We’ve all had those negative thoughts rear their ugly head more often than we’d like to admit.

I’m not pretty enough.

I am unloved.

I’m a failure.

I’ve committed too many wrongs for God to forgive me.

Let’s stop those thoughts right in their tracks!

The Bible, God’s Word, speaks volumes about our identity in Christ. And none of the above are true!

If you have accepted Jesus into your life, you have amazing blessings from God and a new identity in Christ, along with His extraordinary plans for your future.

As a child of God, we can trust God’s plan for our life. It’s in His hands.

Dive into God’s Word: 9 Verses About Your Worth & Identity

Don’t just take my word for it though, let’s explore the Bible and hear amazing truths from the very source. I have 9 encouraging, uplifting bible verses to share with you today that can radically change your view on your self-worth and value.

Remember, Jesus’ love for you is immense and, in His eyes, you are incredibly valuable and beautiful.

Psalm 139:13-14: For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother’s womb. I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well.

God, the One who created us, who intricately designed our character, our appearance—every detail is His handiwork. We are crafted fearfully and wonderfully by His design.

He carefully chose every detail of your appearance. Your unruly, curly hair that’s difficult to tame each morning. Your “blah” brown eyes. Your 5’0 stature, even heels don’t seem to help. Everything was hand-picked by God!

So even the aspects of your appearance you might despise, those you wish so badly to change, are still valued and adored by God.

“Marvelous are His works!” “Wonderful are His works!” If you explore any aspect of the human body, you can see how amazing it is. Every organ and organ system, each body part has a specific function and was marvelously created by God.

Jeremiah 29:11: “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 hope and a future.”

Do you have worries or doubts about your future? Do you doubt that you even deserve a good future? This verse plainly says that God wants to prosper us, although this doesn’t necessarily mean financially (although He may!) But to spiritually prosper and give us blessings beyond our imagination.

This verse was written to the Jews during the Babylonian exile, even as His people were suffering in exile. God had a specific purpose for His people during this time, and He has a specific purpose for everything you endure.

So, those negative thoughts you have about your life and your future, crush them right now with God’s Word. God has a prosperous plan for our lives. A hope, a future! Good (great!) plans.

John 1:12: Yet to all who did receive them, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God.

If you are uncertain of your identity and where you belong, this verse is for you. If you lack an earthly mother or father, God says that you are His child.

He is indeed the best Father we could ever imagine, more loving and more kind than any earthly father could ever be. We are God’s child. A child of the King.

I love my children immensely, but God’s love for us is far greater than that. He is capable of a love beyond our comprehension. He lavishes His love upon us, giving it generously and abundantly.

Luke 12:7: Indeed, the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Don’t be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows.

God knows the exact number of hairs on your head, which is truly remarkable. Every single detail about your life is important to God. If something is significant to you, it is significant to God. No problem is too small for God, and no issue is too minor to bring to Him in prayer.

This simple illustration demonstrates how much God knows about us. We are immensely valuable to God. He cares for the sparrows and ensures they have enough to eat. “Yet not one of them is forgotten by God.” (vs. 6). How much more does He care for us than mere birds!

Genesis 1:27: So God created mankind in his own image, in the image of God he created them; male and female he created them.

This verse is probably familiar to you: we are made “in the image of God.” But, what does that mean exactly? Do we physically resemble God? Not exactly. We are made as a unique, special creation of God, set apart from everything else He created.

We have great value and purpose to God. We are given free will, yet God’s ultimate desire is that we have a relationship with Him. And we will only ever find true satisfaction in Him. We are one-of-a-kind to God.

Ephesians 2:10: For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.

If you still aren’t convinced that you’re special to God, here’s another verse for you to ponder. Another translation proclaims, “we are God’s masterpiece” or “His workmanship.” When I hear the term masterpiece, I envision a beautiful work of art that the artist is immensely proud of and has invested time and energy into. This is what we are to God: a masterpiece!

Much like the analogy of the Potter (Jesus) and the clay (us), we are being shaped into what God desires us to become.

We were created for a purpose, which this verse indicates as “good works.” These good works don’t save us, but we are to live a life like Jesus.

1 Peter 2:9: But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special possession, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light.

This verse shows us four descriptions of who we are now, after accepting Christ as our Savior:

1. A chosen people
2. A royal priesthood
3. A holy nation
4. God’s special possession

Although I won’t dive into specific details regarding each description, these all show that we now have a special status as a believer in Jesus. We are part of His royal family, and we are chosen by God!

What else can we do but sing praises to God because of this! Before we received this new status, we were lost in darkness but now we are in “his wonderful light.” I love that!

Colossians 1:21-22: Once you were alienated from God and were enemies in your minds because of your evil behavior. But now he has reconciled you by Christ’s physical body through death to present you holy in his sight, without blemish and free from accusation.

If you feel like God cannot forgive something terrible you have done, this verse proclaims otherwise. We were once alienated from Him, but we are now reconciled because of Jesus’ death on the cross. We are restored to a right relationship with Christ. A relationship full of forgiveness and freedom.

Our sins are wiped completely clean, as if they never existed in the first place. They are washed as white as snow. Another verse states that our sins are as far as the east is from the west, after accepting Jesus’ gift of salvation. Jesus does not accuse us or condemn us for anything. Wow! That is the greatest gift we could ever receive.

Jeremiah 1:5: Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, before you were born I set you apart; I appointed you as a prophet to the nations.

