Kingdom People (What Does God Say?)
Let’s talk about self-esteem. We have an enemy that wants us to believe we have no value and that we can’t do anything right. If we take into consideration why we think what we think or where those thoughts are coming from, we can move forward in a more positive and healthy mindset and into what God has called us to do.
The first thing we can do is be aware. We can write down our negative thoughts and then challenge them. Where did they come from? Is it really true? Challenge it! What does God say? We may think, “I don’t have any value or worth.” God’s word says, “Are not two sparrows sold for a copper coin? And not one of them falls to the ground apart from your Father’s will. But the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Do not fear therefore; you are of more value than many sparrows (Matthew 10:29-31, NKJV).” We may think we can’t do anything right. God says, “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me (Philippians 4:13, NKJV).”
The second thing we can do is practice positive affirmations. It is our Father in heaven who affirms us. His word is filled with positive affirmations. There is power in speaking God’s word over ourselves. We can insert our names in scripture and read it over ourselves. For example: Isaiah 62:2-4 NKJV, “…Leslie (I’m using my name, but please, insert your name into this scripture as well and read it over yourself!) shall be called by a new name, which the mouth of the LORD will name. Leslie shall also be a crown of glory in the hand of the LORD, and a royal diadem in the hand of her/his God. Leslie shall no longer be termed forsaken, nor shall Leslie’s land any more be termed desolate; but Leslie shall be called Hephzibah , and your land Beulah; For the LORD delights in Leslie, and Leslie’s land shall be married.
A lot of times we look back on things and focus on the negative. It’s like our brains are automatically wired that way. God’s word tells us, “And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God (Romans 12:2 NKJV).” Instead of focusing on the world’s standards, look back and reflect on what the Lord has successfully helped you through! How has He strengthened you? How has He increased your wisdom? How has He gotten you from point A to point B? Romans 8:28 NKJV reminds us, “And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose.”
The fourth thing we can do to build self-esteem and a healthier mindset is to acknowledge every win and to give thanks! 1 Chronicles 16:7-36 NKJV is David’s song of thanksgiving to the Lord. It reads:
On that day David first delivered this psalm into the hand of Asaph and his brethren, to thank the LORD:
Oh, give thanks to the LORD! Call upon His name; Make known His deeds among the peoples! Sing to Him, sing psalms to Him; Talk of all His wondrous works! Glory in His holy name; Let the hearts of those rejoice who seek the LORD! Seek the LORD and His strength; Seek His face evermore! Remember His marvelous works which He has done, His wonders, and the judgments of His mouth, O seed of Israel His servant, You children of Jacob, His chosen ones! He is the LORD our God; His judgments are in all the earth. Remember His covenant forever, The word which He commanded for a thousand generations. The covenant which He made with Abraham, And His oath to Isaac, And confirmed it to Jacob for a statute, To Israel for an everlasting covenant, Saying, “To you I will give the land of Canaan As the allotment of your inheritance,” When you were few in number, Indeed very few, and strangers in it. When they went from one nation to another, And from one kingdom to another people, He permitted no man to do them wrong; Yes, He rebuked kings for their sakes, Saying, “Do not touch My anointed ones, And do My prophets no harm.” Sing to the LORD, all the earth; Proclaim the good news of His salvation from day to day. Declare His glory among the nations, His wonders among all peoples. For the LORD is great and greatly to be praised; He is also to be feared above all gods. For all the gods of the peoples are idols, But the LORD made the heavens. Honor and majesty are before Him; Strength and gladness are in His place. Give to the LORD, O families of the peoples, Give to the LORD glory and strength. Give to the LORD the glory due His name; Bring an offering, and come before Him. Oh, worship the LORD in the beauty of holiness! Tremble before Him, all the earth. The world also is firmly established, It shall not be moved. Let the heavens rejoice, and let the earth be glad; And let them say among the nations, “The LORD reigns.” Let the sea roar, and all its fullness; Let the field rejoice, and all that is in it. Then the trees of the woods shall rejoice before the LORD, For He is coming to judge the earth. Oh, give thanks to the LORD, for He is good! For His mercy endures forever. And say, “Save us, O God of our salvation; Gather us together, and deliver us from the Gentiles, To give thanks to Your holy name, To triumph in Your praise.” Blessed be the LORD God of Israel From everlasting to everlasting! And all the people said, “Amen!” and praised the LORD.”
The last thing we can do is be sure not to have any idols. Who are we idolizing and trying to imitate our lives after? Does it really make us feel any better about ourselves? It warns us in the 10 commandments not to make any idols. Jonah 2:8 NIV says, “Those who cling to worthless idols turn away from God’s love for them.” Instead we should be imitators of God. Ephesians 5:1 NIV says, “Follow God’s example, therefore as dearly loved children and walk in the way of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.” We are commanded to be holy as God is holy.
Sometimes life can be challenging and we need some help. Our loving Father has promised us His Holy Spirit, our Counselor. John 14:26 NKJV says, “But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name, He will teach you all things, and bring to remembrance all things that I said to you.” Let us be encouraged and strengthened by our Father. Let us walk and live by the Spirit. Jesus tells us if we follow Him, we will never walk in darkness. Thank you Lord!
© 2022 Leslie Wittenmyer—All rights reserved.