How To Have The Vibrant Self-Image You Want

Sharing is caring!

How’s your self-image?

What goes through your mind when you look in the mirror? Think about your career? Or evaluate how you spend your time?

So, would you say you have a vibrant self-image?

Rev used to ask our Bible Class, “Who do you think about more than anyone else?”

Some would say their children. Others mentioned their spouse. Parents. A struggling friend.

And to every answer, he’d smile and say, “Nope.”

Regulars in the class were nodding and smiling too. They knew the answer.

We think about ourselves more than anyone else.

We contemplate how we feel and look, how successful we are, and what other people think about us. We compare, evaluate, question the past, and worry about the future.

But the thing is, the more you and I think about ourselves, the more miserable we are! The more we focus on “I or ME” the more our self-image suffers.

If you and I truly want to cultivate a vibrant self-image. We need to start by thinking less about ourselves and more about the following…

How To Have The Vibrant Self-Image You Want

Paul wrote…

Because of the privilege and authority God has given me, I give each of you this warning: Don’t think you are better than you really are. Be honest in your evaluation of yourselves, measuring yourselves by the faith God has given us. Just as our bodies have many parts and each part has a special function so it is with Christ’s body. We are many parts of one body, and we all belong to each other.

Romans 12:3–5

Self-focus whether it’s positive or negative will always lead to stress and anxiety.

Here are 7 Things to Think About and Do Instead:

1. Refuse to compare yourself to anyone else. ( Positively or Negatively )
2. Honestly assess your strengths and weaknesses.
3. “Be still and KNOW” God – focus on your faith.
4. Prayerfully ask God to help you utilize your strengths.
5. Stop relentless self-criticism – confess your failures and live free in Jesus.
6. Ask Him to help you become the best version of you for His glory.
7. Count your blessings with gratitude!

Then move on and think about your blessings … especially your relationships.

The Life Application Bible Notes warn us about focusing on ourselves…

The key to an honest and accurate self-evaluation is knowing the basis of our self-worth—our identity in Christ. Apart from Him, we aren’t capable of very much by eternal standards; in Him we are valuable and capable of worthy service.

Remember, you were created by the King of kings and Lord of lords. He made each of us exactly as He pleased for His plans and purposes.

So, let’s stop evaluating ourselves based on the world’s standards and the opinions of others. True value comes from being a child of God through Jesus—a child made to love and be loved as the Lord intended.

And let’s pause to pray and ask God to help us SEEK Him and the vibrant self-image He wants for us…

A Prayer to Have the Self-Image God Desires

Father God, I’m guilty. I think about myself way too much. I think about yesterday, reliving and fretting about things that are better left with You. I’m anxious in the moment, worrying about how events affect me today and in the future. I worry about what people think about me, and I get annoyed with the image I see in the mirror.

Then I fret about the future. Change and aging are inevitable, but fretting doesn’t improve anything. You have plans and purposes for me and every one of Your children. Plans and purposes to bless us with love. Your love and the love of family, friends, and neighbors.

When we fill our thoughts with loving You and others, You work within us giving us joy and the vibrant self-image you want for us. So, I ask You to help me stop comparing myself to others. I pray that You will guide me and help me use my strengths to serve You and others well.

Please forgive my self-focused self-criticism. When I’ve sinned, I ask that You will prompt me to repent quickly and confidently trust Your forgiveness and love.

I love You, Lord, and commit to spending more time just being still in Your presence—sitting with Your Word and talking with You in prayer. I also commit to loving the people around me by listening and responding with kindness and compassion.

Transform me into the person You want me to be, and help me faithfully focus on counting my blessings. In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen.

Here are a few verses and quotes to encourage you…

“The Lord doesn’t see things the way you see them. People judge by outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.”

1 Samuel 16:7b

“Grace is the voice that calls us to change and then gives us the power to pull it off.” – Max Lucado

This is what the Lord says:
“Don’t let the wise boast in their wisdom,
    or the powerful boast in their power,
    or the rich boast in their riches.
But those who wish to boast
    should boast in this alone:
that they truly know me and understand
that I am the Lord who demonstrates unfailing love
    and who brings justice and righteousness to the earth,
and that I delight in these things.
    I, the Lord, have spoken!

Jeremiah 9:23–24

“If you look at the world, you’ll be distressed. If you look within, you’ll be depressed. If you look at God you’ll be at rest.” ~ Corrie ten Boom

If you want to have a vibrant self-image, remember…

God doesn’t need us to be perfect people, He wants us to be people who can be used by Him. And by His grace, He is with us, giving us the hope and strength we need to accomplish His plans and purposes.

We would love to pray for you.
You can leave your prayer requests here…

and even take a few minutes to pray over the list left by our friends.

Never Miss an Update

Leave your email address and I’ll send you a short email every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday to alert you to each new devotion. Plus you’ll receive a copy of 30 Ways to Bless Your Marriage and Keep the Spark Burning

I always enjoy hearing from you! Please take a minute to say ‘hi” and share your thoughts in the comments below.

And if this article blessed or helped you today — would you share it with someone? Maybe a friend, family member, coworker, or through the links below…

Thanks again for visiting! Don’t forget to check out the links below to find additional posts that will bless you…

Sharing is caring!