Even before our conception, God knew us and who we would become. Before we entered our mother’s womb, long before our birth, God was aware of us and had a purpose for our lives. Just as Jeremiah was set apart to fulfill God’s calling as a prophet, we too are set apart for God’s purpose for our lives.

Even if we do not know what that purpose is at this moment, God has always known. Rest in the fact that God knows.

Believe God’s Word: The Truth about your Worth

All these Scriptures I’ve shared above and hundreds more are found in God’s Word, telling of how important you are to God.

Now, the difficult part… You’ve got to believe it. To experience it. To live it.

Live like you believe God loves you! Like God has great plans for your life. Joyfully live like God finds you beautiful and worthy. You are fully accepted by God!

First of all, stop the negative self-talk. Combat the negative with verses from the Bible and with prayer. Fill your mind with God’s truth and ask for His help to believe it.

It doesn’t happen overnight! But the more you fill your mind with things above and your heart with God’s truth, the more you can live the life God intended for you.

A life of abundance, freedom, and joy!

Do you struggle with worry and anxiety? Consider reading this blog post next: 10 BIBLE VERSES TO OVERCOME ANXIETY AND WORRY.

Anxiety. Stress. Two realities that have become increasingly common in today’s world. So many people struggle with feelings of anxiety on a regular basis, and many feel the heavy burden of stress weighing them down.

We try medications and meditations. We try therapy and deep breathing.

I think it’s time to turn to the One who created us. The One who understands us better than we understand ourselves—our Lord and Savior.

The Bible is filled with amazing verses that convey God’s truth on this very topic.

Would you consider “fixing your eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of faith” (Hebrews 12:2)? Before attempting every possible solution to assist with your anxiety and worry, look to Jesus, the only One who can truly provide freedom from our anxious thoughts.

Let’s Dive into Scripture

Memorizing God’s Word.

Hiding God’s Word in your heart.

Reflecting on God’s truth.

Meditating on His word day and night.

These very things can make a world of difference with the stress and anxiety you face. Don’t underestimate the power of God’s Word! Hebrews 4:12 says, “for the Word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword.”

That’s the kind of power I need in my life. How about you?!

I’ve definitely struggled with anxiety and stress over the years. And I still do. But I now know and have experienced where true peace is found-with Jesus.

Come along as we explore and reflect on some powerful Bible verses about anxiety and worry!

1 Peter 5:7 – Cast all your anxiety on Him because He cares for you.

Give your anxiety to Jesus. Fully and completely. All of it. Not just some of it. Cast ALL your anxiety on Him.

Why? Because He cares for you, truly and deeply, for you and your needs. The One who will always care for you and about you. Luke 12 illustrates this by explaining how God cares for the birds, emphasizing “how much more valuable you are than birds! (vs. 26)

We shouldn’t bottle up our anxiety and stress, nor should we unload it onto our loved ones. God encourages us to surrender our burdens to Him, whatever they might be. He should be the first person we turn to!

Philippians 4:6-7 – Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

Prayer is the answer you’re searching for. Accompanied with thanksgiving. I appreciate this perspective as it encourages us to concentrate on our blessings. By focusing more on what we are grateful for, we shift our attention towards God and His blessings.

We are told to present (or give) our requests to God. Once we entrust them to God, we no longer need to cling to them. They are in God’s hands now. Our anxiety about an upcoming career change. Our worries about a child’s behavior. No matter what worries we have, give them to God.

This act leads to peace, a peace that comes from God and transcends (or surpasses) all understanding. It’s beyond our grasp to understand. Prayer can bring about a sense of peace, that will shield our hearts and minds against these anxious-filled thoughts.

Have you ever experienced this type of peace and tranquility in your life?

2 Timothy 1:7 – For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and love and a sound mind.

This spirit of fear and anxiety is NOT from God. He desires to liberate us from these feelings and bestow upon us His peace. You don’t have to just live with it, you can experience freedom in Christ.

On the other hand, he has given us a spirit of power, love, and a sound mind. It’s important to remember that these good things come from God. As a child of God, the Holy Spirit is active within you, empowering you in your life. You are no longer bound to live with crippling fear and anxiety. You possess a sound mind, characterized by a calm and self-controlled mind. Not a mind that is constantly swirling with worries and fears.

Proverbs 3:5-6 – Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make straight your paths.

We tend to place trust in ourselves and our abilities. It can be challenging to trust someone else, yet it’s essential to trust the ONE who gave us life and sacrificed His Son for us. His is the only One worthy of complete trust.

With ALL your heart. In ALL your ways. It’s easy to trust God with certain aspects while holding onto others. This verse advises to trust with ALL your heart, not just parts of it.

Does this sound familiar? “Well God, I’ll trust you with my marriage, but not with our finances. I need to control that myself.”

Instead, surrender everything to Him. Trust Him with your children, your career, your marriage, your finances, and any other areas of life that may (and probably will!) cause you stress and worry.

We should not rely solely on our understanding of circumstances, but on God. Our perspective is limited, but God sees the grander scheme. He considers eternity, or growth and our character. So, trust Him with it all. The more we trust God rather than ourselves, the less we’ll have to worry and be anxious.

Matthew 6:34 – Therefore, do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.

Do your anxieties primarily concern the future? Are you apprehensive about what tomorrow may hold? The message is clear: Do not worry about tomorrow.

Embrace each day as it comes, and handle things one day at a time. We have absolutely no idea what the rest of today holds, let alone next week. There’s no advantage in dwelling on tomorrow and the “What ifs.”

