Article By Paige Henderson // EEW Magazine // Spiritual

Are you struggling with anxiety, thoughts of unworthiness and inadequacy, that say you simply don’t measure up? If so, know that these nagging feelings are not unique to you. They plague many people—even those who appear confident, as if they have it all together.

So how can you fight the raging war against insecurity and low self-worth, and quit obsessing over perceived flaws, shortcomings, and deficiencies? Glad you asked! Here are 5 surefire ways to fight and win the battle as supported by Scripture.

1. Stop looking over your shoulder and discover your God-given assignment: Ephesians 2:10 NIV says, “For we are God's handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.” There is a divine mission given only to you. You have been designed by the Father to fulfill it, and that should be your focus. True satisfaction will not come unless (and until) you are walking in your created purpose. But here’s the thing: you can’t discover what that purpose is if you’re always looking over your shoulder, comparing yourself to others. While comparison is the thief of joy, consulting God and striving to live out your purpose leads to everlasting joy.

2. Remind yourself of why you were created. Isaiah 43:7 GNT says, “They are my own people, and I created them to bring me glory.” So many people are self-centered and longing for praise, attention, and personal glorification. This is the source of their disquietedness and discontentment. But when you remember that you were created for no other reason than to bring glory to the name of God, you won’t be inclined to seek out man’s validation and accolades. Your satisfaction will come from knowing God is pleased, and that His name is glorified through your life. Sadly, our culture teaches us to focus on self-perception, as well as how we are perceived by others. Our God-centered, divine nature, as we mature, increasingly refocuses us on how were are perceived by God, the Creator—the One who matters most.

3. Examine the origins of your personal standards and priorities. Galatians 1:10 NIV says, “Am I now trying to win the approval of human beings, or of God? Or am I trying to please people? If I were still trying to please people, I would not be a servant of Christ.” This is a great scripture to quote when you get down on yourself! It forces you to ask, who sets the standards for my life? Who and what am I trying to measure up to, and why? Am I willing to do whatever it takes to fit into the mold society has created, or am I determined to exclusively please God at all costs? These questions are critical to examining your motives, standards, and priorities. People-pleasing and approval-seeking is carnality. If you are intently focused on meeting God’s standards, then you’re on the right path, and insecurity will swiftly be kicked to the curb.

4. Do not try to conform to the world. 1 John 2:16 NLT says, “For the world offers only a craving for physical pleasure, a craving for everything we see, and pride in our achievements and possessions. These are not from the Father, but are from this world.” This is a huge lesson to grasp and apply to your life! Desires rooted in worldly lusts lead to destruction and dissatisfaction. Craving the things the world treasures, rather than what the word of God teaches us to value, will rapidly lead you down a dark rabbit hole of negative emotions, actions, and outcomes. Begin praying that your desires align with the will of God and not the will of man. Don’t take pride in accomplishments, applause, and self-satisfaction. Discipline your flesh according to God’s word, and you will see a change in what you crave.

5. Finally, build your life upon the only solid foundation: 1 Corinthians 3:11 GNT says, “For God has already placed Jesus Christ as the one and only foundation, and no other foundation can be laid.” When Jesus died and rose, He did away with all confidence in the works of the flesh. We lean entirely upon His grace and are justified, and verified only by Him. If you want to be secure, stable, and unshakeable, your hope and confidence must be built on Christ. He will give you the grace you need to withstand whatever comes to kill off your confidence. Jesus is a stabilizing force. Remain rooted in Him and you will be amazed by how confident and God-assured you’ll be despite the world’s assault on your self-worth.

In closing, confidence isn’t the absence of self-doubt; it’s the presence of divine assurance that who you are, where you are, and what you are becoming is pleasing to God. He is the One who determines your worth. As long as you remember that you are loved and valued by the Father, and seek only His approval, your confidence will soar. Why? Because it will be built upon the right foundation.

Prayer: God, please forgive me for measuring myself worth against the world’s perceptions and standards. Please help me do a better job of striving for only what pleases You. Teach me to depend upon You as my source of strength, validation, security, and confidence. In the name of Jesus I pray, Amen.

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