• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer
  • Home
  • About
    • Meet Our Team
  • Blog
    • Spiritual Growth
    • Bible Study
    • Christian Living
  • Resources
    • Bible Study Workbook
    • Easter Devotional
    • New Christian Guide: Start Here If You Are Looking For Resources to Help You Grow in Your Faith
  • Shop
  • Contact
  • Nav Social Menu

    • Email
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
Daily She Pursues

Daily She Pursues

Pursuing the One who first pursued me

Home | Christian Living | What Should You Do If You Struggle With Self-Worth?

What Should You Do If You Struggle With Self-Worth?

October 16, 2019 | by Shanté Grossett O'Neal Christian Living

In 2016, a Dove survey reported that at least 50% of women struggle with their self-worth. With all of our body positivity and self-love movements, why are so many women still struggling in this way? What are we missing? And, if you struggle with self-worth, what can you do to experience victory in such a difficult fight?

What is self-worth and why does it matter?

Self-worth, or self-esteem, is a sense of one’s own value as a human being. Simply put, it’s the opinions we have about who we are. 

Self-worth matters because we tend to live our lives based on the core attitudes and thoughts we have about ourselves. If we have a low sense of self-worth, we won’t truly be happy no matter what we do to try to fill the void. 

We all have an innate desire to be loved, wanted, and accepted. We were created that way. However, if we search for love and acceptance in the wrong places, we will always come up short. There’s no magic program, no motivational speaker, no new diet, no boyfriend, brand new clothes, or amount of wealth that can help us feel loved, wanted, or accepted if we don’t already know where our worth comes from.

Where should we be finding our self-worth?

If then you have been raised with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth. For you have died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God. When Christ who is your life appears, then you also will appear with him in glory.

Colossians 3:1-4

Our worth is wrapped in who Jesus is and what he did for us on the cross. He died and rose to life to bring us freedom. We also died to our old life and rose to a brand new life in Christ. We are daughters of the God and king of the universe.

There is a God-sized void in our hearts that only he can fill. This is why our hearts naturally desire to glorify God. The deepest parts of us know that we need God. The thing is, when we fill God’s space with other things, we come up empty because nothing else can satisfy the longing of our hearts like he can.

Why do so many women struggle with self-worth?

There are so many reasons why women struggle with self-worth. We sometimes struggle because of the pressures of society, high expectations from family and friends, childhood struggles brought into adulthood, or even the desire to please a significant other.

The thing is, these are just symptoms of an underlying cause.

We’ve put other things in Jesus’ place.

Remember when I said there’s a God-sized void in our hearts only he can fill? Well, sometimes we unknowingly stuff other things inside and leave no room for God. He is the one we need. He takes us by the hand and teaches us about our worth according to his word. But, if we are consuming everything else but his truth, we will definitely struggle to find our self-worth.

The question is, who or what are you putting in God’s place? It could be causing you to have a low sense of self-worth.

I struggle with self-worth when I put my anxious thoughts about myself in God’s place. It mostly happens when I am surrounded by new people. I get nervous and I start to think about all of the possible ways I can say or do something wrong in the moment. I start to believe horrible lies about myself that do not line up with God’s truth. Here’s a picture of what my thought process looks like:

They won’t like me. 

I’m not good enough for them.

I won’t fit in.

I won’t be accepted.

What if I don’t belong?

Truthfully, my struggle with self-worth in that moment quickly disappears when I stop focusing on myself. He deserves the glory, not me or my anxious thoughts.

What is the cure for our struggle with self-worth?

And you shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.’ The second is this: ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’ There is no other commandment greater than these.”

Mark 12:30-31

I don’t think I’m the only one who’s struggle with self-worth comes from being overly focused on myself. We are often our biggest enemy in the fight for victory against a low sense of self-worth.

If you notice, Jesus speaks often about loving God and others. He speaks very little about self-love. Don’t get me wrong, self-love is important but it’s also very natural for us. Don’t believe me? We’ll take any measure to make ourselves happy. We desire comfort and we love the status quo. We avoid pain and we seek instant gratification. The truth is, we naturally love ourselves, even if the love we have for ourselves isn’t the healthiest.

If we want to practice true self-love and strengthen our sense of self-worth, we should put God and others before us. Think about it. If we decide to spend our energy trying to welcome others, we won’t have time to feel unwelcome. And if we try to love others, we won’t have to worry about not feeling loved. If we give to others, we stop worrying about what we lack. The less we focus on ourselves, the more we see Christ.

