When Our Self Esteem Is In Trouble
Are you feeling weak? Vulnerable? Is your self-esteem in trouble?
Self-esteem is a fragile thing, especially when we don’t base it on what God’s Word says about us. In the past, I based my self-worth on what I did (or didn’t) accomplish or what others thought of me. My relentless need to be loved and accepted drove me to unhealthy relationships, which left emotional scars.
My regrets outweighed the good things I’d done – by a huge margin. By the time I was in my twenties, I was overwhelmed with doubt that I’d ever be free of my advancing self-hatred. I was sure that if I didn’t begin (once and for all) to trust God, the darkness, brought about by all the regrets in my life, would swallow me up.
I sought Christian counseling and spent lots of time praying and reading my Bible. I came across several verses which helped me. One of my favorites was Psalm 18:28 (ESV):
For it is you who light my lamp; the Lord my God lightens my darkness.” I clung to this verse because I desperately wanted God to “lighten my darkness.
It wasn’t the first time I’d read this verse, but this time, its message “took.”
Regularly meditating (pondering) on Scripture changed my thought life. It helped me see things differently:
- I was God’s child – loved and valued unconditionally.
- I knew God had forgiven me for my destructive choices and suicide attempts.
- I finally understood that my heavenly Father had a purpose for me. This understanding gave me a brighter outlook on my life and myself.
Ultimately, I realized I needed God to change my heart. I prayed for Him to help me desire Him and His love for me more than the love and approval of those around me. Eventually, I could even love and forgive those who had hurt me.
When I keep God’s Word at the center of my thinking, I’m healthier, happier and more focused. More like the person I pray to be. The person God created me to be.
What about you?
If regret is making your world a darker place, hiding God’s Word in your heart will invite Him to show up right in the middle of your circumstances, your relationships – even in your thought life – and break shame’s power over you.
As we prepare our hearts for Easter, will you ask God to reach into the areas of your life that desperately need it? Will you allow His presence to lighten your darkness, help you make better decisions … and reveal your true value in Christ?
What do you think?
I’d love to hear your thoughts about this post. (Your comment might also benefit others.)
If you’re reading by email, CLICK HERE to visit Today Can Be Different online and leave a comment. If you would like to subscribe to this blog and receive the most recent post to your inbox, see sidebar! There’s no charge for this service. AND, I’d be tickled if you would consider sharing this post.
Self-esteem is a fragile thing, especially when we don’t base it on what God’s Word says about us.
Beautiful thoughts. Thank you sweet Sheryl.
I appreciate you, Marla!
Will you ask God to reach into the areas of your life that desperately need it? Will you allow His presence to lighten your darkness, help you make better decisions … and reveal your true value in Christ?
Sheryl thank you so much for these encouraging words.God and I are working on a lot of things.iam just thankful he is carrying me through challenging times right now. I am having to yield friends and family to him because, I cannot change them but,I know he can and for my own sanity and daily walk it is what I need to do. If I got off subject I appreciate your listening anyway. Love you Sister.
I will ALWAYS listen, dear friend.
Thankfully, God is able to work in the lives of those we’re in relationships with – just as He can work in our lives – to be the people He has called us to be.
I also went through a difficult time with self destructive behavior, and trying on my own toward self improvement, to no avail, and then I finally found our Lord who loves us unconditionally and with his grace, mercy and faithfulness that all changed; He changed me from the inside out and made me a new creation in Christ. “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new.” 2 Corinthians 5:17. I also like the verse in Ephesians 1:18, “I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened, so that you will know what is the hope of His calling, what are the riches of the glory of His inheritance in the saints,”. Thanks Sheryl for being so honest about your past for us to see your transformation through Christ which is so beautiful!✝️
Thank you, Kim. I too appreciate your willingness to share your struggles.
Transparency helps others to know they’re not alone in whatever they’re wrestling with.
Also, thank you for the great verses!