When we feel inadequate or unworthy, turning to Scripture will help to combat the lies that we believe about ourselves, and remind us of our God-given worth and value. Photo by Soragrit Wongsa on Unsplash.
Struggling with low self-esteem can be debilitating, but the Bible offers us a treasure trove of truths that can set us free.
When we feel inadequate or unworthy, turning to Scripture will help to combat the lies that we believe about ourselves and remind us of our God-given worth and value.
The next time you’re stuck in the spiral of low self-esteem, turn to these 5 Bible verses that affirm your identity and worth in Christ.
1. You were wonderfully created by God (Psalm 139:13-14)
“For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother’s womb. I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well.” (NIV)
You were not created randomly or by chance.
The God of this entire universe, who is perfect and makes no mistakes, created you and determined how you would look like, your personality, your strengths and your weaknesses, and the good purposes that you would accomplish (Ephesians 2:10).
The Bible also tells us that we were made in the image of God (Genesis 1:26). This means that while you may be imperfect and sinful, you have an inherent value that cannot be destroyed by what you do (or do not do).
2. You are intimately known and loved by God (Luke 12:6-7)
“What is the price of five sparrows – two copper coins? Yet God does not forget a single one of them. And the very hairs on your head are all numbered. So don’t be afraid; you are more valuable to God than a whole flock of sparrows.” (NLT)
It would be a real feat to count the number of hairs on your head, even if you tried! But Luke 12 tells us that God has all of them numbered. That’s how intimately God knows you.
The Bible says God does not just know you, He loves and cares for you too. He promises to never forget you (Isaiah 49:15), to walk with you (Psalm 23:4) and to comfort you in all trouble (2 Corinthians 1:3-4).
Perhaps you’re feeling like no one really knows or loves you. But take heart, your Heavenly Father does – immensely!
3. You are forgiven and redeemed (Ephesians 1:7-8a)
“In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God’s grace that he lavished on us.” (NIV)
In our battle against sin, it is easy to feel unworthy of God, especially when certain sins trip us up again and again. If you feel weighed down by sin and guilt, remember that in Christ you have been forgiven – completely – and redeemed.
If you believe in Jesus, His blood covers all your sins – past, present and future. When God sees you, He doesn’t see your sinful self, but the righteousness of Christ in which you are clothed.
So pick yourself up, run into the open arms of Jesus and rest in His love.
4. You are God’s dwelling place (1 Corinthians 3:16)
“Do you not know that you are God’s temple and that God’s Spirit dwells in you?” (ESV)
In the Old Testament, God’s dwelling place was the holy temple. Today God dwells in His people, making you His holy temple.
God, the everlasting, all-powerful Creator and King, lives in you! Regardless of how unworthy you feel, God has chosen to make His home in your heart (Ephesians 3:17, NLT).
This also means that you are never alone. God is close to you. Wherever you are, there He is too.
5. You can find confidence in Christ (Jeremiah 17:7)
“But blessed is the one who trusts in the Lord, whose confidence is in him.” (NIV)
Struggling with your insecurities may not be a bad thing if it forces us to put our trust in God. The Bible is clear that those who trust in God are blessed, while those who trust in themselves or in man are cursed (Jeremiah 17:6).
Perhaps you are feeling inadequate for a task, or ill-equipped in a circumstance. That’s alright, because you can still find confidence in an all-powerful, all-knowing and all-present God, who promises not to let those who trust in Him be put to shame (Romans 10:11).
A prayer for when you don’t feel good enough
Heavenly Father,
I come before you with a burdened heart that is overwhelmed by self-doubt and insecurities. In moments like these, it’s easy to forget the truths You have spoken over my life.
Help me to see myself through Your eyes – as fearfully and wonderfully made, chosen and deeply loved.
I feel inadequate and unsure of my worth, but I know that these feelings do not define me.
Please remind me of Your unfailing love and the value that You have given me. Help me to see myself through Your eyes – as fearfully and wonderfully made, chosen and deeply loved.
Fill my heart with Your peace and my mind with Your truths.
Grant me the strength to turn to Your word for reassurance and guidance.
Let Your promises of love, purpose and strength replace my feelings of inadequacy. Help me to rest in the knowledge that my worth is found in You, not in my achievements or in others’ opinions.
Thank You for loving me unconditionally. Help me to embrace Your grace and to walk boldly in the identity You have given me.
In Jesus’ name, I pray, amen.
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