Here’s a great thought to begin and end your day: “I am baptized into Christ.” Those five words can drown five thousand doubts.

Can it be? That trickle of baptismal water you once received couldn’t wash a dirty dinner plate. Yet it cleansed your sin-soiled heart by the power of God’s Word! 

That same saving power was at work during Noah’s flood. Before God pulled the plug, he designed an ark to save the faithful few. The evil that threatened Noah’s faith was flushed away. But the same floodwater safely buoyed the faithful in the ark. “In it only a few people, eight in all, were saved through water, and this water symbolizes baptism that now saves you also. . . . It saves you by the resurrection of Jesus Christ” (1 Peter 3:20, 21). 

The dribbles of baptismal water on your forehead are long dry. But Baptism’s power is present tense. When temptation swims your way with gleaming teeth, think: “I AM baptized into Christ.” Baptism drowns your desire to swim with the sharks. When you doubt God’s forgiveness, think: “I AM baptized into Christ.” You are no longer God’s enemy. You are his child, safe and warm in the ark of Christ. When Satan whispers, “How can you be sure you’re saved?” remember, “I AM baptized into Christ.” Your baptismal water—with the power of God’s Word—flows from the flood of grace at Jesus’ cross and tomb. That grace, poured on you at your baptism, will never dry up. 

I am baptized into Christ. Five words to drown five thousand doubts.