As women, it is common to struggle with a negative self-image. We struggle to know our worth, beauty, and importance because of the world we live in. Rather than saying we are enough, the world is constantly screaming at us to change.
You're not smart enough.
You're not pretty enough.
You're not successful enough.
You're not cool enough.
You're not good enough.
And the list goes on. As followers of the Lord, we must stop this type of thinking. We can do this by reminding ourselves of what God says about us. God loves us, He goes before us, and He is proud of us. Turn to these five biblical reminders when you are struggling with a negative self-image.
1. You Are Enough
“For in Christ all the fullness of the Deity lives in bodily form, and in Christ you have been brought to fullness. He is the head over every power and authority” (Colossians 2:9-10).
What is making you feel inadequate? Perhaps your mother made you feel bad about yourself when you were growing up, or your spouse put you down when you were only trying your best. When we examine Colossians 2:9-10, we see that we are sufficient because Christ is sufficient. We have been given fullness in Christ. This means we are not lacking anything.
Turn to the Lord with your feelings and allow Him to bring you comfort (1 Peter 5:7; 2 Corinthians 1:3-5). Despite what others have told you, or even what you have told yourself, know that you are enough. You do not have to strive for perfection. God accepts you just as you are.
Dear God, I don't feel like I'm good enough. Trusted individuals have made me feel like I'm a failure. Please help me know that I am enough. Every day I wake up, please encourage me to apply Colossians 2:9-10 into my life. I am enough because Christ is enough. Amen.
2. You Are Beloved
“See what great love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are! The reason the world does not know us is that it did not know him” (1 John 3:1).
A negative self-image often develops when one does not feel loved. These feelings can start in childhood and progress to become paralyzing in adulthood. Do you feel loved right now? Are there people in your life who make you feel loved?
If you do not have a strong community around you, ask God to lead you to the right people. He may encourage your heart to meet up with old friends, extended family, or join the body of believers at church. Allow Him to guide your steps.
God also wants you to know that you are His beloved child. He will care for you, support you, and surround you with His love. Even when you don't feel His love, rest in the promise that His love is always there. God’s love for you is immeasurable and unconditional (Romans 5:8, 8:37-39).
Dear God, my negative self-image often causes me to feel unlovable. Many people have also made me feel like I'm not worthy of love. Thank you for showing me that you love me. Your love is steadfast, constant, and everlasting. As your beloved child, I ask that you help me to continue to know your passion throughout my life. When I'm in doubt, bring my heart back to Your Word. Amen.
3. You Are Beautiful
“You are altogether beautiful, my darling; there is no flaw in you” (Song of Solomon 4:7).
Struggling with a negative self-image causes us to feel worthless, ugly, and undesirable. When these feelings surface, we need to fight back against them with Scripture. From the passage above, we learn that God considers us beautiful. He created us with love and care (Genesis 1:26-27). He does not associate beauty with what the world says.
This is a biblical description of beauty, “Your beauty should not come from outward adornment, such as elaborate hairstyles and the wearing of gold jewelry or fine clothes. Rather, it should be that of your inner self, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is of great worth in God’s sight” (1 Peter 3:3-4).
Focus on true, biblical beauty. The world may look at our appearance, but God looks at our hearts (1 Samuel 16:7). As a beautiful child of God, walk into your week with confidence. God will keep you strong, firm, and steadfast. Whenever you feel yourself slipping, remind yourself of God’s truth. You are beautiful; there is no flaw within you.
Dear God, this world tries to tell me that beauty is based on appearances. Thank you for showing me that beauty is based on my inner beauty. Thank you also for helping me to know that I'm beautiful just as I am. I don't have to change to be attractive. I praise You for creating me just as I am. I don't want to be anyone else. Amen.
4. You Are God’s Masterpiece
“For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do” (Ephesians 2:10).
A few years ago, I had to go through recovery for my eating disorder. The passage that God kept bringing to mind was Ephesians 2:10. This passage helps us to know that we are God’s masterpiece, artistry, and handiwork. Instead of believing the lie that we are inferior, a failure, or not good enough, we can rely on the truth that God sees us as worthy.
As God’s masterpiece, we can extinguish any negative thoughts concerning ourselves. If we continue to think badly about ourselves, it will only destroy our self-esteem. Choose to challenge these thoughts, replace them with Scripture, and apply them to your life. Pray over the matter, seek solace in God, and rely on His love for you.
Dear God, how wonderful it is to know that I am Your masterpiece! This is such a beautiful blessing. I used to think of myself in such a negative light, but that stops today. As your masterpiece, I no longer have to feel bad about myself. Just as an artist is proud of His artwork, you are proud of me. Thank You for creating me as I am, God. Amen.
5. You Are Capable
“I can do all this through him who gives me strength” (Philippians 4:13).
How many of us have wondered, “Why can't I do anything right?” We see other people effortlessly doing things, yet it is a struggle to land a job or form a new relationship. During these times, we must turn to Philippians 4:13.
From this passage, we learn that we are capable. We can do all things through Christ, who strengthens us. Focus on this truth: when you don't get accepted into the college of your dreams, you don't get the job, or the date doesn't go well. You are capable of doing all things because God is at work within you. He has great plans for your future—plans that only you can fulfill (Jeremiah 29:11).
Dear God, I have experienced many things that make me feel incapable. Although these things have torn down my self-image, I'm choosing to rebuild it again with Your help. Your Word says I can do all things through Christ, who strengthens me. This means I am capable of all things. I have the confidence to try again, God. Thank You, Amen.
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