Low self-esteem is a negative sense of one's worth or ability to cope or do well in life. There's plenty of literature that links substance abuse with low self-esteem. The truth is substance abuse doesn't solve this problem but only adds to it in a very major way. What does God, the one who made us and who planned a meaningful and satisfying life for us, have to say about our self-worth?
God created human beings in his own image. In the image of God he created them; male and female he created them. You are precious to me. You are honored, and I love you. “For I know the plans I have for you,” says the Lord. “They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope." For I can do everything through Christ, who gives me strength. (Genesis 1:27, Isaiah 43:4b, Jeremiah 29:11, Philippians 4:13 NLT)
The devil loves to tell us lies when we don’t feel good about ourselves, our circumstances, or our future. He tells us we’re defective and we need something to make us fit in, be accepted, or help us feel better. God's view is different and His perspective of us is the ONLY correct one. We all have strengths and weaknesses. We don’t need to fear our weaknesses or try to hide them just because they are different from someone else’s. God’s promise is that when we feel weak, His power will strengthen us.
In difficult times it’s good to change our mindset and lift our spirit by rejecting negative thinking, forgiving ourselves, helping others when possible, and focusing on what we can do rather than on what we can’t do. It's even more important to keep things simple by remembering that our value isn't based on our successes or failures or on the opinions of others or even our own feelings. We are who God says we are. We have a wonderful future because God says we do, and God will help us. We can get through whatever difficulty we may face because God promises to make a way where there seems to be no way.
Prayer: Loving God, help me to live today in the joy of being the person You created me to be, trusting that You are with me and providing everything I need to live in the comfort of Your love and the honour of being Your precious child. Amen
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