Insecurity, Self-esteem, and Identity

The more women I meet, the more I realize that we, as a whole, are in serious need of an identity check-up. Most of us recognize the importance of subjecting our physical selves to a medical physician on a yearly basis to make sure everything is in working order. Why then, would we not subject our minds, hearts, and souls to the penetrating power of God’s Word, allowing it to reveal problem areas that need to be addressed?

Women today share a common bond, a brokenness if you will, and it’s called insecurity. We’re so bound to what we think we are or what we’re not and how others perceive us. One major piece that I believe we so frequently overlook is this:

What God thinks of us.

What if you and I believed that what God says about us is true? What if we staked our lives on it? What if we passionately pursued our callings because we were that confident in whom God created us to be? Rather, I see women who are wounded, bound by the shackles of their low self-esteems, believing the lies that they are only what they’ve accomplished or failed at, that their identity is no more than their activity. We could really use a shift in our thinking. Because the truth of the matter is that if we took God at His Word, if we really believed that what His Word says is true, we would see a whole lot more of us walking in and living in freedom. Instead, we live lives filled with doubt, fear, insecurity, and misplaced and misguided identity.

Let me remind you of a simple but powerful truth today:

You are who God says you are.

And who does He say you are?

• You are forgiven. (Colossians 1:14) – Did you know that your past no longer defines you if you are in Christ? You are NOT what you once did. “Forgiven” is written in crimson red over the pages of your story.
• You are God’s friend. (John 15:15) It’s one thing to be a servant to a King. It’s quite another to be called a friend. You are accepted into God’s inner circle as His friend.
• You are no longer condemned. (Romans 8:1-2) Once a sinner, now a saint. Once a prodigal, now a child. Once marked by sin, now covered in righteousness. When God looks on you, He sees you through the lens of the cross of Jesus Christ. Freedom is your new song.
• You are significant. (Matthew 5:13-14) As salt seasons food, you season the world around you with the light and love of Christ. Your life in Christ matters for Kingdom work here on this earth. Your role is important.
• You are wonderfully made. (Psalm 139:14) God did not make a mistake when He created you. He didn’t miss something in the process. He was intimately involved in fashioning you, and when His work was complete, He said, “This is good.”