7 Days Building Up Your Inner Self: a Bible-based Devotional on Healing and Strengthening Your Self-esteem

"I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Wonderful are your works; my soul knows it very well." - Psalm 139:14

Self-esteem is an important aspect of our overall well-being and happiness. It is the foundation upon which we build our sense of self-worth and value. However, many of us struggle with low self-esteem and a negative self-image. We may feel unworthy, undeserving, or not good enough. This can lead to feelings of inadequacy, insecurity, and self-doubt.

So, where does our self-esteem come from? Is it something we can build on our own, or is it something that is given to us by others?

According to Psalm 139:14, our self-esteem should come from God. We are "fearfully and wonderfully made," and God's works are "wonderful." This verse reminds us that we are valuable and worthy simply because we are made in God's image. Our worth and value are not determined by our appearance, our achievements, or the opinions of others. They are inherent and intrinsic, given to us by our Creator.

This can be a challenging concept to grasp, especially in a world that often places a high value on external appearances and material possessions. It's easy to get caught up in comparing ourselves to others and striving for perfection. But the truth is, no matter what we do or achieve, we will never be able to fully live up to the standards of this world. Only God can give us true worth and value.

So, how can we cultivate a healthy self-esteem based on our worth in God's eyes? Here are a few suggestions:

Spend time in God's Word. Reading the Bible can help us see ourselves and others through God's perspective. It can remind us of our worth and value as children of God, and it can help us refocus our priorities on what truly matters.

Practice gratitude. Focusing on the good things in our lives can help us see ourselves in a more positive light. It can be easy to get caught up in our flaws and weaknesses, but remembering all the things we have to be thankful for can help us see our own worth and value.

Seek support from trusted friends and family. Surrounding ourselves with supportive, positive people can help us feel more confident and secure in ourselves.

Serve others. Focusing on meeting the needs of others can help us shift our focus away from ourselves and our own insecurities. It can also help us feel more purposeful and fulfilled.

Pray. Asking God for help and guidance in developing a healthy self-esteem can be incredibly powerful. We can also pray for the strength and courage to let go of negative self-perceptions and embrace our worth and value in God's eyes.

In conclusion, our self-esteem should come from a deep understanding of our worth and value as children of God. It is not something we can earn or achieve on our own, but rather it is a gift given to us by our loving Creator. By seeking God's perspective and spending time in His Word, practicing gratitude, seeking support, serving others, and praying, we can cultivate a healthy self-esteem and live out our full potential as God's beloved children.

Prayer:

Dear God,

Thank you for loving us and creating us in your image. Help us to understand and embrace our worth and value as your beloved children.

We confess that we often struggle with low self-esteem and negative self-perceptions. We compare ourselves to others and try to live up to the standards of this world, but we know that only you can give us true worth and value.

Please help us to cultivate a healthy self-esteem based on our worth in your eyes. Help us to spend time in your Word, practice gratitude, seek support from trusted friends and family, serve others, and pray.

We pray for the strength and courage to let go of negative self-perceptions and embrace our true worth and value as your children.

Thank you for loving us and for reminding us of our value through your Word. May we reflect your love and grace to others and live out our full potential as your beloved children.

In your name we pray, Amen.

Have you ever felt like you just couldn't go on? Like the weight of the world was too much to bear and you just wanted to give up? If so, you're not alone. We all have moments of weakness and struggle, but there is hope and strength to be found in the Word of God.

Romans 12:2 says, "Do not conform 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." This verse reminds us that we have the power to choose how we think and act, and that the Word of God can help us to transform our minds and lives.

The Bible is more than just a book of stories or rules to follow. It is the living, active Word of God that speaks to our hearts and minds, and has the power to change us from the inside out. When we read and meditate on the Word of God, it helps us to see things from God's perspective and gives us the strength and courage to overcome the challenges and struggles of life.

One way to use the Bible to build up our inner selves is by memorizing verses that speak to our specific needs or challenges. For example, if we are facing a difficult situation or temptation, we can memorize verses like Psalm 119:11, "I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you," or 1 Corinthians 10:13, "No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to mankind. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can endure it." These verses can serve as a reminder of God's faithfulness and provision in times of need, and help to renew our minds with the truth of his Word.

Another way to use the Bible to build up our inner selves is by reading and meditating on passages that encourage and inspire us. For example, Isaiah 40:31 says, "But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint." This verse reminds us that when we put our hope in God, he gives us the strength and endurance we need to overcome the challenges of life.

