Self-Esteem in the Lord

Enclosed is a short poem I recently wrote in response to the many ideas I have encountered concerning “self-esteem.”

It seems to me that this subject, which has become so explicit, is so much an implicitly inherent quality of every child of God, that it would be very interesting to have a large number of your readers submit written expressions of their personal experiences of “self-esteem” in the Lord.

As I wrote my poem, it seemed that there were endless scriptural passages that flashed across my mind in this connection, and that God’s promises to His people fill them with an infinite variety of ways that they cry out with the psalmist, “I will praise thee; for I am fearfully and wonderfully made: marvellous are thy works; and that my soul knoweth right well” (Ps. 139:14).

Although admittedly a very ill accomplished poet, I found this exercise spiritually rewarding, and thought perhaps other readers might enjoy expressing their thoughts, too.

I can be abased; I can abound. (Phil. 4:12)

I can make plans; Thou dost surround. (Prov. 16:9)

Nothing escapes Thy all-searching eye. (Ps. 139)

Thou givest my thought, and even my sigh.

“I am Thine, save me,” my guilty soul cries. (Ps. 119:94)

“Fear not, little lamb,” my Savior replies. (Is. 43:1)

“Enemies hate you? They hated Me, too. (John 15:18)

I will destroy them, though suffer you do.” (I Thess. 1:4-9)

“For consolation, and comfort, your wife

Will help you always, throughout this hard life. (Gen. 2:18)

Cherish her, love her, as I loved the church. (Eph. 5:25)

Honor her purely; your heart will I search.”

“We made you in our likeness (We, One-Three) (Gen. 1:26)

To be lord over the earth, air, and sea.”

Mindful of me, O Father, in such love? (Ps. 8:4)

To rule with Christ Jesus o’er all, above? (II Tim. 2:12)

“For all things are yours,” the good Scriptures say — (I Cor. 3:21)

(Things now, and things then, through Christ, the good Way).

No glory for flesh; the Lord rules alone.

But those who o’ercome shall sit in His throne. (Rev. 3:21)