Are you feeling bad about yourself? Are you burdened by guilt or the sensation that you don’t measure up? Maybe you feel like a failure. Well, guess what? All of that can be transformed into a blessing. It’s true!

When you feel worthless or ashamed, that kind of negative thought frequently gets exaggerated. When you keep telling yourself that you aren’t good enough, you set yourself up for a trap. Because when things go wrong again, the negative message is made even stronger in your mind. It can reach a point where you are continuously frustrated. You might even give up trying.

Yes, if we do something wrong, we should seek forgiveness. But God isn’t interested in performance. Instead, he wants you to know him. He wants you to know how much he loves you, as you are, including all your history, both good and bad. And he wants to show you the way forward to live a life full of meaning and joy.

Spend some time talking to God. Tell him openly how you feel about yourself. Tell him how much you need his love. Then listen to him. Hear what his Spirit has to say to you.

Jesus said, “Blessed are those who are poor in spirit.” This means those who know deep down that they need God are blessed. Recognize this need. It cries out from the depths of your soul.

Let the Lord in, and he will show you how to regain the right perspective.

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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.”

Matthew 11:28-30

Prayer for when you don’t feel good enough

O merciful Lord,

How long has it been since I felt good about myself? How long?

The guilt, the stress, the demands I make on myself. And when I can’t do it, I feel so much shame.

I need you, O Lord.

Show me my real self, not who I think I should be but who I really am.

Show me the way home.

Give me a new heart and a new mind.

Let me not be afraid to try new ways to live.

Let me not be afraid to ask for help.

May your loving Spirit come to me, O Lord.

In my heart of hearts where I hurt the most, go there, O Lord.

Heal me. Set me free.

In Jesus’ name,

Amen.