every single day with men just like you. They’re good guys—they go to church, provide for their families, and stay faithful—but deep down, they’re living as though they still have to prove their worth. And that lie is exhausting.
Here’s the truth: the moment you trusted Christ, the Father looked at you just as He looked at Jesus when He came up out of the water, saying: “This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased” (Matthew 3:17). That’s not just a nice; that’s your new legal identity. It’s locked in and non-negotiable.
When you start living from this place, everything shifts. You stop performing for approval. You stop snapping at your kids out of insecurity. You stop withdrawing from your wife because you feel like a failure. Instead, you start to lead from a place of rest rather than striving.
This is precisely what we focus on in Week 2 of Rebound—rebuilding your identity in Christ.
Here are four things you can do today to start living like the son you already are:
Say it out loud first thing in the morning: “I am God’s beloved Son. There is no condemnation for me. Christ lives in me.” Say this until your soul begins to believe it more than your feelings do.
The moment you notice yourself trying to “earn” God’s love, stop and say: “Father, thank You that I already have Your full approval because of Jesus. I rest in that right now.” Gratitude counters the performance trap every time.
Next time you pray—even if it’s just in the car—start with “Abba, Father…” (Romans 8:15). Talk with Him the way a secure child talks to a dad who loves him deeply. No need to grovel; just engage in honest, confident conversation.
When the enemy whispers, “You’re failing again,” “You’re not enough,” or “God’s disappointed,” don’t let those thoughts dominate. Respond with: “No. I’ve been crucified with Christ. The old me is dead. I live by faith in the Son of God who loved me and gave Himself for me” (Galatians 2:20). Speak truth louder than the accusation.
You don’t have to wait until you “feel” like a son. Start acting like one—speak it, thank Him for it, and pray from that place—and the feelings will catch up.
I’ve seen men go from feeling burned out to becoming confident leaders in just weeks once this understanding clicks. Your wife will notice the change, your kids will see it, and you’ll feel it.
You’re not an orphan anymore; you are a son. Start living like it today.
Drop a comment below if you’re choosing sonship right now. Share this with friend who needs to hear this—he might be carrying the same weight you once did.
And if you’re ready to go all-in and rebuild every part of your life—marriage, family leadership, purpose, strength, brotherhood, mission—just comment “REBOUND,” and I’ll send you the full roadmap.
Dr. Ron Geisler 