Where do you get your self-worth? I have had a lot of friends that would seek out the approval and compliments of others in order to feel like they have value in this world, I have even fallen into this habit myself. We would seek out our self-worth in our Instagram and Facebook posts for the likes and comments, as well as in the amount of attention boys gave us or if we could be a part of the popular group at school. The problem with all of these sources is that they have one thing in common and that is they are not sustainable, they run out fast leaving us constantly searching for more.
In the Bible we can see, through the story of the woman at the well with Jesus, that He is the only source that will never run out. We can have full confidence in this.
“but whoever drinks the water I give them will never thirst. Indeed, the water I give them will become in them a spring of water welling up to eternal life.” (John chapter 4 verse 14)
Unfortunately, social media offers a quick fix of fulfillment of recognition and importance and so temptation can find us turning to a different source to fill our need to be loved, valued and appreciated.
Confidence
Confidence can be defined as having full trust and belief in someone or something’s abilities and powers, or having the same full trust and belief in one’s own abilities and powers. Confidence is great to have! However, if it is founded on aspects such as how I look and how great my life is, those foundations can slip away quickly as life can change without warning. Therefore, this confidence is not sustainable.
If your confidence is based on who you are in God, in His promises and His purposes, this confidence will withstand anything. If we begin to have confidence in what He has planned and know that His plan involves Him never leaving or forsaking us, then we can build confidence in who we are, and that the Most High God is walking alongside of us.
If we look to the Bible there are Scriptures everywhere that show why we need to have confidence in God. This confidence in God will grow into having confidence in yourself as God’s creation.
“I praise You because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; Your works are wonderful; I know that full well.” (Psalms chapter 139 verse 14)
“For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and self-discipline.” (2 Timothy chapter 1 verse 7)
Love
I have a desire and need to be loved. I wasn’t confident in myself and so I tried to get my self-worth from other’s opinions of me. I found myself believing that because I didn’t have love, I wasn’t worthy of it. I began living my life as though no one loved me, as my focus was on the wrong people—the popular crowd, and because of this I found it hard to focus on loving others and myself.
When I found my self-worth in God through Scripture, prayer and worship, I grabbed hold of the promises He has made for my life which led me to having confidence in the person He was shaping me to be. I then found myself surrounded by the greatest love of all, which is God’s love for His people. A sustaining, overwhelming confidence filled me and allowed me to make brave and courageous choices for my life.
“For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life.” (John chapter 3 verse 16)
God is the ultimate foundation. He can give all that we need and more. When we believe this and have full confidence in Him we start living a life full of confidence, love and knowing our identity in who God says we are.
“Yes, my soul, find rest in God; my hope comes from Him. Truly He is my rock and my salvation; He is my fortress, I will not be shaken.” (Psalm chapter 62 verses 5-6)
Elise Williams lives on the Sunshine Coast with her family. She has a Diploma of Business and is currently studying a Diploma of Library and Information Services. She is passionate about God and has quite the creative streak. She has a heart for others and strives to encourage others to know God’s love and to understand how beautiful and valued they are in God’s eyes.