What if we viewed ourselves the way God does? One therapeutic technique often used is known as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and the premise is this: our thoughts shape our emotions, which ultimately lead to us behaving a certain way. Thoughts are that important!
Think about it this way, if you go about thinking you are unworthy or unlovable, you will likely feel sad or view the world in a way that fosters those beliefs. As a result you may have difficulty with confidence, or when things do not go the way you want them to. On the other hand, if you viewed yourself as loved and cared for you would likely feel secure and happy, and go about life with a more positive disposition.
What Scripture Says
In Psalm 8:4-7 it is written:
When I see your heavens, the work of your fingers, the moon and stars that you set in place... What is man that you are mindful of him, and a son of man that you care for him? Yet you have made him little less than a god, crowned him with glory and honor. You have given him rule over the works of your hands, put all things at his feet.
God views you as even more beautiful than the most beautiful thing you have seen in all of creation. Do you see yourself that way? Do your inner thoughts reflect His own? Take some time to evaluate your own inner dialogue and how your thoughts may be shaping not only your worldview, but your relationship with God.
How Do You Speak?
When I was younger, I thought and spoke badly of myself. A friend (who later became my husband) encouraged me to look in the mirror and combat those lies. To verbally say out loud that I was a good person, a kind person, and worthy of love. I absolutely hated it. I cried and became angry with them. I made excuses for why I didn’t want to do it. It was uncomfortable when I tried. Yet when I did, I felt it working.
I wrote those statements on sticky notes and plastered them on my mirror. I said them to myself every day until I began to believe them. They were no longer difficult for me to say to myself, and I could say them to myself in times of adversity.
Biblical Affirmations for Beginners
In therapy, we call these affirmations, or positive statements, we make to ourselves. They have become quite popular over the years; you can find them all over Pinterest! If this is something you struggle with, I’d love for you to try out these affirmations based on Scripture:
- “I am a child of God.” // John 1:12
- “I am fearfully and wonderfully made.” // Psalm 139:14
- “I have not been given a spirit of fear, but of power, love, and a sound mind.” // 2 Timothy 1:7
- “God loves me with an everlasting love.” // Jeremiah 31:3
- “God has a plan for my life, and it is full of hope.” // Jeremiah 29:11
You may dislike it at first, but do not give up. Continue to practice and you will notice a change in self-esteem. It is my hope you will begin to see yourself as the beautiful creation you are, and therefore you can grow in your relationship with God.
Biblical Affirmations #BISblog //Click to tweet
Christie L. is a therapist turned stay at home mom living in Ohio with her two children and husband. You can find out more about her here.
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