Do you ever wonder why you didn’t get the gift of confidence like others you know? I used to feel slighted by that. But over time I realized there was more to confidence than just being born with it.
Lasting confidence comes from knowing and believing that our value isn’t determined by our performance or competence. But that is not always easy to believe because we have an opponent who will do all he can to convince us otherwise.
Some avoid talking about the devil because they don’t want to give him too much attention. But I think it’s important that we realize we have an enemy. The Bible calls him the accuser of the brethren. Satan loves to accuse us and make us feel worthless so that we never become all that God created us to be!
One of the ways he works is by getting us to doubt ourselves. In my P31 devotion today, I shared how a few years ago I realized I was going along with the enemy’s schemes every time I’d do something wrong and then ask: What’s wrong with me?
A few years ago, it dawned on me that every time I asked, “What’s wrong with me?” I was actually telling myself something was wrong with me. Then I would try to figure out my elusive fault so I could change it or hide it. Do you ever do that?
It’s not what God wants us doing to ourselves, but Satan loves for us to focus on all that is wrong with us (real or perceived) so that we become consumed by self-doubt and condemnation as a result. Peter tells us what we need to do about him: “Keep your mind clear, and be alert. Your opponent the devil is prowling around like a roaring lion as he looks for someone to devour.” (1 Pet. 5:8, GW).
Keeping Our Minds Clear
Jesus says in John 14:26 that God has given us an Advocate, the Holy Spirit, to teach us everything and to remind us of all that Christ said. The Holy Spirit lives in us as believers, and He is great at helping us keep our minds clear. Let’s ask Him daily to clean out the clutter of insecurity, pride, and Satan’s lies in your thoughts and replace them with the clarity of Truth.
Staying Alert
We can stay alert by listening to our thoughts. If our thoughts are against us, then our feelings will be too. What we think determines how we feel, and our feelings often determine how we live.
Think –> Feel–> Live
However, with the power of the Holy Spirit and God’s Promises, we can ask Jesus to change the way we think, which will change the way we feel and eventually transform the way we live!
The next time you start having negative feelings about yourself, stop and ask the Holy Spirit to show you what you’re thinking that is making you feel that way. Then compare your thoughts about yourself, or the circumstances you are in, to God’s thoughts. Do they match? If not, find a promise in God’s Word to replace the lie that has filled your heart with self-critical thoughts For instance:
- When you feel defeated, focus on the truth that God says, “In all these things [you] are more than [a conqueror] through him who loved [you]…” (Rom. 8:37, NIV)
- When you feel worthless, focus on the truth that God says, “You are precious and honored in my sight, and . . . I love you.” (Isa. 43:4, NIV)
- When we feel inadequate, focus on the truth that God says, “’You are my witnesses,’ declares the Lord, ‘and my servant whom I have chosen, so that you may know and believe me and understand that I am he.’” (Isa. 43:10, NIV)
If we have Christ in us because of our faith in Him as our Savior, then we have God’s power and promises available to live with a confident heart!
* If this is an area of your life you sense God leading you to dig deeper into, more about this part of my journey and this topic are in chapter 6 of A Confident Heart,
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As part of a little celebrating we’re doing at my house, (see note below) we’re giving away 5 copies of A Confident Heart along Confident Heart Scripture stickies we’re having created this month!! Just leave your name or a comment to enter by clicking on “Share Your Thoughts” to let me know what God has you thinking about after reading this post, or my devotion. I’ll be reading your comments today and praying for you. It would be my honor to do that.
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Today my family and I are celebrating some “only God could do this” news we recently received…over 20,000 copies of A Confident Heart are in the hands of women around the US, and it’s now being published in Korean!! We’re totally blown away – that in the midst of my father’s passing, my daughter’s speech disorder diagnosis and my mom’s hospitalization all during my book release – God is doing immeasurable more than we could even imagine. I know part of it is women reading reviews and hearing from other women so I want to thank you for sharing those, too. JJ and I love reading the stories in the reviews and seeing what God is saying to your hearts through the words He poured through mine in each chapter!!
