Why do we never feel “good enough?”

We don’t feel ‘good enough,’ but why is that?

It’s possible to feel inadequate at any point in our life. Feeling inadequate is all too frequent in today’s world, when the impact of social media, diet culture, and the pursuit of achievement is pervasive.

It’s important to remember two things if you’ve ever felt like you weren’t good enough: one, you’re not, and second, you’re enough because of Christ. For “in Christ” (Colossians 2:10), you have been made complete. He has sway over all authorities and institutions.

Emotions and Realities
Sometimes we let our emotions guide us instead of logic. Emotions are not equivalent to hard evidence. True statements are facts. Emotions are unpredictable and may fluctuate. Since emotions are transitory and often deceitful, we should not put too much stock in them.

Having an emotion, like inadequacy about oneself, does not prove that it really exists. It is Christ who makes you sufficient.

Reminding ourselves of the truth in the Bible is essential whenever our emotions attempt to convince us that we are not adequate (Colossians 2:10).

Thanks to Christ, we have all we need, so we can stop worrying about whether or not we measure up. Even while this may be difficult to comprehend, it is the reality. Our emotions and sentiments alone are not enough to guide us. We need to remind ourselves that what the Bible says is true: that in Christ, we have all we need.

Keep this essential fact in mind constantly. Whether on a mirror, a door, or in your Bible, make sure you always have Colossians 2:10 in plain sight. Keep reminding yourself of this reality, and eventually you will come to fully embrace it.

I know what it’s like to feel like you’re not good enough because I’ve been there and I still deal with that sensation every day. Having difficulties does not equate to a lack of success.

To struggle is to demonstrate an effort. Don’t give up; keep working and thinking about the Bible’s principles. Feel free to open out to God and share your feelings whenever you feel they are getting the better of you. In the safety of His affection, He will raise you up.

Anxiety, depression, and eating disorders are just some of the issues that may arise when we constantly feel inadequate and horrible about ourselves.

I urge you, as someone who has dealt with all three of these conditions, to find your value in Christ and to meditate on His immense love for you every day.

A lack of positive emotions is not the root cause of mental disease, but it may be a trigger for the onset of a more serious condition.

Those who struggle with an eating problem often struggle with a pervasive sense of inadequacy. Eating disorders lead people to starve themselves, limit their food intake, and overdo their workouts in an effort to achieve a “normal” body image. Nothing one does, not even losing weight and becoming smaller, is ever satisfactory.

Anorexia guarantees you’ll never feel adequate about yourself. Individually, we each have a skewed self-image due to our own flawed view and mentality. The term “body dysmorphic disorder” more accurately describes this condition.

The best explanation for body dysmorphia is that persons who suffer from it see their bodies in a distorted manner, rather than how they really appear. To put it another way, it’s like being able to see green while all others see red.

Inadequate self-worth affects people in various ways, but it’s never pleasant. Many of us will go to extremes if it means boosting our self-esteem.

Just the Way You Are Will Do

I want you to know, as a friend and a Christian, that you are sufficient in Christ. Despite what others may have said or how you may feel about yourself, know that you are worthy of love and acceptance.

It’s no secret that many of us came from families where we were constantly made to feel inadequate. We might feel like we’re not good enough when our parents push us to impossible expectations. I was the youngest of three sisters and always felt like I was being judged against the older two.

All the ways in which I fell short—mentally, physically, and creatively—were constantly running through my head. Despite the fact that I always liked playing instruments, sketching, and painting, my sisters always had considerably more natural artistic skill than I did.

My elder sister is a wonderful pianist, but I inherited her skill. My sister and I used to play the piano together and perform when we were homeschooled.

No of the performance, my sister nailed it. On the other hand, my piano skills were never among the highest in the room.

I tried really hard, but I never mastered it. My mother would lavish praise on my sister based only on appearances, while I would get nothing but disappointment. I had given it my all, but obviously not enough.

Numerous experiences during my youth and early adulthood left me feeling inadequate and unloved by my family. Perhaps you did, too, when you were a kid, or perhaps you still do, as an adult. Those words, “not clever enough, not attractive enough, not good enough,” echo in our heads.

These thoughts and sentiments about ourselves might persist even after we’ve moved out of our parents’ house. Our confidence plummets and our self-hatred soars after only a few minutes of perusing social media.

People in the modeling industry often post photos of themselves on social media with unrealistically high aspirations, people who seem to have the “ideal” life, or even complete strangers on exotic summer vacations. This whole situation has the potential to lower our self-esteem.

Keep in mind that what you see on social media is just the highlights. No one is going to write about the time they locked themselves out of their vehicle or went through a tough moment. Using a well-thought-out article as a yardstick against which to measure our actual experience is not a smart idea.

The Lord considers each of our stories to be precious. It is Christ who makes you sufficient. You should never have any doubts about it being true. God holds you in the highest regard since you are His beloved child (John 3:16-17).

You are sufficient in Christ, contrary to what the world tells you. Being good enough doesn’t depend on your outward appearance, your personality, or your financial status. You don’t need to change who you currently are.

God says that everyone of us is incredibly special and unique (Psalm 139:13-26). As individuals, we are all made in His likeness (Genesis 1:27). If you ever find yourself questioning your value, just think of how much Christ values you. Accept this reality as a source of comfort for your heart and inner calm.

A Meaning Please

Though it’s natural to feel inadequate at times, it’s important to keep in mind that Christ makes you sufficient and deserving. Don’t evaluate your progress by any other means.

The Holy Scriptures inform us that we are the special people of God. For “you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s exclusive possession, so you may speak the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light,” as Peter puts it (1 Peter 2:9).

God, who made everything, specifically picked you and loves you very much, so you may be certain that you are adequate.

All of these blessings—forgiveness of sins, fellowship with Christ, and everlasting life—are ours through Christ. Given these assurances, we may look forward to a day when we no longer have to worry about whether or not we measure up.