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Believe in Yourself?
A few days ago, I came across an image on social media that said, “The first motivational talk about ‘believe in yourself’ was given by Satan.” Although I understand the intention behind that message, which is to warn us against pride and self-sufficiency without God, I felt something wasn’t quite right. It struck me as a provocative phrase, but also a dangerous one if taken without discernment.
As a Christian, I believe it’s important to examine messages like this through the lens of God’s Word. Truth isn’t found in viral quotes, but in Scripture. Today I want to share what I felt when I read that phrase, what the Bible actually says about trusting in yourself, and how we can walk in a healthy and balanced kind of faith.
Is it wrong to believe in yourself? It depends.
The Bible doesn’t condemn self-worth, personal value, or the gifts God gave us. In fact, God created us with purpose, gave us talents, and calls us His workmanship (Ephesians 2:10).
Believing in yourself isn’t the problem. The problem is when that belief is rooted in pride or independence from God.
When Adam and Eve fell in Eden, it wasn’t because they had healthy self-esteem. It was because they chose to act apart from God (Genesis 3). That’s the true root of sin—living as if we don’t need our Creator.
True confidence is born from knowing God
The Bible doesn’t ask us to doubt everything we are. It calls us to understand who made us and where our confidence should be placed.
“Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding.” — Proverbs 3:5
“I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” — Philippians 4:13
God doesn’t want us to walk in insecurity. He wants us to walk in humility. True humility isn’t about tearing yourself down. It’s about recognizing your worth in God.
As Annie F. Downs writes in her book 100 Days to Brave:
“I believe in the me God made and in the me God can make.”
That’s the difference. We don’t blindly believe in ourselves out of pride, but because we trust the One who formed us with beauty, intention, and purpose.
The enemy distorts, but God restores
Satan has always used distorted truth to deceive. He didn’t create motivation, purpose, or identity. Those came from God. But the enemy wants us to place our identity in broken things: accomplishments, appearance, influence, and more.
That’s why we must return to the truth.
God never says, “Believe in yourself without Me.”
He says,
“Believe in Me, and I will show you who you are.”
And what if you don’t feel enough today?
Maybe you’re struggling with your identity, self-worth, or purpose. Maybe it’s hard to look in the mirror and see anything good. I want to tell you this with all my heart: God didn’t make a mistake with you.
We don’t always feel brave. But truth doesn’t change with emotion. God created you with intention, and He still believes in what He can do through you.
You can be confident… because you are loved
You don’t have to be enough on your own, because you have a God who is enough for you.
And when you walk with Him, you can lift your head with confidence. Not because you believe only in yourself, but because you know who walks with you.
“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you a future and a hope.” — Jeremiah 29:11
Something to reflect on:
Who are you placing your confidence in today? Let it not be in your own strength, but in the One who created you with purpose. Believe in the you God made… and in the you He can make.
📷 Image: Sunset at Pismo Beach. Photo by Tim Mossholder on Unsplash.
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