Becky says
God’s timing is so perfect and it feels like he has handpicked each P31 message for me this week! It has been a rough couple weeks at our house and I have thought to myself numerous times- I am “not enough”.
Your book has been on my list of “to reads”- sounds like I could use Ch 6 sooner than later 🙂 Thanks for sharing your faith and insight!
Grace says
I quite often berate myself for any number of things–forgetting something, doing something wrong, failing to do things I need to do. Thank you for reminding me who is planting those thoughts in my mind.
June says
I’ve been so busy lately that I barely get to the computer to read my devotionals. There is tremendous stress in our household and in my life. I often second-guess myself for making the deicisons I have made. I feel like I have let those closest to me down. But after reading your devotional, I realize that I need to be more careful of the lies that Satan tries to fill my head with. In actuallity, when I’m in a less-frenzied state of mind, I know that my intentions are to do what is right for my family. Yes, I fall short, but that doesn’t make me less of a person or less loveable. I need to remind myself of that. Today, the Lord really helped me with a long list of important phone calls that I needed to make. He also helped me accomplish more in the last couple of days than I could expect—being as tired and overwhelmed as I have been. ” I can do all things in Christ who strengthens me.” I have a busy Friday and Saturday ahead, as my husband (I hope) and I will be going with my son to check out the college he plans to attend next year. Of course I have to make sure that my two daughters at home are well taken care of. The Lord has blessed our family so abundantly. I thank and praise Him for His gifts. I must keep my focus where it belongs–on God’s truth and His promises–especially when life seems to give me more than I feel I can handle. Your prayers for peace in our family, especially between my two daughters would be appreciated. Also, my husband and I are having some issues. We’ve made it 20 years, but I’d like to make it many more—and make the next years better than the past. It is challenging for each of us in our own ways. Please keep us in your prayers. Thank you for your devotionals. I can relate to the issues you mentioned of your father’s passing, your mother’s hospitalization, and your daughter’s speech disorder. I lost my dad six years ago, and I miss the times we spent together. But I trust that God had his reasons for taking my dad home to be with Him. It’s also difficult to see my aging mother dealing with her struggles. It’s hard when a loved one’s mind starts to fade away. And I know about speech disorders, because I work with students in the schools 5 days a week, helping them with speech and language. Working with them has been the best job outside of my home, that I’ve ever had. The speech professionals should be able to help your daughter achieve and succeed. Speech pathologists and paraprofessionals that I know, are so dedicated to their students. God bless you in all that you are going through. The Lord is opening new doors for you and will bring some special people into your life. And remember all that we can do with the strength that comes from the Lord.
Carol H. says
Think –> Feel–> Live.
So true! Over the years my distorted thinking became automatic and it definitely affected how I felt about myself and spilled over into how I lived (fearful). I am on the mend! Thanks for your help.
Twila says
Thoughts of self-doubt came to me tonight at church. Sunday, a friend informed me that a new member needed me to help her with sign language for her 4 yr. old. I had no idea who this individual was but gave the friend my phone number. I’m in no way proficient in the language but I am learning. Tonight that new member was sitting behind me and introduced herself when she noticed me signing in worship. We talked briefly and during the service Satan kept telling me…’what are you thinking? Your not qualified to help anyone.’ I was able to push the thought aside. Thank you Jesus. However, I’m sure those thoughts will return.
Gillian says
I feel callings, but then doubt myself and what I can achieve which I know is the enemy’s work since he doesn’t want me to live up to my full potential – this also makes me excited because if he’s scared it means something big is going to happen! Thank you for your wise words, it always helps me to feel more confident that I am chosen as it says in Revelation 17:14. Blessings to you and your ministry.
Heidi says
Thank you for this study. I have been praying to keep my thoughts filled with the confidence in Christ, I have been a person with low esteem but through prayer and these studies I am believing in the love that Christ has for me and I have been taking those scriptures and reading and praying them daily. Right now at this time I am going through court issues with my son and my confidence has been growing week, but I know that God has everything in control and I have put my confidence in him, what the world says is in possible God says it is possible and I believe. Thank you for sharing. Also congratulations on this study going beyond your expectations!!