In addition to memorizing and meditating on specific verses, we can also use the Bible to build up our inner selves by reading it regularly and consistently. This helps us to become more familiar with the Word of God and to grow in our understanding and relationship with him. As we spend time in the Word, we can ask God to reveal his truth to us and to help us apply it to our lives.

Using the Bible to build up our inner selves is not a one-time thing, but a daily discipline that requires effort and commitment. It may not always be easy, but the reward is worth it. As we allow the Word of God to transform our minds and lives, we will experience the peace, joy, and strength that it brings, and we will be better equipped to serve and glorify God in all that we do.

Prayer:

Dear God, thank you for your Word, which is living and active, and has the power to change us from the inside out. Help us to prioritize reading and studying your Word, and to meditate on the verses that speak to our specific needs and challenges. Give us the courage and strength to overcome the struggles of life and to not conform to the patterns of this world. Transform our minds and hearts by the renewing of your Word, so that we may know and do your will. We pray for the courage and strength to apply your Word to our lives and to serve and glorify you in all that we do. We pray this in Jesus' name, Amen.

Have you ever found yourself caught in a spiral of negative thoughts? Maybe you're feeling overwhelmed by stress, or perhaps you're struggling with feelings of inadequacy or self-doubt. Whatever the cause, it can be easy to get stuck in a cycle of negativity, and it can be challenging to break free.

But as believers in Jesus Christ, we have the power to overcome negative thoughts and embrace a healthy, positive mindset. In Philippians 4:8, the apostle Paul writes, "Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things."

This verse is a reminder that we have the choice to focus our thoughts on what is true, noble, right, pure, lovely, admirable, excellent, and praiseworthy. By doing so, we can cultivate a positive mindset that is rooted in truth and righteousness, rather than being influenced by our emotions or the negativity of the world around us.

But how do we actually put this into practice? Here are a few tips for cultivating a positive mindset:

Practice gratitude. One powerful way to shift our focus from negative thoughts to positive ones is by practicing gratitude. When we take the time to focus on the blessings and good things in our lives, it helps us to reframe our perspective and see things in a more positive light.

Choose your words wisely. The words we speak have the power to shape our thoughts and influence our mindset. So, be mindful of the words you use, both when speaking to others and when speaking to yourself. Instead of saying "I can't," try saying "I'm working on it." Instead of saying "I'm a failure," try saying "I made a mistake, but I'm learning from it."

Surround yourself with positivity. The people we spend time with can have a significant impact on our mindset and attitude. Surround yourself with people who lift you up and encourage you, rather than those who bring negativity into your life.

Seek out positive media and resources. The media we consume can also shape our thoughts and perspective. Seek out positive, uplifting content that helps you to focus on the good things in life.

Practice self-care. Taking care of ourselves is an essential part of maintaining a positive mindset. This might include getting enough sleep, eating well, exercising, and finding ways to relax and de-stress.

Trust in God. Above all, the most important thing we can do to cultivate a positive mindset is to trust in God and lean on Him in all things. When we put our faith in Him, He gives us the strength and peace we need to overcome negative thoughts and embrace a healthy, positive mindset.

As we put these practices into action, we can experience the transformation that comes from focusing our thoughts on what is true, noble, right, pure, lovely, admirable, excellent, and praiseworthy. May we be encouraged by Paul's words in Philippians 4:8 and choose to cultivate a positive mindset that is rooted in truth and righteousness.

Prayer: 

Dear God, thank you for the power of positive thinking and the transformation it can bring to our lives. Help us to focus on what is true, noble, right, pure, lovely, admirable, excellent, and praiseworthy. Give us the strength to overcome negative thoughts and embrace a healthy, positive mindset. Help us to practice gratitude, choose our words wisely, surround ourselves with positivity, seek out positive media and resources, and practice self-care. Most importantly, help us to trust in You and lean on You in all things. Thank you for Your love and grace. Amen.

Self-care is an important aspect of our lives that often gets overlooked. We are so focused on taking care of others, meeting the demands of work and life, and fulfilling our responsibilities that we forget to prioritize our own well-being. But as believers, we know that our bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit (1 Corinthians 6:19-20). This means that we have a responsibility to take care of ourselves, both physically and emotionally.