Exploring the previous verse is beneficial: “But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.” A wiser idea than worrying is to pursue God and live for Him.

Psalm 94:19 – When anxiety was great within me, your consolation brought me joy.

Another translation reads, “In the multitude of my anxieties within me, Your comforts delight my soul” (NKJV). It is God who brings joy and delight to the author of this Psalm, amidst the great anxieties waging war within him.

We all experience times when we feel overwhelmed by anxieties, but God’s comfort and peace are always available to us.

How do we experience God’s comfort and solace? By spending time with Him. Immerse yourself in His Word, allowing the biblical truths to wash over you. Engage in prayer and feel His presence in your life.

2 Thessalonians 3:16 – Now may the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times and in every way. The Lord be with all of you.

For me, peace is the opposite of anxiety. You either have this dreadful feeling of anxiety or the calm feeling of peace. God is welcome and willing to give us peace at all times and in every way.

Allow it. Let Him be your peace. God is the source of peace and the sole path to true, authentic peace.

Colossians 3:15 – Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful.

Again, let peace be the ruling factor in your life, not stress and anxiety. Some of us let our anxiety rule. But this verse says to let the peace of Christ rule.

How is this achieved? Through lots of prayer. The latter part of this passage also highlights another approach: be thankful.

Focus on thankfulness. Embrace gratitude. Reflect on all the positive aspects of your life and express thanks to God for them. Occupy your thoughts with these positives instead of the negatives, stressful ones. By filling your mind with gratitude, there will be less room for worry and anxiety to inch its way in.

Jeremiah 17:7-8 – But blessed is the one who trusts in the Lord, whose confidence is in Him. They will be like a tree planted by the water that sends out its roots by the stream. It does not fear when the heat comes; its leaves are always green. It has no worries in a year of drought and never fails to bear fruit.

Picture this: a tree planted by the water, which stays hydrated even under the scorching sun or during a drought. This tree remains healthy and fruitful. Such is the person who places their trust in God.

It does not fear when the heat comes. Amidst life’s trials, it stands confident and strong.

It has no worries in a year of drought. There’s no cause for worry, because the tree is firmly rooted and nourished by God.

Life will have its troubles but worry and anxiety don’t need to dictate our lives. Despite our troubles, we can stand firm in Christ. We can be that tree, with luscious green leaves, bearing much fruit.

Isaiah 43:2 – When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and through the rivers, they shall not overwhelm you; when you walk through fire you shall not be burned, and the flame shall not consume you.

Regardless of the life circumstances we face, God will be with us. Even as we walk through life’s fiercest fires, God is present, protecting and caring for us. When the waters of life seem to pull us under or the fire and smoke threaten to suffocate us, they cannot consume us.

God has promised to be with us through all of life’s trials. He is aware of our fears and recognizes the reality of our anxiety and worries. However, we are not meant to remain in a pit of anxiety. He does not wish for it to consume us, but He wants to lift us out!

No matter the extent of our worries, God is there.

God’s Peace is Within Reach

You cannot simply pray once and expect your anxiety to disappear into thin air. This is a daily thing! It requires daily, even hourly, attention to Bible verses that proclaim God’s truth. You need to be focusing on Jesus over and over again.

Constantly be in prayer! Feeling anxious? Turn to God. Are feelings of fear creeping in? Pray! Are you experiencing stress at work or with your kids? Let God be your guide and Helper.

He wants to! So let Him. Relinquish control and let God be the One in control now. You will begin to experience His peace like never before!

Other Faith-Based Blog Posts to Read Next

A SIMPLE QUIET TIME ROUTINE WITH GOD

BIBLICAL MOTHERHOOD: DEMONSTRATING THE FRUIT OF THE SPIRIT

SELF-CARE FOR WOMEN: 20 FAITH-BASED SELF-CARE IDEAS

It’s so easy to get wrapped up in all the Christmas magic this time of year.

• Decorating our homes with festive reds and greens
• Baking endless Christmas treats
• Buying gifts galore
• Wrapping those gifts
• Attending Christmas concerts

And the list goes on and on!

Spending time with your family and creating memories during the holidays is effortless. However, we must remember the true reason we celebrate Christmas in the first place: Jesus.

Keeping Jesus at the heart of your Christmas season will require intentional, deliberate effort on your part. If you’re in search of enjoyable and simple Christmas traditions to incorporate into your holidays, look no further. Here are 12 Jesus-centered Christmas traditions that will be easy to implement into your Christmas celebration this year.

1. Christmas Music

Whether you’re the person who loves Christmas music beginning November 1st or only the week of Christmas, there’s no doubt that Christmas music is a part of the season.

Sure, there’s tons of cute, catchy Christmas tunes like “Jingle Bells” and “Rudolph the Red-nosed Reindeer.” By all means, feel free to enjoy them to your heart’s content.

But, don’t neglect the plethora of beautiful, Christ-centered Christmas songs that convey the truth about the real meaning of Christmas.

Make a conscious effort to listen to and learn songs that teach about the birth of Jesus. From classics like “Away in a Manger” to “O Holy Night,” you’re bound to find a new holiday favorite with lyrics specifically proclaiming Jesus’ birth.

Immerse yourself in the beautiful lyrics of these cherished Christmas hymns below. Allow the words to resonate with you as you reflect on Jesus. The Son of God who was born as a baby for us, to be our Savior.

2. Christmas Movies

Personally, there’s nothing better than snuggling up by the Christmas tree, wearing Christmas pajamas and wrapped in cozy blankets, while watching a Christmas movie. We’re big fans of Christmas movies in my home!

