I recently read on the Internet that in a study conducted in the United States, researchers and psychologists found that one in every two persons there suffer from one form or another or low self esteem. That's an alarming statistic! In a nutshell, the researchers concluded that at least half of the entire American population struggle daily with demeaning and sometimes shockingly negative thoughts about themselves - whether toward their appearance, physique, talents and abilities, relationships, or their general outlook on their lives and what the future holds (or does not hold) for them. As a result of their condition, many live double lives - seemingly successful and fulfilled, but are in fact empty on the inside - lost and always searching for an avenue to anchor their confidence onto. Some seek solace in relationships, but find themselves invariably stifling their partners with an overwhelming need for assurance or possession. Others immerse themselves up. Everything may go smoothly when the going is good. But one wrong move or decision brings not just the business down, but a whole life whose value and worth hangs on how well it does. More and more of our youth are growing up with severe esteem issues. The study also presents findings that strongly suggest that the increasing measure of low

self-esteem in our youth correlates directly with the rising percentage of school dropouts, aggression and rage incidents, crime and violence, drug and alcohol abuse, suicidal tendencies, eating disorders, etc. The list goes on.

It may not be a much ballyhooed condition, but low esteem is certainly a cancer that can eat away at your self-confidence and bring about numerous debilitating complications in your life, both physical and emotional.

God knows how much the devil attacks our self esteem to reduce our value in our own minds. He knows that if you do not believe in what you can do, you'll never do much. That's why throughout the Bible, we see how God always seeks to build up the esteem of his servants.

When Moses was concerned about his leadership and speech abilities, God affirmed, "I am certainly with you.. Who has made man's mouth? Or who makes the mute, the deaf, the seeing, or the blind? I will be with your mouth and teach you what you shall say."

To Joshua, who had to fill Moses' very big shoes as the leader of Israel, God constantly reiterated, "No man shall be able to stand before you all the days of your life; as I was with Moses, so I will be with you. I will not leave you nor forsake you... Have I not commanded you? Be strong and of good courage; do not be afraid, nor be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go."

To Gideon, who was clearly uncertain and insecure about his calling from God, He assured, "The Lord is with you, you might man of valor! Go in this might of yours, and you shall save Israel from the hand of the Midianites. Have I not sent you?"

When Jeremiah doubted the validity of his own ministry because he was but a child, God said, "Before I formed you in the womb I knew you; before you were born I sanctified you; I ordained you a prophet to the nations.. Do not say, 'I am a youth,' for you shall go to all to whom I send you, you shall speak. Do not be afraid of their faces, for I am with you to deliver you... Behold, I have put My words in your mouth. See, I have this day, set you over the nations and over the kingdoms."

Even to Jesus Himself, Father God lovingly assured, "This is my Son, whom I love; with Him I am well pleased."

If you do not know the value that God has imbued within you; if you do not allow the seeds of greatness inside you to be planted on a heart that is open to believe you are indeed a creation of God that He is well-pleased with and you are the apple of His eyes; then you will not be able to rise to the destiny that God has planned for you right from the moment He formed you in your mother's womb. And living in God's destiny for your life is truly the highest form of living you can ever hope to achieve!

Don't strangle the vast potential that God has placed within you. You are valuable to God. You are unique and important to His kingdom. As Dr. A.R. Bernard would so eloquently put it, "You are His poem. The expression of His glory. He has gifted you uniquely, wired you and designed you to present you as His creation to be appreciated by the world."