Physical self-care involves taking care of our bodies through proper nutrition, exercise, and rest. It also includes seeking medical attention when needed and practicing good hygiene. These things may seem obvious, but it is easy to neglect them when we are busy or feeling overwhelmed. But our bodies are the vehicles that allow us to serve God and others, and it is important to take care of them.

Emotional self-care involves taking care of our mental and emotional well-being. This can include setting boundaries, practicing healthy coping mechanisms, and seeking support when needed. It is important to recognize when we are feeling overwhelmed, stressed, or anxious, and take steps to address those feelings. This can involve seeking counseling, finding a support group, or simply taking some time to rest and recharge.

Spiritual self-care involves nourishing our relationship with God and seeking spiritual growth. This can include things like spending time in prayer, reading the Bible, and attending church. It can also involve participating in activities that help us connect with God, like attending retreats or participating in a small group.

Self-care is not selfish – it is necessary for us to be able to function at our best and serve God and others to the best of our ability. When we prioritize our own well-being, we are better able to serve others and fulfill our responsibilities.

So let us remember to take care of ourselves, both physically, emotionally, and spiritually. Let us prioritize our own well-being and remember that our bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit.

Prayer: 

Dear God, thank you for entrusting us with the care of our bodies, which are temples of your Holy Spirit. Help us to prioritize self-care and remember to take care of ourselves physically, emotionally, and spiritually. Give us the strength and wisdom to make choices that honor you and serve others. Amen.

"Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their labor: If either of them falls down, one can help the other up. But pity anyone who falls and has no one to help them up. Also, if two lie down together, they will keep warm. But how can one keep warm alone? Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves. A cord of three strands is not quickly broken." - Ecclesiastes 4:9-12

In these verses, the writer of Ecclesiastes reflects on the value of community and the importance of seeking support and encouragement from others. The idea that "two are better than one" is repeated throughout the passage, highlighting the benefits of working and living in community with others.

One of the main benefits of being part of a community is the support and encouragement we receive from others. When we face challenges and struggles in life, it can be helpful to have someone to turn to for help and guidance. A supportive community can offer us the strength and resilience we need to persevere through difficult times.

In addition to providing support and encouragement, being part of a community also allows us to share the burden of our labor. When we work together with others, we can divide tasks and responsibilities, making the work easier and more efficient. This not only helps us to achieve our goals more quickly, but it also allows us to experience the joy and satisfaction of working together as a team.

Another important aspect of community is the sense of belonging and connection it provides. When we are part of a community, we have the opportunity to form meaningful relationships with others and feel a sense of connection and purpose. This can be especially important in times of loneliness or isolation, as it gives us a sense of belonging and helps us to feel less alone.

So, how can we seek support and encouragement from others and cultivate a sense of community in our lives? Here are a few ideas:

Reach out to friends and family members for support and encouragement when you need it. Don't be afraid to ask for help when you need it.

Join a group or club that aligns with your interests and values. This can be a great way to connect with like-minded people and form meaningful relationships.

Volunteer your time and talents to a cause you care about. This can be a rewarding way to give back to your community and make a positive impact in the world.

Participate in activities and events in your community. This can be a great way to meet new people and form connections with your neighbors.

Practice gratitude and appreciation for the people in your life. Expressing gratitude can help to strengthen relationships and cultivate a sense of community.

As we seek support and encouragement from others, it's important to remember that we also have a role to play in supporting and encouraging others. By being a supportive and encouraging presence in the lives of others, we can contribute to the strength and resilience of our community.

Prayer:

Heavenly Father, thank you for the gift of community and the support and encouragement it provides. Help us to seek out and cultivate relationships with others, and to be a supportive and encouraging presence in the lives of those around us. May we find joy and fulfillment in working and living in community with others, and may our relationships be a source of strength and resilience in times of challenge and struggle. Amen.

Self-esteem is an important part of our overall well-being and sense of happiness. It is the belief that we are worthy and deserving of love, respect, and acceptance, and it plays a significant role in how we view ourselves and our abilities. When we have healthy self-esteem, we are able to approach life with confidence and a positive attitude, which can lead to many rewards and benefits.

Proverbs 22:1 reminds us that a good name is more valuable than great riches or material wealth. This verse suggests that the way we view ourselves and the way others view us is more important than anything money can buy. When we have a good name, or a positive reputation, it is a sign that we are respected and valued by others. This, in turn, can boost our self-esteem and give us the confidence to pursue our goals and dreams.