Definitely watch all the classics your family adores but take time to watch a Christmas movie (or two) that focuses on Jesus’ birth. For younger children especially, “The Star” is a great option, which tells of the story of Jesus’ birth from a donkey’s perspective. The many animal characters will be sure to keep the little one’s attention. Another family-friendly idea (for older children) is “The Nativity Story,” which depicts Mary and Joseph on their journey to Bethlehem.

Arriving in theaters this year, is “The Best Christmas Pageant Ever,” which is about the Herdman family, “the worst kids in town,” becoming a part of the church Christmas pageant. Will it prove to be disastrous, or will it turn out better than expected? I think this movie really portrayed the real meaning of Christmas!

After watching, spend some time as a family discussing the movie and reflect on what it teaches them about Jesus.

3. Christmas Caroling

Is caroling still a popular tradition? It doesn’t seem to be as prevalent as depicted in Christmas movies, but I definitely think it’s a heartwarming way to spread Christmas cheer. Whether you decide to sing to strangers, neighbors, or church members, it’s a sweet gesture to bring the holiday spirit to those who need it most. Visiting a nursing home to sing carols would be a considerate idea.

Reflecting on my childhood, I recall spending evenings caroling with my church group. We would visit various homebound church members to sing faith-based Christmas songs.

Consider assembling (or joining) a group to Christmas carol this year. Make sure the majority of people can carry a tune!!

4. Christmas Church Services

There’s no better time than the holidays to spend time in church. Whether you’re a regular attendee who doesn’t miss a Sunday, or haven’t been since Easter, plan to attend church this Christmas season.

Christmas Eve holds a unique experience, as many churches host candlelight services. Singing all the Christmas songs with hundreds of others, while the church is adorned in Christmas decorations, there’s nothing more special than that!

It’s a perfect opportunity to invite your family or friends to join you for this time spent worshiping Jesus, the reason for the season.

5. Christmas Cards

If you’re planning to send Christmas cards this year, choose cards that proclaim Jesus. What better way to spread the love of Jesus than a beautifully illustrated card that portrays the nativity and a Bible verse that celebrates His birth? Sure, cards with a jolly Santa Claus or a twinkling Christmas tree are delightful. But choose something way more meaningful this Christmas!

Involve your children in crafting these cards to distribute to family and friends. Even through card making, you have another special opportunity to turn your children’s eyes to Jesus. Remember to keep the focus on Jesus to reinforce the true meaning of Christmas in any simple way you can.

6. Giving to Others

Being generous around the holidays is a wonderful way to shower people with the love of Jesus. Get creative in discovering ways to support those in need this holiday season. Involve your children in brainstorming ideas; they may surprise you with some amazing, imaginative ideas!

Consider the well-known charities, such as Toys for Tots or Angel Tree, which provide gifts to children who might not otherwise receive any. Operation Christmas Child is another option, where you fill a shoebox with gifts for a child overseas.

If you know a family in your church or neighborhood who is struggling this year, offer to provide for some of their needs. The ways to give are endless! Find what best works for your family in this season of your life.

Whatever you do, do it in the name of Jesus. Give to others as if giving to the Lord. Share Jesus’ love through your generosity. And always remember to give with a cheerful heart!

7. Nativity Sets

Display a nativity set in your home; this is a non-negotiable for me! All the holiday greenery and bows and trees and gingerbread-themed adornments are indeed festive, but the nativity should be your focal point.

Acknowledge the roles of the shepherds, the wise men, the angels, Mary and Joseph. You can even act out the Christmas story with your children using the figurines.

We have a kid-friendly nativity, which my kids are allowed to play and interact with, as well as one solely for decorative purposes.

8. Serving Others

Choosing to volunteer at a Christian organization or serving those around you captures the essence of Jesus’ spirit during Christmas. Our aim should be to demonstrate Jesus’ love to others through our actions of giving and serving.

Again, brainstorm ideas with your kids. Ask them these questions: What can you do to serve others this Christmas? How can you specifically show kindness to those around you? Encourage them to find ways to serve their siblings, neighbors, or friends.

Participate in Random Acts of Kindness, the Christmas edition (RACK). Consider the needs of others and ways you can be of service. Some of these ways can be extremely simple, like leaving a kind note for someone or letting someone go before you in line. Often, it’s the simple gestures that count the most!

9. Christmas Devotional

Read a daily Christmas devotional throughout December. Whether as a family evening tradition or during your personal devotional time (or both!), don’t neglect this! Make it a priority in the weeks leading up to Christmas.

This season is an excellent opportunity for growth and deepening your relationship with God. A time to truly understand Jesus and who He is: Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, and Prince of Peace.

I plan to read “Emmanuel: An Invitation to Prepare Him Room at Christmas and Always” by Ruth Chou Simons. Her artwork is stunning, and the reviews are outstanding for this specific book.

10. Birthday Cake for Jesus

Why not bake a birthday cake? Christmas is the celebration of Jesus’ birthday, after all! Your kids can help decorate the cake and participate in this exciting, yet simple tradition.

Don’t forget to sing “Happy Birthday” to Jesus, acknowledging that it’s His birthday and is the reason we celebrate this special day.

11. Shepherd on the Search Tradition

Rather than the traditional Elf on the Shelf making an appearance during Christmas, why not consider another tradition? The Shepherd on the Search is an adorable, yet meaningful tradition to embrace this Christmas.

