I struggle with self-worth. It’s been a struggle for most of my life. But, I’m learning that I am more than who or what others think I am or believe me to be.
In all honesty this is still something I struggle with today. It typically escalates when my depression or anxiety is affecting me. There have been times that it has been so low that I could see no value in me as a person.
Self-worth, as defined by dictionary.com, is: “the sense of one’s own value or worth as a person; self-esteem, self-respect.” There are times I have a hard time accepting that I can be of help to others… that what I have to say or offer, could not be of any value to them. I compare myself with others (which is also a big no-no), and if I can’t do what they can, then I must not be as valuable a person as they are.
Here’s the thing, though: I shouldn’t be looking to society or worldly situations to find my worth or my value. As a daughter of the one, true King, I should be looking to Him to find my value. I shouldn’t be letting other people dictate my worth. We are all messy, broken people whether we want to believe it or not. By seeking my worth with the only opinion that truly matters, well, that is where I will find my true value.
“I will give thanks to You, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made.” (Psalms 139:14, NASB)
God has created me to be unique from all other people. He has given me talents and gifts to use to further His kingdom, to glorify His name. I have thoughts and emotions that, while they may be the same as others experience, are still very much mine. I cry at sad movies, feel hurt when someone is upset with me, get angry when someone verbally attacks me, and laugh at cheesy memes on the internet. I feel compassion and mercy for those who are “down and out,” and I care about others.
Even though I may not like everything about myself, I thank God for creating me as a unique and individual person, different from every other person who walks the face of this earth. We are all created this way, and need to celebrate our differences instead of trying to be copy-cat imitators.
My worth should not, and does not, come from other people. My worth, my value, comes from God!
Amen. This is so very true. ♥
Depression, anxiety and that ever so present devil of “comparison.” These negative chain reactions so many of us women endure, almost on a daily basis. Those ones that bring out our worst limiting belief structures and unhealed wounds. It is just my personal opinion but I believe our enemy, the devil, uses these tactics on us more than we often realize.
Comparison in and of itself brings with it so many other emotions – whether it’s self-rejection, jealousy, pride, anxiety/worry, fear … the list goes on and on. We women need to remember that we are daughters of the King. Built uniquely beautiful, with a purpose only we can achieve in His name.
It is my prayer that we all will see a shift in this culture that has been used to beat us down, make us feel less than and rely on Holy Spirit to heal our hearts, our minds, our everything. May our Lord Jesus Christ shine His light on the darkness that has sought to destroy us and bring His perfect love to cast out all fear, all anxiety, all depression and all feelings of unworthiness.
You are perfect just the way you are. No weapon formed against you will prosper. Praying blessings and God’s healing power upon each woman who reads this note. ♥ You are loved. ♥