You Are Not Worthless Ever
You are not worthless.
It was 1977 and I kept repeating that phrase. Five years earlier according to the world’s standards, I married well by becoming a member of an affluent family. I loved the guy but wasn’t “in love” with him. Walking the church aisle to tie the knot at the altar felt like a mistake. It was.
Still, good things happened. After 5 years working for a large manufacturing company, I was an executive secretary to the vice-president of marketing.
Life should have been great but it wasn’t.
I took my first step forward on wobbly knees by separating and moving to an apartment. Having my own abode felt right but I had hurt people I loved. Namely, my husband, mother and father-in-law, siblings, friends, and my parents who adored my spouse. My brother disowned me privately and publicly, inferring to others I was scum. He chose sides and it wasn’t mine.
So, feeling worthless led to overwhelming thoughts of suicide. After all, if people believed I was slime then taking my life would cement their feelings of disdain. I didn’t know how to not feel worthless.
How I Finally Believed “You Are Not Worthless”
Feeling worthless didn’t mean I was. Moving beyond that emotion was my goal. I began to unravel the reasons behind “Why do I feel worthless?”
Understanding your place in the universe can take a while. But feeling like your worthless should not be part of that journey. Having moved beyond that soulish emotion, everything inside of me shouts down the word worthless.
And here’s why. The word originates from the Greek word Belial. And it’s no surprise to me what Belial means – lawless, wicked, and worthless.
Belial is Greek for its equivalent Hebrew word, Beliyya’al, and became a proper name for Satan or the antichrist. The word’s definition reveals an important truth. Satan is the author of the conniving spirit behind feelings of worthlessness.
Additionally, Beliyya’al is a combination of two words meaning lacking worth. Other meanings include yokeless, naughty person, sons of destruction, and sons of lawlessness.
Remember this. The one true God isn’t the one who makes you feel valueless. Thus, you must overcome the lie that you have no value. Here’s how to do that.
Bible Verses When You Feel Worthless
These scriptures confirm your worth. Please delve into the Bible and find more.
- Isaiah 43:4 – Others were given in exchange for you. I traded their lives for yours because you are precious to me. You are honored, and I love you.
- Matthew 6:26 – Look at the birds. They don’t plant or harvest or store food in barns, for your heavenly Father feeds them. And aren’t you far more valuable to him than they are?
- John 6:37-39 – However, those the Father has given me will come to me, and I will never reject them. For I have come down from heaven to do the will of God who sent me, not to do my own will. And this is the will of God, that I should not lose even one of all those he has given me, but that I should raise them up at the last day.
- Isaiah 41:10 – Don’t be afraid, for I am with you. Don’t be discouraged, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you. I will hold you up with my victorious right hand.
- Ephesians 2:10 – For we are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago.
Does that mean you only have worth when Jesus is your Lord and Savior? No. Look again at John 6:37-39 above. Jesus came for everyone, but you have free will. It’s up to you to believe that He died exclusively for you and accept Him. Whether or not you feel worthy depends on what you think about yourself and the choices you make.
Ask Yourself, “Why Do I Feel Worthless?”
God has a purpose and a plan for everyone. Your DNA is not the same as anyone else, your eyes, smile, features, personality . . . the list goes on and on.
Do you think it’s an accident no one else is like you? Do you believe you can do one job extraordinarily well, unlike anyone else?
Has someone said you are trash and you believed them? Do you compare yourself to others? If you do, isn’t that unfair to be your worst critic?
To be sure, self-talk takes your emotions up or down depending on what thoughts you allow inside your head. Also, don’t blame yourself 100 percent for having feelings of worthlessness. An invited guest sits on your shoulder and talks trash to your spirit through your mind. The end result—you start feeling worthless.
Here are examples of words you might think. “I never do anything right.” “I’m not as pretty as that woman.” “If I’d grown up in a different household, I’d be prosperous.” “I’m so dumb at math, it’s a wonder I can manage my checking account.”
This smattering of self-talk undermines your self-worth. Any time doubtful and degrading thoughts come for a visit, stop and say, “God made me in His image. I feel worthless right now but intend to change that perspective. I’m not perfect, but with His help, I’ll succeed at anything I pursue.” You control what you think, so decide beforehand to think only positive thoughts.
It’s hard to change old thinking patterns, so patiently persist to control your thoughts. When you entertain failure thoughts, you delay any progress.
How to Not Feel Worthless
Who do you hang out with? Do you spend time with people who celebrate your differences and acknowledge your strengths? If not, get new friends. Are you developing habits that promote health such as getting enough sleep, eating well, and exercising regularly?
Sometimes grief contributes to feelings of worthlessness. If you broke off a relationship or grieve the loss of a pet or family member, talk out your feelings with a friend. Likewise, schedule time for fun activities when you aren’t working. Laughing gives you a boost and releases stress.
Build your life around meaningful projects to find purpose. Volunteer in your community or engage in activities you enjoy such as gardening, writing, or traveling. You gain a new perspective every time you pursue new adventures.
Just remember that you’re valuable and important to God. Keep listening for His voice in ordinary events. If you haven’t accepted Jesus as your Lord and Savior, do so quickly. He’s a lifelong friend who never leaves or forsakes you (Hebrews 13:5-6-NLT). He cheers you on when everyone else is long gone.
And in case you’re wondering. the story ends well for me. I married for love and we’ve been together for four+ decades!