Instead of an elf, a shepherd visits your home, in search of baby Jesus. As he travels around your home in the month of December, he leaves little gifts or notes to help your family concentrate on the true meaning of Christmas.

Our family’s shepherd, named Ezekiel, has visited us every December for the past 3-4 years. The kids are already excitedly discussing his anticipated arrival this year.

Although we try our best to keep the focus on the essence of Christmas, we also enjoy the fun aspects. He does leave little surprises or do silly things, similar to the Elf on the Shelf. If you’re interested in adopting this tradition this year, check out the Dayspring website, which includes more details and ordering information. It’s a decision you’re sure to cherish as a family for years to come!

12. Read the Christmas Story

Set aside adequate time to ready the account of Jesus’ birth in the book of Luke. The best time would be on Christmas Eve or Christmas morning, making sure to center your Christmas celebration on Jesus.

I recommend reading directly from the source, the Bible. As a child, before opening presents on Christmas morning, my dad would open his Bible to read. Remember to include the passages about the Angel of the Lord’s visit to the shepherds, who then proceed to worship Jesus. Also, the story of the Wise Men, who brought gifts to Jesus, would be a perfect segue into opening presents as a family.

If you follow the Shepherd on the Search tradition, the shepherd will arrive at the nativity scene on Christmas morning. This can lead into the Bible reading, with the nativity as the focal point. The Christmas story is accessible to children of all ages!

Embrace Jesus This Christmas

What a meaningful Christmas you can have this year! Without missing out on any of the annual Christmas traditions your family loves, you can easily integrate these 12 Christ-centered Christmas traditions into your celebration. This will only lead to enhancing the season’s joy and purpose.

While embracing these wonderful traditions is great, your heart is what matters most.

Is your heart turned towards Jesus? Or do you feel distant from your Lord today? Your Christmas will be significantly more meaningful if you are close to Him and have a genuine relationship with Him.

I encourage you to ponder these questions today. When your heart is right with Jesus, your appreciation and wonder for Him will deepen during the Christmas season. There is truly so much to be in awe of.

Looking for More Christmas Inspiration?

Check out my other blog posts on the same topic: Christmas!

• Need ideas for activities to do with your family this year? Check out THE ULTIMATE CHRISTMAS BUCKET LIST.

• Do you need help planning and preparing for the holidays? Read PLAN AND PREPARE EARLY FOR A SIMPLE, STRESS-FREE CHRISTMAS.

Wishing you the Merriest Christmas this year!

For me, self-care begins and ends with Jesus. Without Jesus at the center, we will always end up empty and no amount of expensive, time-consuming self-care will make up for that! Are you doing all the cliche self-care activities like taking bubble baths, participating in fun hobbies, or getting your monthly manicure? Do you still feel like something is missing?

I challenge you to consider what the missing element may be: taking care of your soul. It is essential to first and foremost take care of your soul, the very essence of who you are, before anything else will fill the void.

Make sure your soul is full of Jesus, your mindset is right with Christ, and your mind is full of truths from God’s Word. Only then are you truly taking care of yourself.

All the other activities are merely bonuses. Getting a pedicure, it’s relaxing and the end result is great. Treating yourself to a yummy Starbucks drink, that’s fantastic too.

BUT…Cultivating a spirit of peace and joy by engaging in some of the faith-based self-care ideas below, could possibly change the course of your life.

20 Amazing Faith-based Self-care Ideas to Try out Today!

1. Deep breathing.

Deep breathing can lead to a relaxation response and help with stress and anxiety. I sure have struggled with feelings of stress, sometimes even on a daily basis. Combining Scripture with deep breathing can have many benefits in caring for your spiritual and mental well-being.

There are a couple ways you can do this! You can breathe in the positive (a truth from God) and breathe out the negative thought. Or you can try “breath prayers,” where you inhale while meditating on the first part of the verse and exhaling the second part.

Here are a couple examples:

Inhale: I cast my cares on the Lord. Exhale: And he will sustain me. (Psalm 55:22)

Inhale: I trust in the Lord Exhale: With all my heart (Proverbs 3:5)

If you’re curious how deep breathing can help you sleep better, I highlighted that aspect in this blog post: SLEEP BETTER TONIGHT: 20 TIPS TO IMPROVE YOUR SLEEP.

2. Worship music.

Listen to it, sing along to it, and even make it the background of your day. While cooking, going for a walk, getting ready in the morning, or really anytime of the day, add worship music to your daily routine.

Worship music allows you to remain in God’s presence throughout your day. Listening to encouraging and uplifting words will help keep your outlook and attitude more optimistic.

Want to start your day on a positive note? I used to play Mandisa’s song “Good Morning,” as my kids woke up in the morning. It’s upbeat and the lyrics are definitely inspiring.

Wave away my yesterday
‘Cause I’m leaving it behind me
Hello sunshine, come what may
I feel something new inside me.

3. Spend time in nature.

Nature is the art of God.

Dante Alighieri

Appreciate God’s creation. Breathe in the fresh air. Listen to the birds chirping. Feel the sunshine on your face. There’s just something amazing about being out in nature!

Psalm 19:1 says “the heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of his hands.” Enjoy being outside in the world God created, as there’s no better way to feel close to Him than to be outdoors. Not to mention it’s proven to reduce stress and help improve your mood.

I firmly believe that nature brings solace in all troubles.

Anne Frank.

