I've never really struggled with low self esteem, having always sensed the love of God and my family.
But I know that it can be crippling for many artists, and the thought of ever overcoming can seem daunting. Considering the emotional nature of creativity, it's certainly not surprising.
As a Christian artist, if this is your persistent struggle, perhaps this post may help.
"The path of the righteous is like the first gleam of dawn,
Shining ever brighter till the full light of day." Proverbs 4:18
The very act of creativity is a courageous one.
Every time you pick up a brush to make an expressive mark, you make yourself vulnerable to criticism. Making art consistently requires an intrepidity that sets you apart.
The honest expression of your art moves the viewer beyond the superficiality of casual acquaintance into your deeply personal world!
Repeated criticisms from well-meaning folks, or condescending remarks from armchair critics, who've never attempted the very act they criticize, can be deeply wounding. Almost instantly the joy of creating and the innocent, childlike intent for expression, vanishes like vapor. The only thing brought painfully to mind is your inability at meeting the expectations of another. Like swallowing a toxic pill, it poisons your deepest creative urges. Isn’t that what usually happens?
Overcoming low self esteem is critical
for accomplishing God's purposes for us
for praying about goals He births
for confidently planning our time
for anticipating and eagerly striving for growth as a Christian artist
If you are paralyzed by low self esteem, consider the following:
For a Christian, the very term "self esteem" is an amusing paradox!
Jesus esteemed your "self" so much that He gave His life for you! Yet once you yielded the ownership of your life, that same "self" was mercifully swallowed up in Him. You are now part of His body. The beauty of this belonging is that you're still marvelously distinct!
We are never to lose our individuality, because He esteems it highly.
However, we're also cautioned strongly against placing that special, unique "self" on any throne of esteem in our own minds.
Comprehending this fragile balance, is the key that can help you overcome low self esteem and confidently fulfill His purposes.
If you struggle with low self esteem because of the harsh treatment of others, meditating on how much Jesus cares for you will lift your spirits. His love for you is the towering truth to help you overcome. It's absolutely imperative that you spend time purposefully pondering it. Consider the creativity He expended on your behalf to woo you into His kingdom!
On the other hand, you may have been fortunate enough to grow up in a Christian home—you cannot recall when Jesus was not a part of your life. And yet you still struggle.
If that is so, consider the lengths to which He goes each day to remind you of His presence and partnership. His esteem of you, and your unique "self", is unsurpassed.
A journal of daily blessings and conversations with Him can be priceless in lifting you out of low points in your life. How quickly we forget His many benefits, unless we record them for another, more desperate, time!
When making journal entries, remember to never complete an entry without recording at least one specific blessing of God for that day. Not even the bleakest day is without one such precious jewel.
Satan feeds us simple lies to derail us. Jesus' account of the Prodigal son best illustrates this. Lies held the Prodigal captive in a distant land, far from the fullness of his destiny and the love of his Father.
The Prodigal son
believed that the Father no longer cared for him
believed that his squandered his inheritance was permanently lost
could not envision a future because of his broken relationship with the Father.
His beliefs held him captive and were all lies.
Overcoming low self esteem is possible when you make a purposeful mental shift from
I am worthless
Nothing can ever change my history of failure
My sin hinders any future good
to
I am His child—He can never love me more.
I am an heir, my inheritance is worth redeeming.
My future is inseparably interwoven with my Father—and it is good.
He has much He wants to share with me because I am His precious child.
These truths may seem self evident, but to overcome they must become an integral part of you. The power to move purposefully in the direction of your destiny comes with the knowledge of truth.
Then like the Prodigal son, rise up in disgust, tell Satan and other pigs that corrupt your thinking, keeping you in squalor, to leave.
Shake off your past, and head back home! The Father waits for you.
Let nothing deter you from fully accepting your rights and privileges as His child.
You are now the righteousness of God in Christ!
There is a sweet, unique path through life marked out just for you. Quick, get on it and enjoy the adventure you were created for!
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