Winning the Battle of Self-Esteem (part 2)

The self-esteem issue has to do with whether you see yourself in your own image or in the image of God. You were made in the image of God and you were created with the physical and mental attributes that He wanted you have. You were created to express the many facets of God creativity. I know a lot of women whose self-esteem is as low as the curb next to my grass because they cannot and never will look like a supermodel. They believe what makes them good is the way they look on the outside. For some women, there seems to be a direct correlation between self-esteem and their physical attributes. If we think negatively about our physical attributes then it can set the stage for us to be in what I call, “the pit of uncertainty.” Always wondering if you are good enough, pretty enough, smart enough. When you don’t like who you are, you are basically saying in your heart, “I don’t like what God created.” Yet, what He created he called it good and we must take joy in what He created. Psalm 92:4 (CJB) states, “For, Adonai [Lord], what you do makes me happy; I take joy in what your hands have made.” Take Joy in how you were created – Look in the mirror and decide today that you will be joyful about you!

Of course the battle of low self-esteem cannot be deduce to our physical attributes alone. I have known and currently know people who know that they are attractive, yet struggle with self-esteem issues. They are still crushed by the “cares of life “and their self-esteem takes a beating. They become depressed and discouraged for various reasons (e.g., loss of job, loneliness, financial and medical issues) and that affects how they feel about themselves. In the times when our spirits are low we must be lifted by the fact that whatever we are going through it too will pass. We must put our trust in God.

I remember when I was a young mother going through a very tough time with an illness. I was diagnosed with anemia and a thyroid tumor that the doctor said was cancerous. My youngest son was 13 months old, and I had just lost my grandmother who was dear to me. I really did not know or understand how I was going to get through life as a wife and mother. I was simply exhausted and weary with life, which affected my self-image. But one day I read Psalm 121, “If I raise my eyes to the hills, from where will my help come? My help comes from the Lord, the maker of heaven and earth.” It just became clear to me; I have God on my side to fight the battle of sickness and disease, and everything else I would face.

Satan tries to use the same old tricks against us. He plants fear and doubts and this affects your self-esteem. But, Exodus 14:13-14 states, “Stop being so fearful! Remain steady, and you will see how the Lord is going to save you. He will do it today – today you have seen the Egyptians (which is the enemy), but you will never see them again. The Lord, will do battle for you. Just calm yourselves down." That is exactly what we need to do when fear and doubt comes. Calm down, God will fight your battle. I am here to tell you the battle is won. Take time to decide that you are beautifully and wonderfully made then follow these seven truths:
1. Jesus speaks well of you to God the Father who specially created you for His glory.
2. You were wonderfully and awesomely made
3. You were not mistakenly born; God planned your life before the foundation of the earth.
4. He cared so much for you that He purchased you with His blood and you belong to God. He will never leave you nor forsake you. Whatever you are going through this too will pass.
5. You are redeemed and forgiven for everything you have ever done when you ask for His forgiveness.
6. God’s mercy, love, goodness and favor were poured out on you.
7. You were created to be loved.