I had to include both those quotes, because I think they both speak volumes to the beauty and importance of nature. Don’t underestimate the power of nature and how it can be a simple yet mighty form of self-care.

4. Journaling.

Writing down your thoughts and feelings in a journal, whether it’s for prayer, gratitude, or any other purpose, can be enlightening. It can help you understand yourself better and how to better care for yourself. You can write down your prayers and look back to see how God has answered them. Write down what God is teaching you about or challenging you on. Or simply write about your day.

Don’t like to write? Try a video journal, by recording your thoughts and creating a folder on your phone to look back on down the road.

5. Meditate on God’s Word.

The Bible says to meditate on God’s Word day and night (Joshua 1:8). To me, this involves memorizing Scripture or having verses available to reflect on throughout your day or week.

If you’re feeling worried, meditate on a bible verse on the topic of worry. If you’re feeling anxious, meditate on a verse that refers to giving your anxieties to God.

No matter how you’re feeling or what you’re going through, God has a truth for you to hold on. A truth from His Word to help you through the valleys of your life.

Use a notecard or pretty stationary paper to write down verses that could be beneficial to you on a daily basis. I go into more detail about how I spend time daily with God in this blog post: A SIMPLE QUIET TIME ROUTINE WITH GOD.

6. Speak truth while looking in the mirror.

Look at yourself in the mirror, smile, and speak God’s truth. This is similar to daily affirmations, but they are based on truths from the bible. Smiling is a great way to elevate your mood right away and start your day on a positive note!

Here are a few truths you could speak aloud:

“Today is the day the Lord has made.”

“I am a child of God.”

“I can do great things today with God’s strength.”

You can even have the same ones you speak aloud every single morning. This is so simple and can literally take only seconds, but it can definitely set your day off on the right track!

7. Share with someone what God is doing in your life.

If your conversation with a friend or co-worker allows, share your testimony and what God is actively doing in your life. Not only may this be a great encouragement to them, but also to YOU!

I believe that conversing about God’s goodness and work in your life can help reiterate God’s faithfulness in your own life. This all goes back to the soul care I previously mentioned. It will feel nice to bring encouraging words to someone, while also reminding you of how extraordinary our God is! If, in turn, they want to share their story, that is merely a bonus.

8. Listen to a biblical podcast.

Listening to a podcast is an activity you can do while simultaneously doing the mundane tasks of life. On your commute to work. While you’re getting ready in the morning. While cooking dinner or doing the dishes. As you’re folding laundry. There are multiple times a day where I personally can fit in time to listen to a podcast.

Just make sure it’s a podcast that brings life to your soul, NOT the opposite! Find a good podcast that you can enjoy or learn from, but if it’s from a biblical perspective, that’s a plus too!

A personal recommendation is the SHE podcast by Jordan Lee Dooley. You can access her website HERE to learn more. All the topics are from a Christian standpoint yet are relatable and helpful in your everyday life. Let me know of any other podcasts you’d recommend!

9. Attend church or a bible study.

Make it a priority to spend time around other Christians. There is so much we can learn from other people, as we fellowship on Sundays or any day of the week. If your church has a women’s bible study or any small groups, there are so many advantages to getting involved.

I have personally experienced the benefits of regularly attending church. Spending time worshiping God and learning from His Word with other believers can definitely cultivate positive things in your life. It starts your week off on the right foot, keeping Christ at the center.

10. Say good-bye to negative self-talk.

Negative thoughts will creep in from time to time, but you must squelch them right away. Say good-bye and don’t let them remain in your mind. Simply refuse to dwell on the negative.

Always have a positive affirmation available to combat the negative comments people may say to you or the negative thoughts that sneak their way into your mind.

2 Corinthians 10: 5 says: “We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ.”

Imagine “taking captive” your thoughts and giving them to Christ. Negative self-talk is not welcome in your life!

11. Take care of your physical health.

Take care of the body God has given you, because you are only given one body on this earth. Make choices that you know are healthy for you. This is a great form of self-care because if your physical body is not strong and healthy, it will be really hard to do the work God has called you to.

The two main ways I take care of my physical health are probably obvious: exercise and healthy eating. Exercise is scientifically proven to decrease cortisol levels and reduce your stress. I could go on and on with the numerous health benefits to exercise, but I’m sure you’re already familiar with them.

Eating healthy food will help you feel better and give you more energy to do the tasks your day requires. As women and moms, we tend to neglect our physical health at times, especially in the trenches of motherhood. I encourage you to take some time today (even 15 minutes) to invest in your physical health!

12. Invest in friendships that build you up.

Your friendships should first of all, build you up emotionally and mentally, and more importantly, build you up in Christ. Not to say that all your friends will be Christians and have to be Christians, but your best friends probably should be.

You definitely want to cut out any toxic friendships, that lead you in the opposite direction that you want to be headed.

As the verse says, “bad company corrupts good character” (1 Corinthians 15:33). Don’t let the people you spend the most time with affect your godly character. It’s not worth it, no matter how long you might have been friends with that individual. Invest your time and energy into friends that encourage your relationship with Jesus.

13. Consume content that encourages and lifts you up.

Social media, movies, music, and other forms of media should be positive influences in your life. Any of these that lead to anxiety, fear, or other negative emotions, should be evaluated carefully. And then removed, if necessary, especially if you can find no good in them.

I challenge you to unfollow anyone that doesn’t encourage you or provide something positive for your life. Also, I challenge you to notice how different movies and music make you feel after watching and listening to them. Watching a movie can be a self-care activity, but ONLY if it builds you up in some way and ideally honors God.