What should you do if you struggle with self worth? 

Love your neighbor as yourself

As I mentioned earlier, loving on someone else is a great way to win in the struggle with self-worth. You begin to think less about yourself and more about the other person, and suddenly, you’re no longer worrying so much about whether you’re enough or not. You’re simply trying to help someone else feel welcomed and loved. 

Receive God’s love

Many of us are very familiar with loving others, and we love them well. Yet, we struggle to receive God’s love. If you struggle with self-worth, let go of everything that makes you feel like you’re not good enough and press into his love. The more of God’s love you receive, the more worthy you’ll feel as you begin to see yourself as he sees you. 

Loving this article? You may also enjoy these articles exploring who you are in Christ: 
  • Five Empowering Truth’s About Your Identity in Christ
  • Your Identity is in Christ and Not in Your Mistakes 
  • 25 Bible Verses About Your Identity in Christ

Read God’s Word

The best way to receive God’s love is by reading his word. It tells about the sacrifice Jesus made for you by willingly laying down his life on the cross. It tells you of how far God would go to rescue you – he leaves the 99 just to find the one lost sheep. The Bible says that faith comes by hearing, and hearing comes by God’s word. The more you read, the more you will begin to believe. Your beliefs about God and what he says about you will transform you from feeling unworthy to knowing that you are worthy, always. 

Speak God’s truth until you believe it

Next, speak God’s truth over your life. It’s not enough to just read it, you need to declare it too. The reality is, thoughts of unworthiness will come but if you declare God’s truth over yourself, those thoughts will not be able to overwhelm you. 

Remember growth is a process

Growth is a process and you won’t be perfect the first time. You’ll fall down but simply get back up again. Keep trusting God to transform your thoughts and emotions to mirror his truth. 

The truth is you are worthy because God says you are. Spend time with him and let his words transform how you see yourself. Start loving God with your whole heart and start loving your neighbor as yourself. Give, serve, and welcome others. While it won’t be instantaneous, God will help you to recognize and walk confidently in the truth about your worth in him.

Share this:

  • Twitter
  • Facebook

October 16, 2019 · Leave a Comment

Catch up on the latest posts

  • What Does it Mean to Use God’s Name in Vain?
  • What Is the Cost of Following Jesus?
  • The Road To Emmaus: The Need for Faith In Suffering
  • 47 Christmas Gift Ideas for the Christian Women In Your Life
  • Surrendering to the God of Hope When All Seems Lost

Loved the article? Sign up for the newsletter for more!

Previous Post: « Quick and Easy Anti-Inflammatory Golden Chai Latte Recipe in Less Than 7 Minutes
Next Post: What Does it Mean to Be A Daughter of God and Why Does it Matter? »

Reader Interactions

Leave a ReplyCancel reply

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

Primary Sidebar

  • Email
  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest

Hi there! I’m Shanté, the founder of Daily She Pursues. I am passionate about teaching women how to pursue the heart of God by studying his word, spending time in prayer, and committing to a daily walk with the Lord! I am currently working on a Master’s Degree in Biblical Studies and some of my favorite things include tea, journaling, art museums, essential oils, and thrift shopping. Read More…

Cultivate A Deeper Relationship With Christ

Want to pursue God with us?

Products

  • The 12-Week Jesus Bible Study: Readings and Reflections for Women to Grow Closer to Christ $14.99 $14.00
  • Reflections From the Holy Land: Inspiring Devotions on the Life of Christ (Ebook) $5.00
  • Faithful: Recalling the Goodness of the Lord (Ebook) $10.00
  • A Study of Ephesians: Live Out Your Identity in Christ (Ebook)
    Rated 4.75 out of 5
    $10.00
  • When You Are Waiting on God: 7 Devotions to Encourage and Strengthen Your Faith in the Waiting (EBook) $5.00

Search by Category

Recent Posts

  • What Does it Mean to Use God’s Name in Vain?
  • What Is the Cost of Following Jesus?
  • The Road To Emmaus: The Need for Faith In Suffering
  • 47 Christmas Gift Ideas for the Christian Women In Your Life
  • Surrendering to the God of Hope When All Seems Lost

Footer

dailyshepursues

by Shanté Grossett O’Neal | Christian Blog
This Thursday 9/14 at 8 AM EST, I have the opportu This Thursday 9/14 at 8 AM EST, I have the opportunity to speak with Liv Dooley (@candidliv), Christian Author, Bible Teacher, and Podcaster, about the Imprecatory Psalms. We're going to be diving into what they are and what Christians should know about praying these psalms. 

