All throughout my life I’ve struggled with self-confidence. As a young girl I frequently felt out of place. As a teenager I was unsure of myself and my physical appearance, and as a college student I was apprehensive about fitting in. Fast-forward to my adult life. Since I’m married and have four beautiful children you’d think that my self-confidence would be firmly in place, wouldn’t you? I have found, however, that this can be a stumbling block for me still.
Do you ever struggle with self-confidence?
I’m not referring to an uncomfortable moment here or there or even the familiar apprehension of dealing with a difficult situation. No, I’m talking about the kind where you talk down to yourself, judge yourself by the world’s standards, and deny yourself peace and happiness because of your lack of self-confidence. That’s where my soul has rested for so many years. I allow myself to use the world’s standards as a foothold for my negative thoughts.
Dear friends, it is time for us to stop these thoughts. David uses the most beautiful words in Psalm 8:3-4 that are like a balm to my soul.
Prayer to Overcome Negative Self-Talk
It is here that our worth to our almighty Father is apparent. Even as he formed the moon and the stars, he took great care to create each of us in his image. Will you pray this prayer with me today? God created us in his likeness; we can reverse our self-doubt and bring about self-confidence through him.
Dear Father, we come to you today and humbly ask you to calm our spirits. Lord, we ask that you guide our thoughts away from negative self-talk. Guide us into words of beauty that only you can give. Father, we know that in our flesh we are flawed, but you have made us new again. Help us recognize these harsh words we tell ourselves, and give us the words to replace them, words that build up instead of tearing down. We praise you for your wisdom. We ask that you will continue your work in us as we seek our purpose in you. It’s in your loving and gracious name, Amen.
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Positive self-talk is one thing (I could always use some of that) – but it’s not self-confidence – it should be Christ-confidence!
love this post so many times positive mind and knowing God loves us offers us a much better day
One reason that women often have negative self-talk is the impossible standard of beauty that is set by the media. I wish that men understood that beauty emanates out of the soul and through the face, and I wish they would stop telling their wives that they don’t measure up.
I do suffer from low self confidence. It’s so hard as I’ve put myself down all my life. Christianity is new to me still and I’m trying to remember that God is happy with me just the way I am and that I’m not a failure but it’s hard.
I absolutely have issues with self confidence. I’ve always struggled with liking my appearance, feeling good enough or feeling like I’m a round peg in a square hole. Your post is really helpful. I love your encouraging prayer and I’m so pleased you’ve overcome this issue.
Positive mind helps a positive life.
Negative self talk is so hard. I’ve worked really hard to learn to let God’s voice be louder than any negative talk.
This is a hard topic when dealing with others and perhaps even harder when dealing with yourself.
Low self-esteem can come from years of words spoken over to us. The enemy does not want the potential of our lives in honoring God to come to fruition so he preys on the mind. My hope and confidence in Christ came as a result of finding my identity in Christ. When we learn we can’t compare ourselves to one another and compare our lives to the Word of God is when we become truly beautiful and confident.
It is so easy to fall into the trap of negative comparison and negative self-talk. And it’s so hard to get out of! Thank you for this encouraging prayer.
I think everyone struggles with self-confidence at one time or another. Learning to speak God’s Word over myself has been a game changer though. Also taking care of myself makes a huge difference. If I am not treating myself like someone who is loved and cherished I typically don’t feel loved or cherished.
Psalm 8 is one of my favourite bible verses. We must mean something to God, and that is why He is mindful of us. I love the prayer you shared here too. Thanks for the post.
Thanks for the beautiful prayer to help us banish self defeating thoughts!
I haven’t struggled with self-confidence in a while, but I can truly relate to any young person who talks down to herself and compares herself to others. This is a real problem among women. Thanks for the inspiration.