Felicia says
I’m thinking about a ladies bible class where I signed up to teach a lesson next week. Every time I think about it, thoughts of “what was i thinking” come along. I feel like calling it off. Just pray that I can have the confidence to teach next Wednesday. I just feel that I am not the most knowledgeable to teach all those ladies.
Congratulations on your book celebration ..
Michelle says
Your stories have hit ne everytime. I can sure relate to satan giving me the thoughts I am having right now. I am struggling with negative thoughts, and failure, as well as guilt for any decision I make. I am going to try to ask God to help me whenever those thoughts enter.
Thanks so much for the emails helping tremendously.
Vanessa Campbell says
God brought you into my life at the right time. Struggling with feelings of not being at good parent was attacking me for some time. Now I’m able to delight myself in His promises. Thank you for your devotion and your loving heart.
Elaine Segstro says
Thank you for the reminder that I am precious, honoured, and loved. I need to remind myself of that, rather than asking “what’s wrong with me?” when I fall short at being the wife, mother, and teacher that I want to be. Thank you Renee for honouring God and for reminding us of His wonderful promises! God bless you richly!
Lettitia says
What’s wrong with me is something I ask often. It took readi ng your words for me to realize that those thoughts have been planted by the lies. I have a choice not to believe Satan, but to listen and believe God. Thank you for reminding me of His promises. I will be tilling the thoughts planted by Satan and sow the thoughts of God so I can reap all the harvest He has planned for me. Thank you.
Iris says
Oh, Renee, this is so awesome that you already have sold 20,000 copies here in the US. But what is more exciting is that your book will be translated into Korean. Maybe this will be first of many other countries your book with be translated. God is Good – all the time!!!!
Today’s post really is speaking to my heart. I do not think very well of myself. One of my dear friends actually told me a couple weeks ago I need to stop talking bad about myself, stop saying “what is wrong with me!!!!”. I know she is right, but I sometimes have to shake my head when I see myself doing not so smart stuff.
Thank you for your ministry and your words of encouragement. I will note the Scripture passages in my prayer book.
Bernadette Carratura says
I love, love, love this book! Every chapter gets better and better. Renee, you are literaly helping thousands of women who have issues with self confidence and doubt. I am so grateful to God for you and for him bringing this book into my life. I can’t begin to tell you how much it is helping me. Thank you so much.
Colleen G. says
Great devotional! All to often I speak out negatives about myself and how I need to really pray against them.
Would love to win a copy of your amazing book.
Thanks – Colleen G.
Peggy says
I needed this chapter so much. I struggle with feelings of rejection after my husband of 24 1/2 years left me eleven years ago for another woman. All the past feelings of rejection and all the self talk I have done I feel is in my past. I feel God telling me to focus on myself as “healed” and not in the process of being healed. That is so encouraging to me – more of a revelation. I never wanted anybody to look at me and think I was stuck in the past or not “moving on” as my ex told me he was doing the week after he left me! And truly, I didn’t want to not move on. I really wanted to, but I didn’t know how. I have honestly been waiting on God to heal me. What is it taking so long? I don’t know, but I am trusting him.
“He leadeth me beside the still waters. He restoreth my soul. Yea though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death (doubt) I will fear no evil for thou art with me . . . “
Eugenia says
Thanks for sharing your words of encouragement. I was really encouraged by “Keeping Our Minds Clear.” It all starts in the mind-I pray and ask the Holy Spirit to take control of my thoughts-I’m taking it one step at a time and have made good progress. Thanks again for blessing me with your words. This is wonderful and you are great! God bless you!
Peggy Harris says
I have not been a confident women, but I want to be. Your words of encouragement help so much. I love your scriptures to help in times of struggle. I will use them when I am being attacked by lies and need to believe the truth. I need to read your book.
Veronica H. says
Renee, I can’t begin to put into words how much Chapter 6 has helped me and how much I have learned. I spent the last two days just focusing on the word REJECTION and learning how that has defined me for my whole life and why I allow it. I learned some hard truths and now I know I can overcome these feelings of never being good enough…..