14. Find joy in all things.

In the small, everyday moments of life, find joy. A cup of coffee. A vase of beautiful flowers. Hugging your dog. An outfit that makes you feel good. Your child’s laugh. A note from a friend. Literally anything, no matter how small, can bring you joy.

Figure out the things that make you happy, that make you smile and do them more often. Make the effort to bring joy to your life every day. It doesn’t have to be costly or take tons of time. In fact, keep it simple. Simple is easy to stick with.

15. Celebrate the small things.

Going along with finding joy in everything is to celebrate often. Celebrate the small things in your life. You stayed calm with your kids all week, celebrate it. You walked your 10,000 steps every day this week, celebrate it.

This just means to get excited about your small wins and to share your successes with others. You can reward or treat yourself as a way to celebrate, but just the feeling of joy it brings you and having that memory to look back on, is often all the “celebration” you need.

16. Gratitude.

Choosing to have a thankful heart and spirit for the things you do have, instead of being ungrateful for the things you don’t! Shifting your mindset to one of gratitude and focusing on the good, will make such a big difference. It can help you cultivate an overall heart attitude of contentment.

Keep a gratitude journal, where you can write down things every day that you are grateful for. These can be the simplest of things. Just recognizing them will do wonders for you. You can go one step further and express your gratitude to God in prayer.

17. Prayer.

I have to include prayer on my self-care list, because it is so simple yet can be so powerful. Simply talking to God, your Creator. About anything, about everything.

Philippians 4:6 is a powerful verse! “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.” We are commanded in this verse to present our requests to God. Take time today to talk to God, whether it’s 1 minute or 1 hour, He yearns to hear from you.

18. Practice kindness and giving.

Random acts of kindness bless the other person, but they also bless the giver (you!) Brainstorm a list of kind things you can do for others and start today! Pick one that is feasible for you to do in your current season of life. Give to someone in need or find a positive cause that you can give of your time, resources, or finances.

You can involve your kids in practicing kindness, as you cultivate a home of love and kindness. Encourage them to find ways to be kind to others around them and their own family members.

19. Walk barefoot in the grass.

I LOVE the feeling of grass underneath my feet. There’s the whole topic of grounding and the possible benefits that can result from spending time touching the earth. Whether sitting, laying, or walking, there’s something about feeling the earth on your skin (or maybe it’s just me!)

20. Read a motivational book.

There are thousands (probably even millions) of books that you could choose to read. Find a topic that interests you or that would positively impact your life at this time. For my non-fiction reads, I prefer something grounded in God’s Word, a book on motherhood, marriage, or Christian living. Most of the time I will read fiction; I love a good story! These reads aren’t exactly motivational, but more for entertainment purposes. So, figure out what you enjoy most and start reading.

You could even choose to read and be outside in nature at the same time, as that happens to be one of my favorite things to do! Feeling the sunshine on my face, while consuming great literature, is the ultimate self-care activity of my choice.

Take Time for Self-care Today!

Most self-care blog posts out there focus more on activities like, getting a pedicure, getting a massage, or getting your hair done. I decided to take a different approach, but I hope my ideas are helpful for you and easy to implement in your daily rhythms and routines of life.

In no way am I saying those typical self-care activities are bad or not to participate in them. By all means, do them! These definitely can be forms of self-care that help us feel better. BUT if we don’t start with a mindset focused on God, these things won’t give us what we stand in need of most. Soul care=taking care of your soul before you can take care of any other aspect of your life.

Make time today to do what fills you up, what brings you joy and makes you feel your best. This will look different for everyone, but I hope I’ve motivated you to choose a few activities that will help you best care for yourself today.

Don’t put off self-care until your children are older or you have more free time. Now is the best time to invest in your mental health, spiritual health, physical health, and all the other aspects of your complex self.

Have you opened your Bible lately? Have you talked to God in the last week? If you haven’t, I’m here to help you develop a simple quiet time routine with God that will help you strengthen your relationship with Him. And if you have, I will suggest some additional elements you can add to enhance your time with God.

Spending quality time with God doesn’t have to be complicated and it doesn’t have to take a ton of time. It just needs to be meaningful. If you’re going to have a relationship with God, it is essential that you dedicate time every day to spend with Him. Keep it simple, or it will be much more difficult to stick with it day in and day out.

Being human and a mother of four, I understand that life and children can be unpredictable. So, I’m not perfect at this, as I don’t adhere to this exact routine every single day. Nonetheless, my aim is to prioritize quiet time with God in my daily and weekly schedule.

5 Simple Things I Include in my Quiet Time

1. Gratitude
2. Biblical affirmations
3. Bible reading
4. Bible meditation
5. Prayer

I find that each of these five aspects are very valuable to me and my time with God. I promise this only takes me about 20-30 minutes each morning, so it is feasible to spend time with God in these 5 ways each day.

Now I will break it down for you, so you can understand what each part includes and how you can implement each element into your daily quiet time routine with God.

Gratitude Journal

Gratitude is simply being thankful and showing your thankfulness. So instead of only expressing gratitude at Thanksgiving time, you can express gratitude all year long!!

In my journal each morning, I write down 3 things that I am grateful for and 3 things that would make the day great.

You can write down whatever pops into your head in that moment.

It may be super simple, like a morning cup of coffee.

Or it could be more complex, like God’s faithfulness in this season of life.

