God Is Still Faithful - 7-Day Devotional by Christina Bell Muestra

[IMAGE CONTENT] # Still Faithful in Low Self-Esteem Have you ever thought, "I'm not good enough? I don't fit in with the crowd. I'm not as smart, and I am not pretty enough, skinny enough, and can't do it. So, nobody will listen to what I have to offer.” These are all statements that, at one time or another, we have made regarding ourselves. The keyword in self-esteem is SELF. Sisters, we must be mindful of ourselves in this season. If you have a heart like mine, you’ll find yourself consumed with taking care of people more than you take of yourself. Neglecting yourself will leave you spiritually and emotionally bankrupt and overdrawn, especially when no deposits are made. Low self-esteem veered many of us off the road of destiny because of the words spoken during our childhood. Even some of our experiences as adults shape how we feel about ourselves. There are times when I refuse to see myself through the eyes of God. But I would look into the mirror of humanity and see the reflection of all the negative comments and actions of people I loved and trusted. That mirror was smeared with every hurtful conversation and occurrence where I had experienced hurt, disrespect, and shame. At times what I saw scared me. It would keep me from pressing through to reach for the life God desired for me. I prayed and fasted, and sometimes that wouldn't even help, but I knew to cling to the word of God. I knew in my heart that I was fearfully and wonderfully made in his image for his glory and would cry out until I felt his spirit pulling me into a different mirror. Then, finally, one day, I began to see myself as he saw me. I know it's hard, but each of you can do it. I closed my ears to the negative words of those around me and began to hear only the positive confirmation and affirmations of God's word. When you are battling low self-esteem, face it head-on and with the Word as your weapon. The self that God made you to be can be birthed. God will break the bondage of low self-esteem, and you will be able to see yourself the way God sees you. Prayer: Dear God, you are the author of each chapter in my sisters' life. Let them be filled with confidence that comes from you. I am filled with the surety that you are pleased with what is seen in the mirror of your eyes. Because you see my heart, I have confidence that you love me, and today I love myself and see myself the way you do. I am now confident in you, Amen.