You are a very special woman and I am blessed to be in this study. God Bless you and your family.
Heidi says
Would love to win your book! I have been very reflective today – it’s my birthday and a milestone birthday at that – and life hasn’t been what I thought it would be at this point in time. Thanks for sharing your real-life examples from your own life! It helps seeing others struggle too and are victorious in the midst of it. Congrats on all the good news about your book!!!!!!!:)
Elaine says
Thank you so much for reaching out to women through this book and through your website. I keep telling myself that I need to get myself a copy of the book especially after reading all the devotions and reading some of the comments. I have been struggling and really questioning myself lately about whether or not I made the right decision a little over 7 years ago when I got married for the second time. My husband and stepson came as a package deal and now my stepson is entering the teenage phase and it seems we are struggling on discipline, respect and almost every issue. There have been days that I just want to walk away. I have moved quite a bit over the years as both my father and first husband were in the military and so when I got married for the 2nd time I had to move again, this time I am older and it’s been harder to adjust and make friends. What little confidence I had seems to have deteriorated even more. There are so many times I ask God why?, what would he have me to do?, and that he give me strength. I keep telling myself that I am God’s creation and everything that he created is good, but why do I feel so insecure all the time.
Seesaw Faith says
wonderful!
Thanks so much for the Scripture from Isaiah. It was exactly what I have been needing to hear.
Most people, the ones that are closest to me anyway, tend to disregard me when I talk about feeling less than confident in certain areas. They don’t understand that outgoing DOESN’T = confident. I really need encouragement just as much as anyone else, but sometimes feel I have to ask for it, which to me, pretty much invalidates it.
To be reminded that God has CHOSEN me to know and believe him, that was very precious. If the amazing God that created such awe-inspiring and intricate works of art in our world, chose to make himself available to me, then that is some deep-down encouragement!
Praise God for all that he is doing in your ministry!!
Debbie says
This is exactly what I was saying to myself, again, on my way home from class today. What is wrong with me, why am I always feeling sorry for myself? I am almost 53 and in the last year quit my job to change careers and am in school to be a Respiratory Therapist. I have 2 grown children and one 9 yr old still at home. I have enjoyed reading your 7 day doubt diet and have loved it. I am going to try and get a copy of your book because I feel it would really help me. I want so much to succeed and have God proud of me but I am always doubting myself and wanting to take the easy way out and give up. I will just keep praying!
Kathy says
These thoughts on being confident in Christ were just what I needed! So many times I “beat myself up” because of the mistakes, missteps and unintentional accidents. This type of self abuse and negative talk is from the enemy and can bring only condemnation and depression to me. My choice must be to focus on the Lord and His promises to overcome these attacks by the enemy of my spirit. Thank you for renewing my confidence in all that God can do in my spirit as I repent and trust in His promises.
I hope that a copy of your book will bring me more enlightment and encouragement.
Nancy says
Just yesterday I read something that said, “How’s that negative thinking working out for you?” God has really been working with me lately on my thought life. Almost every day I read something that points to the fact that “As a woman thinketh in her heart, so she is.” It is hard to give up a decades long habit, but with the help of the Holy Spirit, I have confidence that I will continue to be presented with reminders that will help me to rewire myself for positive thinking. Thanks for all you do.
Heidi says
I do blame myself when things go wrong. I think “it must be something I did”. Thanks for writing this!!
sheila says
This is what I have been struggling with for a while now. Thank you for sharing and it is refreshing to hear from everyone who has posted- I am not alone.
Lord, please be with all of us that need you in such a big way. Please help us to have clarity, peace, and alertness. Amen
(I would also love to have a copy of this book)
Emily says
Thank you for your devotions! I struggle with confidence and not thinking that I am good enough for certain things and i struggle with not loving how I look and care way too much about what others think of me. This is somethingi continually work on and pray about, but always seem to let the negative thoughts slip back into my mind.
God bless you,
Emily
Rita says
I definitely have recommended this book to every woman I can. I put it as the second most important book for women to read (with the Bible being first). I have read it and reread and reread it myself. Thank you for writing it and sharing it with us.
