I’ve put off writing about this for quite some time because I have struggled with it a lot, but I have truly become convicted that self-worth is not worth the wrestle. It is much easier to say than to practice, but we should not be defined by how we value ourselves. Instead, we should remember how Christ values us.
The world engages in a lot of conversation about self-esteem. There are countless books about self-esteem and how to improve it and there are more subtle messages than others. Many Christians, however, miss what I think is a major point: our esteem should not be found in self. It should be found in Christ. The book of Jeremiah calls our heart deceitful - how then can we determine in our own selves our worth? Well, we can’t.
There may be times when you, like me, feel worthless, unappreciated or unloved. The amazing thing is that we are worth so much in God's sight. I mean, He sent His Son to die so that we might live forever with Him.
While there is more I could share on this topic, for today's post I wanted to share some encouraging texts. Below, you will find some Bible verses to meditate on when the lie that you are worthless goes through your head. These are great ones to commit to memory for when the devil throws discouragement your way.
But God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us. (Romans 5:8, ESV)
I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made.
Wonderful are your works;
my soul knows it very well. (Psalm 139:14, ESV)
No longer do I call you servants, for the servant does not know what his master is doing; but I have called you friends, for all that I have heard from my Father I have made known to you. 16 You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you that you should go and bear fruit and that your fruit should abide, so that whatever you ask the Father in my name, he may give it to you. (John 15:15-16, ESV)
Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. (Matthew 11:28, ESV)
Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come. (2 Corinthians 5:17, ESV)
For God alone, O my soul, wait in silence,
for my hope is from him.
He only is my rock and my salvation,
my fortress; I shall not be shaken. (Psalm 62:5-6, ESV)
Why, even the hairs of your head are all numbered. Fear not; you are of more value than many sparrows. (Luke 12:7, ESV)
But now thus says the Lord,
he who created you, O Jacob,
he who formed you, O Israel:
“Fear not, for I have redeemed you;
I have called you by name, you are mine. (Isaiah 43:1, ESV)
Fear not, for I am with you;
be not dismayed, for I am your God;
I will strengthen you, I will help you,
I will uphold you with my righteous right hand. (Isaiah 41:10, ESV)
God is our refuge and strength,
a very present help in trouble.
Therefore we will not fear though the earth gives way,
though the mountains be moved into the heart of the sea,
though its waters roar and foam,
though the mountains tremble at its swelling. Selah
There is a river whose streams make glad the city of God,
the holy habitation of the Most High.
God is in the midst of her; she shall not be moved;
God will help her when morning dawns. (Psalm 46:1-5, ESV)
For God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control. (2 Timothy 1:7, ESV)
For God alone, O my soul, wait in silence,
for my hope is from him.
He only is my rock and my salvation,
my fortress; I shall not be shaken. (Psalm 62:5-6, ESV)
He saved us, not because of works done by us in righteousness, but according to his own mercy, by the washing of regeneration and renewal of the Holy Spirit, (Titus 3:5, ESV)
What Bible texts bring you comfort when you are feeling worthless? Let me know below!