All these things come from God, so remembering them and then thanking Him for them, is a great start to the day. Here are some more examples:

3 Things I am Grateful For:

1. The warm sunshine on my face
2. A comfortable bed where I get a good night’s sleep
3. Plenty of clean water to keep me hydrated

3 Things that Would Make Today Great:

1. A relaxing morning reading and drinking my coffee.
2. Everyone having a good attitude on the way to school.
3. Having a great mindset about the challenges of my day.

Here is the simple Journal I use and what a recent excerpt looks like.

When the struggles of the day come (which they will), you can think back to all the things you’re grateful for. When it seems the day isn’t going well, you can remember all the things you wrote down that would make the day great.

It just helps put you in a positive mindset and also have a heart of gratitude for all God has provided!

Biblical Affirmations

I’m sure you’ve heard of people reciting affirmations, but typically these are “me-centered.”

I AM…I am confident. I am brave. I will do great things today.

Biblical affirmations focus more on God and who we are in Christ. Repeating a truth from God’s Word that points to God instead of ourselves and the lies of the world. There is nothing better to fill our minds with each morning than God’s Truth.

Here are some examples:

1. I am a child of God.
2. I am God’s Masterpiece.
3. I am fearfully and wonderfully made.

In my Quiet Time journal (shown below), I have written a list of 31 biblical affirmations (enough for each day of the month). You can choose to read through all of them and then focus on one for the day. So, say it’s the 10th of the month, #10 on the list will be your affirmation of the day. “I am heard by God.” You could even write this down on a notecard or a sticky note so you can repeat it throughout the day.

If you are struggling with your self-esteem, you may want to affirm that “I am fully accepted by God” and “God has chosen me.”

If you are struggling with mistakes you’ve made, you can affirm that “God has fully and completely redeemed me.”

Ingrain these truths in your mind and when Satan tries to get you down, you have God’s truth to hold onto!

Bible Reading

It is important to read God’s actual words (straight from the Bible), not just what a devotional book has to say. Devotional books or bible study books are definitely worth reading, but don’t let that be the only thing you read. Make sure you are diving into the actual Bible! I recommend using a physical copy, although a Bible app would also work.

I am currently studying through this bible study book called Experiencing God. The authors include lots of biblical references as well as real-world examples and how to apply God’s Word to your life.

In these excerpts from the book, you’ll notice numerous Bible verses are included, which I personally look up and read from the scripture. I highlight the sections that resonate with me, which I feel helps reinforce the concepts taught. The Bible study has been enlightening, teaching me about the various ways God communicates with us—through the scriptures, prayer, life situations, and the church. It has also challenged me in many ways, particularly in trusting and following God’s guidance.

It’s important to apply what you read to your life. Rather than forgetting the words as soon as you close your Bible, keep a thought or a lesson with you throughout the day that challenges both your heart and mind.

Meditate on His Word

Meditating is simply thinking deeply about something, so in this case thinking deeply about God’s Word.

Choose a single verse that stood out during your bible reading. You can even write it on a notecard to place where you’ll see it often. Repeat the verse over and over so that you begin to “hide God’s word in your heart.“

Let’s say this verse below stood out to me. I will keep referring to it throughout my day, even applying it to my life. Whenever fears creeps in, remind yourself of this truth. You have the power, love, and a sound mind from God! Not fear.

For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.

2 Timothy 1:7

Meditating on Scripture allows us to center our hearts and minds on God. There are numerous distractions thrown at us from every direction all day long. However, intentionally meditating on God’s Word helps us focus on Christ and what matters most.

Prayer

Prayer is simply communicating with God, just as if you would communicate with a good friend or a loving Father. You can communicate with God in the same way!

God is always listening and always answering our prayers. He desires to hear from us. You are not an inconvenience to Him, you are a blessing to Him.

If you are just starting out on your prayer journey, it may feel awkward at first. But don’t let that keep you from talking to God. He hears you. He yearns to have a relationship with me. The Bible contains God’s words to us and prayer is our way of talking to God.

Don’t complicate it. You don’t need to have all the right things to say. Actually, He prefers that it’s heartfelt rather than a reciting a scripted prayer.

There’s no “right way” to pray. You can pray for your children, your marriage, your friends, and your personal struggles. Whatever comes to your mind. Whatever is on your heart. Your Heavenly Father wants to hear from YOU.

Of course, you can keep a prayer list or a prayer journal. Write out your prayers. Speak your prayers aloud. Pray in your head. All of the above.

Spend Time with God Today

Establish a quiet time routine with God today. Don’t wait to spend time with God.

Until your kids are older.

Until you have 30 minutes of uninterrupted time.

Until you are in a calmer, less busy season of life.

The right time to start a quiet time routine with God is NOW.

You can even break up these five parts into smaller chunks throughout the day.

• 5 minutes to write gratitude in your journal first thing in the morning
• 3 minutes to recite biblical affirmations as you’re getting ready
• 10 minutes to read a passage in your bible and apply to your life
• 30 seconds throughout the day to meditate on a verse
• 5 minutes to pray (“pray without ceasing!”)

In this blog post devoted to my morning routine, I show you when I fit in my time with God, along with everything else in the mornings. Although I do think a dedicated Quiet Time with God is so very important so that we are daily abiding in Him, just start where you’re at.

Learn to appreciate God in the world around you. Notice the beauty in nature. Acknowledge it is God’s handiwork. I encourage you to add gratitude, biblical affirmations, bible reading, meditation, and prayer into your daily routine. Make time for God and your relationship with God is sure to blossom into something wonderful!