Because of past injuries such as rejection from friends or loved ones, many people struggle with self-confidence. It’s easy for people to get caught up in …
- Disliking their appearance
- Imagining that others think poorly of them
- Doubting the value of their work or contributions
- Feeling insignificant
But when a negative pattern of thought begins, it is tempting to give in to it, which can result in a cycle of destructive behavior.
In the Old Testament, the Bible tells about a time when God’s people, the Jewish people, forgot that they were precious to God and set-apart from the world. They had neglected God’s Word and surrendered to sinful ways. They lost confidence.
At this time, God raised up a man named Ezra, a scribe and priest who “had devoted himself to the study and observance of the Law of the Lord, and to teaching its decrees and laws in Israel” (Ezra 7:10, NIV).
Because Ezra studied God’s Word, he was able to lead a spiritual awakening in Israel where the community was reformed to a right understanding of their relationship with God and their purpose as God’s people. The people confessed their sins and turned from their habits to follow the ways that God had created for their good.
In the same way, God’s Word serves as the most important guide for self-confidence today. The Bible says that with God’s help, people are capable of rising above the norm. But it doesn’t stop with that; God’s Word commands believers to take action.
The Bible says, “Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is–his good, pleasing and perfect will” (Romans 12:2)
Through faith, commitment, surrender and obedience to God’s Word, anyone can understand his or her identity as a person precious to God.
People with healthy self-confidence are more likely to …
- Take risks
- Make good decisions
- Live life to its fullest
- Solve problems effectively
- Reach out to others
So how can you “be transformed by the renewing of your mind?” The Bible presents some clear answers:
Believe what you read in the Bible, namely, that Jesus Christ is God’s Son who came to call people to repentance and life and to follow Him as the way to eternal salvation.
Jesus said, “I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly” (John 10:10).
Believe that Jesus Christ died for you on the cross and rose from the grave. Receive God’s gift of the Holy Spirit for all who believe. Through prayer, invite the Holy Spirit to come in to your life and be your Counselor, Guide, and Friend.
The Bible says, “If you confess with your mouth, ‘Jesus is Lord,’ and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved” (Romans 10:9).
Forget the past. The Bible says, “Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past” (Isaiah 43:18).
Through prayer, ask God to help you move forward.
The Bible says, “Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus” (Romans 8:1).
Trust that God will do what His Word promises.
When the father of an ailing boy asked Jesus to help him, he asked with some hesitation, as though he did not fully trust that Jesus could heal the boy. Jesus challenged him to believe and to trust, and he healed the man’s son.
Jesus said to him, “Everything is possible for him who believes” (Mark 9:23).
Restore your understanding of who you are in Christ.
Jesus said to his disciples, “I no longer call you servants, because a servant does not know his master’s business. Instead, I have called you friends, for everything that I learned from my Father I have made known to you” (John 15:15).
If you believe in the claims of Jesus Christ and have asked Him to be the Lord of your life, then you are God’s friend!
You are created in the image of God and are a unique and wonderful creation.
The Psalmist rejoiced in knowing his true identity: “For You created my inmost being; You knit me together in my mother’s womb. I praise You because I am fearfully and wonderfully made” (Psalm 139).
Surrender the details of your life to God, knowing that the Holy Spirit is your guide.
The Bible says, “The Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groans that words cannot express” (Romans 8:26).
Challenge yourself to memorize scripture, and commit to read the Bible daily. It will remind you that you are a fearless child of God:
“For the LORD will be your confidence and will keep your foot from being snared” (Proverbs 3:26).
“God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble” (Psalm 46:1).
Serve others with God’s own love. When you respect others as valuable people too, it encourages everyone.
Jesus said, “By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another” (John 13:35).
Jesus taught people to see their own worth, as well as the worth of others, in the eyes of God.
Jesus said, “Are not five sparrows sold for two pennies? Yet not one of them is forgotten by God. Indeed, the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Don’t be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows” (Luke 12:6-7).
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Seminars at the Billy Graham Training Center at The Cove feature inspiring speakers and practical help for people to establish strong roots in God’s Word. Be inspired and encouraged!
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