Believing in ourselves and our abilities is a crucial aspect of healthy self-esteem. When we have confidence in ourselves, we are more likely to take risks and try new things, even if we might fail. This willingness to take risks and learn from our mistakes can lead to personal growth and success in various areas of our lives.

On the other hand, when we have low self-esteem, we may be hesitant to try new things or may not believe in our own abilities. This can hold us back and prevent us from reaching our full potential. It's important to recognize the value and worth that God has placed in us and to believe in ourselves and our abilities as a result.

Developing and maintaining healthy self-esteem can be a challenge, but it is worth the effort. It can lead to increased confidence and a positive attitude, which can help us in our relationships, careers, and overall well-being. Here are a few steps we can take to improve our self-esteem:

Practice self-care: Taking care of ourselves physically, emotionally, and spiritually is essential for maintaining healthy self-esteem. This includes getting enough sleep, exercising regularly, eating nutritious meals, and engaging in activities that nourish our souls.

Set realistic goals: Setting and achieving goals can boost our self-esteem and give us a sense of accomplishment. However, it's important to set goals that are realistic and achievable. When we set ourselves up for success, we are more likely to believe in our abilities and feel good about ourselves.

Surround ourselves with positive influences: The people we surround ourselves with can have a big impact on our self-esteem. Surrounding ourselves with supportive and encouraging individuals can lift us up and help us believe in ourselves.

Seek support: It can be helpful to seek support from a trusted friend, family member, or mental health professional when we are struggling with low self-esteem. They can offer guidance and encouragement as we work to improve our self-worth.

In conclusion, Proverbs 22:1 reminds us that a good name is more valuable than great riches. When we have healthy self-esteem, we are able to approach life with confidence and a positive attitude, which can lead to many rewards and benefits. By practicing self-care, setting realistic goals, surrounding ourselves with positive influences, and seeking support when needed, we can work to develop and maintain healthy self-esteem.

Prayer:

Dear God,

Thank you for the worth and value you have placed in each of us. Help us to believe in ourselves and our abilities, and to have healthy self-esteem. May we approach life with confidence and a positive attitude, and may we recognize the many rewards and benefits that come from believing in ourselves.

Please guide us as we work to develop and maintain healthy self-esteem, and give us the strength and support we need to overcome any challenges or obstacles that may come our way. Help us to surround ourselves with positive influences and to seek support when needed.

We pray that our self-esteem will be grounded in your love and acceptance of us, and that we will be able to reflect that love and acceptance to others.

In your holy name we pray, Amen.

Psalm 23:1-3 says, "The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. He makes me lie down in green pastures. He leads me beside still waters. He restores my soul."

One of the crucial components of our general wellbeing and pleasure is self-esteem. It has to do with how we perceive and value ourselves and what makes us unique. A strong sense of self-worth enables us to face life's obstacles with resiliency and a sense of competence. Low self-esteem, on the other hand, might prevent us from moving forward and make us feel inadequate or unable.

But where do we find the foundation for our self-esteem? Many people look to external sources, such as their appearance, accomplishments, or the approval of others, to define their worth. However, these things are often fleeting and can change over time. Instead, we can turn to God and His Word as the ultimate source of our value and worth.

In Psalm 23, David describes God as his shepherd, someone who cares for and guides him. God provides for all of David's needs and leads him to peaceful and restful places. God also restores David's soul, giving him the strength and resilience he needs to face life's challenges.

As believers, we can trust that God is our shepherd too. He cares for us and is with us every step of the way. We can find our self-worth and value in Him, knowing that we are His beloved children and that He has a plan for our lives.

This does not mean that we will not face struggles or challenges. We will still have to navigate the ups and downs of life, and may face times of uncertainty or doubt. But when we trust in God and His plan for us, we can find the strength and resilience to overcome these challenges.

As we journey through life, it is important to remember that our self-esteem does not have to be based on external sources or the approval of others. Instead, we can find our worth and value in God and His love for us. We can trust that He is with us every step of the way, guiding and strengthening us.

Prayer:

Dear God, thank you for being our shepherd and for caring for us. Help us to trust in you and your plan for our lives. Give us the strength and resilience to navigate the challenges we face, and help us to find our worth and value in you. May we always remember that we are your beloved children and that you are with us every step of the way. Amen.