Trying to adjust to our new home and culture in the U.S., I looked different than the sixth grade girls. But in time, I learned enough English to understand their harsh comments. How could I build self-esteem while enduring the ridicule from my classmates? They were the reasons for my lack of self-worth.
Or were they? Looking back, I’m not sure. I sank low in my seat in the back of the classroom because of one reason and one reason only—I believed the lies. Those false comments from the girls dug in me no matter how much my parents tried to build my self-esteem.
Years later, after God’s truth lifted me up and brought me to a new place, I found many others like me who also believed lies.
No matter the social status, race or nationality, we all tend to believe them. Even Wane Brady fell for them. He relates this in this article.
“Brady says his issues stem from low self-esteem and thinking that he’s unworthy of happiness….You’re like, ‘I am just going to sit right here and I want to wallow in this. As much as it hurts, I am going to sit right here because this is what I deserve. This is what I deserve so I am going to sit here because I am that horrible of a person.’ It starts this cycle where you tell yourself these lies … that become truth to you.”
Whether we possess fame and money, or, we’re a shy, foreign 12-year-old girl, lies carry the power to destroy self-esteem.
But God shines the light. And when we first step into His counseling office, He offers seven steps to build self-esteem, bring confidence to our heart, and security in our soul.
1. Change our thoughts. Think about what is just, true, good, excellent and praise-worthy. (Phil 4:8)
2. God’s truth through His son Jesus set us free. (John 10:10)
3. No matter how black the darkness, nothing can separate us from God’s power and His love. (Romans 5:38).
4. We delete the past and embrace the new that God has planned. (Isaiah 43:18)
5. Our feelings have no authority over God’s promises. (Isaiah 40:28-31)
6. Recognize where lies come from. (John 8:44)
7. Believe that God will turn our sorrow to joy. (Psalm 30:11)
Father, your Word says that you are the way, the truth and the life. When lies echo around me, I will follow the way to your comfort, to the truth that resonates in me, and find the life you designed for those who embrace your truth. In Jesus’ name, amen.
• What lies fuel your sadness?
• What truths fill your heart?
• How much confidence do you have in God’s promises?
Janet Perez Eckles
Coming soon Janet’s new book:
Contagious Courage: Your 30-day guide to Triumph During Dark Times
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