As women, it’s common to struggle with a negative self-image. Because of the world we live in, we struggle to know our worth, beauty, and importance. Instead of saying we are enough, the world is always asking us to change.
you are not smart enough.
you are not beautiful enough
You are not successful enough.
You’re not cool enough.
you are not enough
And the list goes on. As followers of the Lord, we must stop thinking like this. We can do this by remembering what God says about us. God loves us, goes before us, and is proud of us. When you’re struggling with a negative self-image, remember these five Bible reminders.
1. You Are An Huahu
“For in Christ all the fullness of God lives in the flesh, and in Him you are full; Christ is the head over all power and authority” (Colossians 2:9-10).
What makes you feel inadequate? Perhaps your mother made you feel bad about yourself when you were young, or your spouse put you down when you were just trying your best. If we examine Colossians 2:9-10, we will see that we are sufficient because Christ is sufficient. We are blessed with abundance in Christ. This means we lack nothing.
Turn your thoughts to the Lord and allow Him to comfort you (1 Peter 5:7, 2 Corinthians 1:3-5). Know that you are enough, despite what others have told you or what you have told yourself. You don’t have to aim for perfection. God accepts you as you are.
Dear God, I feel like I’m not good enough. People I trust make me feel like a failure. Please let me know that I am enough. As you wake up each day, encourage yourself to apply Colossians 2:9-10 to your life. I am enough because Christ alone is enough. Amen.
2. You are my darling
“See what great love the Father has shown us, that we should be called children of God! And that is who we are! The world does not know us, because it did not know Jesus” (1 John 3:1).
Feeling unloved can lead to a negative self-image. These feelings begin in childhood and progress to become paralyzing in adulthood. Do you feel loved now? Are there people in your life who make you feel loved?
If you don’t have a strong community around you, ask God to lead you to the right people. It may encourage you to meet up with the family of an old friend or relative, or to join a congregation at church. Let God guide your steps.
God also wants you to know that you are His beloved child. God will care for you, support you, and surround you with love. Rest in the promise that God’s love is always there, even when you can’t feel it. God’s love for you is immense and unconditional (Romans 5:8, 8:37-39).
Dear God, my negative self-image often makes me feel unlovable. Also, many people have made me feel unworthy of love. Thank you for showing me that you love me. Your love is steadfast, unchanging, and everlasting. As your beloved child, help me to know your passion for the rest of my life. When in doubt, let my heart return to Your Word. Amen.
3. You are beautiful
“You are so beautiful, my beloved, that you have no fault” (Song of Solomon 4:7).
When we suffer from a negative self-image, we feel worthless, ugly, and undesirable. When these feelings surface, we need to fight back with Scripture. From the above passage we see that God considers us beautiful. God created us with love and care (Genesis 1:26-27). He doesn’t associate beauty with what the world says.
This is the Biblical description of beauty, “Your beauty should not come from external adornments, such as elaborate hairstyles, gold jewelry, or fine clothing. Rather, it should be your inner beauty, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is of great value in the sight of God” (1 Peter 3:3-4).
Let’s focus on the true beauty of the Bible. The world may focus on our outward appearance, but God focuses on our heart (1 Samuel 16:7). Welcome this week with confidence as a beautiful child of God. God will keep you strong, steadfast, and steadfast. When you feel yourself slipping away, remember God’s truth. You are beautiful; there is no flaw in you.
Dear God, this world is trying to teach me that beauty is based on appearance. Thank you for teaching me that beauty is based on my inner beauty. Thank you for helping me know that I am beautiful just the way I am. You don’t have to change to be attractive. I praise You for creating me as I am. I don’t want to be anyone else. Amen.
4. You are God’s masterpiece
“We are God’s workmanship, 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 went into eating disorder recovery. The scripture that God always kept in mind was Ephesians 2:10. This verse helps us see that we are God’s masterpieces, artistic works, and handiworks. 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 erase every negative thought about ourselves. Continuing to think badly about yourself will only damage your self-esteem. Choose to challenge these thoughts, replace them with Scripture, and apply them to your life. Pray about this issue, ask God for comfort, 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 very negatively about myself, but today I don’t think like that anymore. As your masterpiece, I don’t have to feel bad about myself anymore. You are as proud of me as an artist is proud of their work. Thank you, God, for creating me as I am. Amen.
5. You are capable
“I can do all this through him who gives me strength” (Philippians 4:13).
How many of us have ever wondered, “Why can’t I do anything right?” You see other people doing things without any trouble, but finding a job or forming new relationships is a struggle. In times like these, we need to 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. It’s when you don’t get into your dream university, don’t get the job, or don’t get a date. You can do all things because God is working within you. God has great plans for your future. It is a plan that only you can fulfill (Jeremiah 29:11).
Dear God, I have experienced many things that have made me feel powerless. These things have shattered my self-image, but I am choosing to rebuild it again with your help. Your Word says I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. That means I can do anything. I have the confidence to try again, God. Thank you and amen.
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Vivian Bricker earned a Bachelor of Arts in Ministry and then a Master of Arts with an emphasis in Theology. She loves theology, ministry, and all things helping others learn about Jesus. For more of her content, visit Cultivate: https://cultivatechristianity.wordpress.com/.
