I am my own worst critic. I have negative self-talk. It’s difficult to speak encouraging words towards myself. I think I am too fat, or too stupid, or I will always make mistakes. I am a perfectionist and will never accept anything less. An example of this was when I got in trouble at work for being too slow. I instantly jumped to the worst conclusions thinking I can’t do anything right and I was going to get suspended or fired. When I met with my manager I found I wasn’t in trouble, they just wanted to let me know ways to improve.
The voice of the one who loves me speaks words of affection towards me. Psalm 139:13-14 says that he created my innermost being, he knit me together in my mother’s womb and that I am fearfully and wonderfully made. He thinks I am beautiful. It may be difficult to speak truth in love into my own life. That is why I need to listen to the words of God and others in my life. When I get down on myself I just need to remember who I am in Christ. I am a loved daughter of the king and that I am forgiven and made new in him.
God wants me to have confidence in myself because of who he has made me to be. This is not pride or arrogance but a truthful representation of myself. God says in 2 Corinthians 12:9 that even in our weaknesses we are strong because that is when God’s power is made perfect and rests on us. It says in 2 Timothy 1:7 that “God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power, love and self discipline.” Jeremiah says I am blessed when I trust in him and have confidence in him. I can have confidence in myself when I have confidence in him.
So I can start speaking truth in love towards myself. I can tell myself that I am capable and smart. I can do anything I put my mind to. I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. I need to extend God’s grace towards myself and accept his love towards me.
About the Author
Mollie is recently married to her wonderful husband Dustin. She is a Wound Care RN at McKenzie Willamette Hospital. She enjoys being creative, getting outdoors and spending time with friends and family.