If you've ever wondered about these psalms, please join us on Instagram Live on Thursday. 

All you'll need to do is log into the app on Thursday at 8 AM and go to @dailyshepursues. There will be a notification that we are Live and you'll be able to click and join.

Looking forward to having this conversation with Liv!
Prayer is one of the ways in which we connect with Prayer is one of the ways in which we connect with and hear from God. Yet, approaching God in prayer can feel daunting. 

The good news is that Jesus taught us how to pray. 

Consider applying the Lord’s Prayer as you structure your prayer time. 

Swipe to see how! ➡️
Some thoughts on why we struggle to cultivate a re Some thoughts on why we struggle to cultivate a relationship with God, and God’s response to us when we do. ♥️

#christianblog #christianwomen #christianwriters #devotionalforwomen #christianwomencommunity #womenwholovejesus #womenoffaith #womenofGod #lampandlight #christiancommunity #biblestudy #shereadstruth #jesusfollower❤️ #dailydevotional #dailydevotionsforwomen #christianwriting #christianministries #christianministry #womensministries #womenintheology #readingthegospels #readingscripture #womenreadingscripture
Thomas often gets a bad rap in church history. He’s forever known as “doubting Thomas.” I find that humorous because Thomas did what most of us would have done in the situation. He wanted to see for himself that Jesus had truly resurrected from the grave.

Jesus was kind to Thomas. He paid a visit to the house Thomas and the other disciples were in, and he showed Thomas the scars in his hands and in his side. 

In John 20:27, Jesus says, “Stop doubting and believe.” 

I imagine that his voice was kind and tender. After showing Thomas the evidence, he invited him to believe.

Doubting doesn’t make you a bad Christian. Doubting is human, and like Thomas, God meets us in our doubt. He does not scoff at us or turn us away, he simply reminds us of the truth. 

Isn’t that such a beautiful thing?

—— 

On another note, I’m now offering copies of The 12 Week Jesus Bible Study via dailyshepursues.com. I just got 20 new copies this week, if you want one, they’re available at the link in my bio! 

#christianblog #christianwomen #christianwriters #devotionalforwomen #christianwomencommunity #womenwholovejesus #womenoffaith #womenofGod #lampandlight #christiancommunity #biblestudy #shereadstruth #jesusfollower❤️ #dailydevotional #dailydevotionsforwomen #christianwriting #christianministries #christianministry #womensministries #womenintheology #readingthegospels #readingscripture #womenreadingscripture
I’m still figuring out how to keep plants alive. I’m still figuring out how to keep plants alive. I love them but they don’t always love me. 😅

The other day, my mom advised me to prune away the dead and wilted flowers of my Kalanchoe plant. It had been doing okay for a while but lately, it began to not look so great. 

Of course, this reminded me of how God is with us as Christians. Pruning is an important part of our sanctification process. 

Jesus tells us that God prunes us so that we can bear more fruit. Ultimately, without pruning, our spiritual lives wither and eventually die. If this happens, how can we abide in Christ?

Pruning can be painful, but God doesn’t prune us to harm us — he does it for our growth. He loves us. And the pruning won’t last forever, this is only a season. 
 

#christianwriter #dailyshepursues #christianwritingcommunity #christianwritersofinstagram #christianwomen #christianwalk #biblestudynotes #biblestudy #shewritestruth #christianreels #shereadstruth #butfirstjesus #womenofgrace #womensministries #faithblogger #faithquotes
Some thoughts on unmet needs and desires because I Some thoughts on unmet needs and desires because I know what it feels like, and I know so many people are dealing with this right now. ♥️

Swipe to read.

P.S. — one of the weeks in my 12 week devotional is devoted to this topic so if you struggle in this area, I’d recommend checking it out. The link is in my bio. 

P.P.S — when I say unmet needs, I am referring to things that are really important and feel like ultimate needs. I believe that God does supply all of our needs (but not necessarily the things we feel are needs). 

#christianblog #biblestudy #dailydevotional #christianliving #bibleverse #christianwomen #womenwholovejesus #womenoffaith #womenintheword #lampandlight #hertrueworth #christianquotes #christianwriters #dailydevotional #devotionsforwomen #womeninthebible #biblescripture
Load More... Follow on Instagram
  • About
  • Blog
  • Shop
  • What We Believe
  • Privacy Policy

Copyright © 2023 · Daily She Pursues