Do you know the one thing everyone in the world struggles with? It’s something that bothers most of us and we may not even know it. Have you ever felt that you were not good enough, have you been plagued by self-doubt, are you constantly putting yourself down, do you feel defeated by events in your life?
Do you constantly compare yourself to others and come up wanting, do you feel inferior to your friends and family, do you constantly replay regrets in your life, do you have a negative self-image of your body, do you find yourself thinking, I’m too fat, or I’m too ugly, or I’m not good enough, I’m not good at that and feel that no matter how hard you try it is still beyond reach?
Well, you are not alone, we all have these feelings at some time in our lives. That’s why a positive Self-esteem is so very important. It can determine our approach to life. It defines our sense of self-worth or personal value. But what does this really mean? Well, it basically is confidence in one’s own worth or abilities. Are you happy being you? Your appearance, emotions, relationships, beliefs, behaviours, goals and purpose in life.
Now everyone goes through periods of low self-esteem when they feel overwhelmed with life and question their own value and self-worth. It’s a constant battle in life but what is important and what really counts is whether you can work through those negative feelings and find a way to deal with them.
So, what are some of the signs that you may be suffering from low self-esteem? Some of the habits you might develop for coping with low self-esteem and anxiety could be nail-biting, pulling hair out, obsessive behaviours, constantly saying negative things or even self-harm and using drugs.
Then there are the destructive feelings of unworthiness that overwhelm us when they replay in our minds. We can worry too much about what has happened in the past or what might happen in the future and so let it destroy the present. It can be hard to appreciate what is here and now.
We can look for ways to spend our time building a better you, physically, mentally, emotionally and spiritually. Remember it’s our choice how we think, how we act and how we respond to every situation.
Did you know that there was war in Heaven? It’s almost inconceivable to think it could happen. It was a battle between God and the beautiful leading angel Lucifer who wanted to be God. The Bible records how Lucifer was thrown out of Heaven and now directs his attention to destroying the people on Earth.
It’s a war for allegiance and control of the minds of every man, woman and child on planet Earth. And creating Low self-esteem is one of the most effective tactics that Satan uses to tear you down. His greatest desire is to damage and destroy our lives. He uses many nefarious ways to make us feel inadequate, unworthy, undervalued and separated from God’s love.
Whereas God wants us to feel loved. He wants us to feel special. One of the best ways to overcome low self-esteem is to read the Bible and start believing what God says about you. Do you know what God thinks about you? Well here it is.
For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Jeremiah 29:11
God also says, ‘Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.’ Deuteronomy 31:6
When you don’t feel like you’re not good enough, when you are feeling low, remember these five things: I am loveable, I am valuable, I am significant, I am forgivable, and I am capable.
Positive Self-esteem is not something you have and then it is with you always. Remember your thoughts determine your feelings and your feelings determine your actions. It’s something you have to work on every day of your life. Why not try going on a journey with God and let Him show you your real worth. You are so special to God that He was willing to give everything for you.
Now, if you are suffering from low self-esteem there are a lot of professionals out there to help you, like Lifeline and Beyond Blue. But here are a few general suggestions on developing positive self-esteem.
1.Recognise that when we are feeling poorly about ourselves, we can do something about it.
2. Look for ways to improve what we can change in our lives.
3. Take responsibility for your choices. Small choices can have a big impact.
4. Don’t dwell on regrets. The past can’t be changed. Look to creating a more positive future.
5. Have a purpose in your life that gives meaning to your life.
6. Have a belief in God, read the Bible and stay true to following His moral code.
