Low Self-esteem is the result of an internal assessment fed by lies. Consistent doubt in oneself ensures the individual with low self-esteem will never develop the ability to accept, learn from and change according to the Truth. But in John 17:17, it says that His Word is Truth and that the Truth has the ability to change the one who believes in it.
For years I struggled with low self-esteem. I’ve struggled with self-esteem concerning my age, weight, shape, my image, my ability to make the income I desire, you name it. My biggest self-defeating thought pattern was believing that I would never be good enough for God and because I could never be good enough, it would not matter what God has done for me or would do for me, and that includes His ultimate sacrifice for me.
One day I had to ask myself this question, “What am I worth?” A moment of truth. I was flat out embarrassed by what my answer was, and it was at this moment I knew something needed to change.
Here is what I learned and now my 4 basic steps to loosen the grip of low self-esteem:
Number #1 – Recognize The Lies and Recognize The Doubt
“I do not write to you because you do not know the truth, but because you do know it and because no lie comes from the truth.” 1 John 2:21
ACTION: Write down all of your self-defeating thought patterns and your doubts about God’s ability to change you.
If you need help organizing your thoughts, please refer to the bottom of this article for some reflection questions.
Number #2 – Believe, Pray and Fast
“Blessed is she who has believed that the Lord would fulfill his promises to her!” Luke 1:45
“Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask for in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours.” Mark 11:24
“So He said to them, “This kind can come out by nothing but prayer and fasting.”” Mark 9:29 NKJV
Believe in God and in who He says He is because He and His Word are one in the same, power!
ACTION: Pray and fast. Ask God to help you to believe in the Truth; in who He is and in His ability to help you change self-defeating thought patterns into self-inspiring ones.
Write down scriptures that declare these specific truths about God.
Number #3 – Imitate God and Repeat
“Imitate God, therefore, in everything you do, because you are his dear children.” Ephesians 5:1 NLT
“For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways,” declares the Lord. “As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts.” Isaiah 55:8-9
Finally, imitate God and accept the fact that God’s thought patterns are better than yours and that they supersede your feelings.
ACTION:
-Find three scriptures where God speaks about His self-worth. Then find three more scriptures where God speaks about you and what you are worth to Him.
-Compare these scriptures to the lies and doubt recorded earlier. Continue to choose to believe and rejoice in the Truth.
Number #4 – Start or strengthen your relationship with God
Lastly, seek out a relationship with God by going deeper into the scriptures. Study the Bible with women who know their way to and through the Bible. If you’d like guidance with Bible Studies, email info@RiseandShineBright.com.
Here is my example:
#1 – Lie: I am not good enough for God and I never will be. It doesn’t matter that God died for me.
#2 – My belief in The Truth: I am God’s child according to John 1:12-13 and it is impossible for God to lie – Numbers 23:19; good fathers love their children especially, God – Romans 5:8; God died for me because He loves me and has the power to change me – Ezekiel 11:19-20.
#3 – My Reason for Imitation: Since I am God’s child, I know that children imitate their father.
My three scriptures regarding God’s worth are John 14:6; Psalm 63:3-4; Leviticus 11:44. My scriptures regarding my worth to God are Psalms 139:13-17; Isaiah 49:15-16 and Romans 5:8.
#4 – My Bible Study Experience: Eight years ago I prayed for God to prove to me that He was real. Two weeks after my prayer God allowed me to meet awesome women who lived by His Word and were able to call me to a decision to live by it for the rest of my life. It was through His Word that God proved His existence to me, but more importantly His love for me. Because of God’s love, I have been able to personally witness that true transformation in God’s Word which only happens through faith and trust in Him, and a willingness to obey His Word.
Why these 4 steps work:
-Jesus, God in human form, used these same methods: Matthew 4:1-11; Mathew 28:18-20.
-Listing the lies – makes you aware that you have been lied to.
-Prayer and fasting – softens your heart and helps you to rely on the very power of God, (i.e. believing God at His Word), not on your own strength. It is God who will change you, Ezekiel 11:19-20.
-Using Scripture to counter every lie – allows you to combat the lies of the Enemy. The Enemy is powerless against God, and that includes His Word (Romans 16:20; Ephesians 6:16; Romans 10:17)
As you become more familiar with what God says about you, low self-esteem will rise, and your clarity about God will shine bright.
Reflection Questions:
What do you believe about God?
– Do you believe God’s Word is true, if not, why?
– What do you believe about yourself?
– How do you talk about yourself?
– How do you talk about others?
– What do you believe God thinks of you?
Do you believe it is possible to align your thoughts and your speech with God’s truth?
Rise & Shine Bright.