Cheryl E says
I just love your posts and devotionals! I am currently in the Confident Heart online study and am loving it! I would love to win another copy of your book because I know exactly who I would give it to–my good friend, Kathy.
Janet W. says
Thanks for your devotions Renee! I never realized how my thoughts could be so damaging.
Sometimes I catch myself dwelling on negative things & I quickly have to change my thoughts
to something more uplifting. It really makes a difference.
Blessings,
Janet W.
Katrina says
Thank you for shoring your wisdom and heart as you allow God to work in you and through you to encourage me(us).
Donna says
I love your book Renee, and your devotionals and blog. A friend texted me last night and ask if I would pray for her 16 year old daughter for God to prick her heart and convict her to take every thought captive unto Him. Your book would be an incredible read, full of verse after verse for her to saturate her mind to fight the enemy.
Sweet Blessings to you and your family for your incredible ministry and for your heart for women and desire to show us how to draw closer to Him and gain the confidence we need to walk boldly into His throne room and fight those negative thoughts that we allow to defeat us. We want our Savior and Lord to have the victory over our thought life, not satan, the enemy of all lies.
Jeanine says
Thank you for having this today. I have felt this way many times. I always assume that I have something wrong with me. I have felt like I couldn’t be confident because I do not have a college degree or a prestigious job, but I am slowly learning that my value is found in being a daughter of Christ. Nothing else really matters. So, now I do my job with an improved attitude-“as unto the Lord,” and I try to remember that because I am His, I am worth much more than I ever imagined. I really am enjoying your site and all your encouraging words. I would love to win your book, but if I don’t-I will have to buy it. THANKS!!!!!
Christy says
Thank you for your wonderful words of encouragement! I needed them desperately today! I pray for God’s continued blessings on your work in women’s ministry. It is so helpful and comforting. Thank you!
leighann says
Renee,
Thank you for the encouraging words today. I’m involved in a Life class at my church and we are reading a book which talks about this very subject and it is so relevant for me at this time in my life. Daily I struggle with balancing my family and work life and constantly I feel like a failure. God is working on me and I’m trusting in him to heal me from the constant negative self-talk in my life. Thank you for sharing from your heart.
Katherine says
I believe that God makes no mistake. This devotional was exactly what I needed today especially. I constantly struggle with self confidence. I am 26 yrs old. I am a single mom of a special needs child. I work fulltime and tend to my child at home. There’s no time left for me and I end up going straight to bed. I feel like I’ve lost my identity. I know that I am precious to God but I sometimes forget. Thank you for your words of truth.
Sherry says
Thank you for your honesty and openness. Feelings of inadequacy have been plaguing me and limiting me my whole life, but even more this past year. I am getting better, but today seems to be harder. I was just praying for God to guide me to one step closer to freedom — and there was your email! After reading it, I am realizing that I need to plan ahead — to each morning and throughout the day, pray for a godly focus and not just react to satan’s attacks, but to be prepared.
I especially thank you for the verses you give. I was just thinking — is this all there is? But then was reminded from Isaiah 43 that I am God’s chosen witness and He has a purpose!
delene says
thank you so much for your words today
i feel like you are true;y speaking from God
I don’t know how to believe his words when every thing around me screams the feelings of worthless ness I have.
