Throughout the Bible, we find various examples of individuals who struggled with low self-esteem.
These stories remind us that even those considered great in the eyes of God faced moments of doubt, insecurity, and feelings of inadequacy.
By examining these encouraging Bible verses for low self-esteem, we can gain insight into the human experience of low self-esteem and discover how God’s love and grace can transform our self-perception.
Examples Of Low Self-esteem In The Bible
The Bible presents us with many examples of individuals who experienced moments of low self-esteem or struggled with feelings of inadequacy.
These stories can provide us with comfort, encouragement, and valuable lessons as we navigate our struggles with self-esteem.
Let’s look at a few examples of low self-esteem found in the Bible:
Moses: In (Exodus 3-4) when God called Moses to lead the Israelites out of Egypt, Moses initially doubted himself and his abilities. He felt inadequate and unworthy of the task, questioning his speaking abilities and fearing that the people would not believe him. However, God reassured Moses, promising to be with him every step of the way.
Gideon: In Judges 6, Gideon struggled with low self-esteem and doubted his capabilities when God called him to deliver Israel from the Midianites. Gideon saw himself as the least among his family and considered his clan weak. Yet, God empowered him, assuring Gideon of His presence and promising to work through him to accomplish great things.
Jeremiah: In (Jeremiah 1:4-10) when God called Jeremiah to be a prophet, Jeremiah felt inadequate and unworthy due to his youth. He doubted his ability to speak on God’s behalf. However, God encouraged Jeremiah, reminding him that He would put His words in Jeremiah’s mouth and would be with him.
David: Despite being anointed by God as king, David often faced moments of self-doubt and low self-esteem. In (Psalm 22:6) he expressed feelings of being a worm and not a man, despised and rejected by others. Yet, throughout the Psalms, David also found his confidence and strength in God, praising Him for His faithfulness and delivering him from his enemies.
Elijah: In (1 Kings 19) after a great victory over the prophets of Baal, Elijah experienced a period of deep discouragement and low self-esteem. He felt isolated, and alone, and wished to die. However, God met him in his despair, providing him with sustenance, and encouragement, and assuring him that he was not alone.
Bible Verses For Low Self-esteem
Dealing with low self-esteem can be challenging, affecting various aspects of our lives. However, as believers, we can find solace and strength in the Word of God.
The Bible provides us with reassurance, encouragement, and reminders of our worth and identity in Christ.
These Bible verses remind us of our inherent value as God’s beloved children, the strength we find in Him, and His unwavering love and support.
Through His promises and assurances, we can find the courage to overcome our doubts and embrace our true identity in Christ.
Psalm 139:14 (NIV) – Praise God At All Times
“I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well.”
Ephesians 2:10 (NIV) – God Created Us In His image
“For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.”
Romans 8:37-39 (NIV) – We Are More Than Conquerors
“No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.”
Isaiah 41:10 (NIV) – God Is With Us
“So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.”
2 Corinthians 12:9 (NIV) – God’s Grace Is Sufficient Unto Us
“But he said to me, ‘My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.’ Therefore, I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me.”
Psalm 34:17 (NIV) – The Lord Will Hear Our Cry
“The righteous cry out, and the Lord hears them; he delivers them from all their troubles.”
Isaiah 43:1(NIV) – God Is Our Redeemer
“But now, this is what the Lord says— he who created you, Jacob, he who formed you, Israel: ‘Do not fear, for I have redeemed you; I have summoned you by name; you are mine.'”
1 Peter 2:9 (NIV) – We Are Chosen Generation
“But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special possession, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light.”
Zephaniah 3:17 (NIV) – God Is With Us
“The Lord your God is with you, the Mighty Warrior who saves. He will take great delight in you; in his love, he will no longer rebuke you, but will rejoice over you with singing.”
Psalm 27:10 (NIV) – God Will Not Forsake Us
“Though my father and mother forsake me, the Lord will receive me.”
Romans 5:8 (NIV)
“But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.”
Jeremiah 29:11 (NIV)
“‘For I know the plans I have for you,’ declares the Lord, ‘plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.'”
Matthew 11:28-30 (NIV)
“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.”
1 John 3:1 (NIV)
“See what great love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are!”
Psalm 42:11 (NIV)
“Why, my soul, are you downcast? Why so disturbed within me? Put your hope in God, for I will yet praise him, my Savior and my God.”
Isaiah 40:31 (NIV)
“But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.”
Philippians 4:13 (NIV)
“I can do all this through him who gives me strength.”
Romans 8:31 (NIV)
“What, then, shall we say in response to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us?”
1 John 4:4 (NIV)
“You, dear children, are from God and have overcome them because the one who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world.”
Bible Verses For Someone With Low Self-esteem
Low self-esteem can be a significant struggle, affecting our confidence, relationships, and overall well-being.
As believers, we can find solace and hope in the Word of God. The Bible provides us with uplifting and encouraging verses that remind us of our worth and identity in Christ.
Psalm 139:14 (NIV)
“I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well.”
Ephesians 2:10 (NIV)
“For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.”
Isaiah 43:4 (NIV)
“Since you are precious and honored in my sight, and because I love you, I will give people in exchange for you, nations in exchange for your life.”
Romans 8:37 (NIV)
“No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us.”
2 Corinthians 12:9 (NIV)
“But he said to me, ‘My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.’ Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me.”
1 Peter 2:9 (NIV)
“But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special possession, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light.”
Psalm 34:17 (NIV)
“The righteous cry out, and the Lord hears them; he delivers them from all their troubles.”
Isaiah 41:10 (NIV)
“So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.”
Zephaniah 3:17 (NIV)
“The Lord your God is with you, the Mighty Warrior who saves. He will take great delight in you; in his love, he will no longer rebuke you, but will rejoice over you with singing.”
Psalm 27:10 (NIV)
“Though my father and mother forsake me, the Lord will receive me.”
Romans 5:8 (NIV)
“But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.”
Isaiah 43:1 (NIV)
“But now, this is what the Lord says— he who created you, Jacob, he who formed you, Israel: ‘Do not fear, for I have redeemed you; I have summoned you by name; you are mine.'”
1 John 3:1(NIV)
“See what great love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are!”
Psalm 42:11 (NIV)
“Why, my soul, are you downcast? Why so disturbed within me? Put your hope in God, for I will yet praise him, my Savior and my God.”
Philippians 4:13 (NIV)
“I can do all this through him who gives me strength.”
Romans 8:31(NIV)
“What, then, shall we say in response to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us?”
Conclusion
In times of low self-esteem, it is crucial to anchor ourselves in the truth of God’s Word. These Bible verses provide comfort, encouragement, and a reminder of our inherent worth as God’s beloved children.
They remind us that we are fearfully and wonderfully made, created with a purpose, and deeply loved by our Heavenly Father.
When we face doubts, insecurities, or feelings of inadequacy, we can find solace in knowing that God’s grace is sufficient for us, His power is made perfect in our weakness, and His love is unchanging.
These verses invite us to shift our focus from self-doubt to God’s unfailing love, from our weaknesses to His strength, and from negative self-perception to the truth of our identity in Christ.