Help me believe Gods words when all the worlds evidenve says otherwise
I am praying for all of us who struggle with this
Tamara says
Your devtion today hit home for me because I often ask my self what’s wrong with me. I have been single for awhile and i often ask God when is my turn and so often i here when you get your finances togther or when you have a nice attitude or when you can keep your house clean on a regular or some plethera of things which always leave me feeling less than and left out . I genrally felt they were request from God for me to be a better Christain. I am learning that its not true and i find myself not feeling like my mind set can change. This is a really struggle for me so i was encourged to her you say that it is the enemy diquesing his voice never thought about it like that just assumed i was A mess. Thanks for the devotional today God Bless
Robin says
I really need to get your book and apply every word of it to memory! I am really strugging with confidence right now. I have been seeking the Lord for week’s on what I should do in a situation I am in. It is not bad, but I am struggling with my confidence as a worship leader in our church. I do not have the training of some of our other team members, and I am not nearly as talented as most if not all of them. However, I do believe (or at least I did) God has asked me to lead this group and our congregation in worship and praise. There is a member of the group, a godly man, highly talented and respected by all, who has repeated criticized my talents. He has made comments in front of the group several times. I lost my cool with him one evening, for which I apologized, but he never apologized for hurting my feelings or saying those things to/about me. He also questions every decision I make. We have recently added several new vocalists. I now have to split the team and he didn’t like the way I was handling it. I want to respect this man, and I want to be open to his advise or suggestions. But I no longer feel like these are “suggestions”. I feel like he is questioning my leadership abilities and even questioning what I believe God has asked me to do. So now I am doubting myself and this calling. I keep asking the Lord if He wants me to step aside or down and let someone else lead. No one has said they have a desire to lead, but that may be because I am still there. Many others say I am doing a great job, even our Pastor. My confidence in what I thought God called me to do, in my abilities, and in my choices, is at an all time low. Please pray for me as I work through this. I am going to try to get your book this weekend so I can at the very least, learn something through all of this, no matter how it all turns out.
Thank you for sharing your heart with us.
Audra says
Thank you Renee for writing this book! You speak to my heart more and more each day. I have so often heard the words “What is wrong with me?” I have felt myself getting stronger with every day’s email/devotional.
It is comforting to know that I am not the only one that wrestles with this!
Thank you Renee again, I am going to start a study on this book, because I know that I am not the only one that needs this!!
Julie J says
Hi Renee
What a blessing your devotional was today.
I have a rough morning with my school aged girls…and I was asking that very question!
Thanks so much for pointing out all the truths behind the lies!
Erin says
It is truly amazing how God puts this in our path at the exact time we need to read/hear them. I have always been someone of self-doubt. Your devotion today has opened my eyes in ways that I never looked at before. Thank you so much for bringing your message and experiences to us. It is comforting to know that we all suffer from similar things. Please keep me in your prayers to remember when self-doubt enters my mind to remember I am God’s child and he loves me the way I am. You are truly a blessing!
Anonymous says
Hi Renee,
Thank you very much for sending us these emails. They really seem to help me first thing in the morning when I get to work. I am dealing with a lot of insecurity after being with someone who has been unfaithful to me for around ten years. I found out about a year and half ago and still deal with insecurities and feelings of worthlessness everyday. As soon as I wake up in the morning it hits me. I cry on my commute to work and then try to fix my face before I get here so no one knows there is a problem. I get sick to my stomach while I am at work because I am unsure what is going on at home while I am gone. I cry on my way home from work and then try to fix my face before I arrive home. I am still with the same person and still do not trust him, which causes me to live in fear and worry everyday, but that is a whole nother issue. Please keep me in your prayers.
Thank you.
Kim says
You may have used the name “Anonymous” but I want you to know that God knows your name and he cares about the pain you have been experiencing. I am so sorry for what you have been going through. My husband was addicted to pornography and also ended up having an affair with a coworker. It has been an excrutiatingly painful experience and has really wreaked havoc on my self esteem. My husband’s repeated deception was devastating and I struggle greatly with trusting him. There are a few things that have been helpful to me though that I hope may be helpful to you too. When I am struggling with my self worth I think about how Jesus was treated by others here on earth. I think about how he was belittled and falsely accused and beaten and ultimately crucified. Even though he was not treated like the son of God, it did not change the fact that he was the son of God. Nothing anyone did to him could change his identity and his worth. Likewise nothing your husband has done can change your worth either. You are loved and valued dearly by God and no bad behavior on the part of anyone else changes that fact. This is an issue with your husband’s heart, not with your worth. You said it hits you as soon as you wake up in the morning. I read my Bible and pray for a few minutes every morning before I even get out of bed and I would encourage you to try to do the same. Satan does come at you first thing and if you spend some time seeing what God’s truth is before the lies have as much of a chance to start in, it does help. The Psalms are very comforting.
Another thing that has been helpful to me is to realize that I may not be able to trust my husband, but I can trust God. When I am struggling with the trust issue I bring it to God and leave it as his feet. I ask him to reveal to me anything that I need to know and to protect me in this way. God’s word says he will guide us if we trust in him. Trust God to lead you. He has a good plan for you no matter what your circumstances may look like right now. He wants to lead you and he wants to heal your wounds. It will take time but he will carry you each step of the way. God bless. You are in my prayers.
Anonymous says
Hi Kim,
Thank you so much for your words of encouragement. You are right, you may not be able to trust others, but you can trust God. Thank you for sharing your experience. I struggle daily with this and feel so lost and alone in this. It’s not something you really want to discuss with family and friends because if you decide to stay, your significant other will be forever judged. I also cannot talk about it with him because he gets upset with me, so to keep the peace, I keep it all stuffed in. I will pray for you as well for God to help with you this. Again, thank you so much. It feels good to know that someone cares.
Karen C says
Kim,
I liked your response here. Even though I’m not married nor going through the issues talked about here, I gained much from your godly perspective. Thanks for sharing.
Karen
Kyndle Joyce says
One day, not so long ago, I was talking with my mother about my feelings about myself. I told her how I’ve never felt worthy, never felt good about myself, etc. I was surprised when she cried. I don’t like to see my mother cry! She asked me why I felt that way about myself, and I really couldn’t answer her question. Then, she said something that I had never noticed. When I leave her a message on her answering machine, I always say, “It’s just me.” She said she knew by the way I talked I just never had much confidence – but hearing me say that one thing, broke her heart. She said that I should be saying, “It’s Me!” Those words really made me cry. My mother, the best mom in the whole world, was telling me that I was everything to her. I know The Bible teaches us that God loves us more than our Earthly parents ever could. So, if I meant that much to her, I have to mean so much more to Him. Then, why all the negative thoughts? I just find myself listening to all the thoughts the devil places in my head. Not the positive thoughts that God sends my way. I feel broken down and very alone at times. I pray and feel as if my prayers aren’t worth hearing. God has blessed me so much in my life. I don’t know why I think that every time I do something wrong or have bad thoughts that I am worthless and awful. I fear God will take away all that He has given me because I’m not worthy to have anything good. Logically, I know that those thoughts are wrong and self-destructive. I just don’t know how to get rid of them. It’s so much easier to think the worst of ourselves than to think the best. It shouldn’t be that way. But sometimes, it is that way. I pray daily for God to take those thoughts and feelings from me. I have struggled for a long time with some issues. I pray about them, but I just can’t see any change right now. Then I hear the devil tell me that God just isn’t going to answer prayers for me. I struggle daily. Please pray for me. God Bless!
Marie Boatman says
WOW! What an eye-opener! It never truly dawned on me that those negative thoughts about myself were from my enemy. I have always referred to them as “my inner critic” and followed the “what’s wrong with me” premise completely. Now I realize it is time that I silence my enemy and pray for the Lord’s strength to help me accomplish this, because I know I don’t know where to start or how to do it on my own. Thank you so much for helping me recognize what I was allowing to happen and hopefully I will be able to pick up a copy of your book and get more pointers for getting rid of “my inner critic”. Thanks again!
naomi says
First of all I want to say that this have been a wonderful journey and I know that this was ordain by God we are focusing on this in our women class and to know that its ok to be who God has created you to be and to know that the devil is a defeated foe and know that God created us to be confident women and there is nothing wrong in been confident. Renee I pray that you will continue to allow God to use as a vessel that is revelant in this season because women need that point of reference.
Shaquana says
I have often wondered why I cant seem to get the negative thoughts out of my head, my heart. I can be so hard on myself. I cant Thank you enough for The A Confident Heart ministry, it has totally blessed me and shown me ways to fight satan and his tormenting lies. I am being transformed and daily.. Each time i read one of your devotions I relate to it totally and it blesses me in every way. God is really using you to minister to us because we are all in different places in our walk with Christ and in becoming new creatures. You are a blessing..
Katie Geiger says
Wonderful devotion!! I would love a copy of the book – what a wonderful thing you’re doing.