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Sometimes it feels like everything around our teens is challenging their confidence. Social media, a lack of face-to-face connections, teasing from friends or siblings, plus little encouragement from teachers, coaches, or parents can make teens feel like they are not good enough.
The Bible helps teens understand that God crafted each child as their own work of art, with an intrinsic value and purpose. “For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.” – Ephesians 2:10
We have compiled a list of 8 bible verses for your teen that encourage therapeutic healing principles such as self-acceptance, compassion, and confidence.
Understanding Self-Worth Through God’s Eyes
True self-worth begins with understanding how God sees each individual. From a Christian perspective, each teen is intentionally created with purpose and value, made in the image of God.
This perspective offers a foundation of unconditional worth that goes beyond external achievements, flaws, or societal approval. Clinically, a secure sense of self-worth grounded in faith can be a protective factor for mental health and emotional challenges such as low self-esteem, self-criticism, and fear or rejection [1].
The bible helps teens understand that their value is not tied to performance or popularity but to being deeply loved by God. It fosters resilience and emotional stability in the face of life’s challenges. It repeatedly confirms that our worth is inherent in scriptures, such as Psalm 139:14 which highlights how human beings are “fearfully and wonderfully made,”.
Bible Verses That Build Confidence
Luke 12:6-7
“Are not five sparrows sold for two pennies? Yet not one of them is forgotten by God. Indeed, the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Don’t be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows.”
Samuel 16:7
“The Lord does not look at the things people look at. People look at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.”
Ephesians 3:12
“In him and through faith in him we may approach God with freedom and confidence.”
Luke 21:19
“Stand firm, and you will win life.”
Zephaniah 3:17
“The Lord your God is with you; he is mighty to save. He will take great delight in you, he will quiet you with his love, he will rejoice over you with singing.”
Hebrews 10:35–36; 39–11:1
“So do not throw away your confidence; it will be richly rewarded. You need to persevere so that when you have done the will of God, you will receive what he has promised…. We do not belong to those who shrink back and are destroyed, but to those who have faith and are saved. Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see.”
Joshua 1:9
“Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go.”
Isaiah 40:31
“But those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.”
Practical Ways Teens Can Grow in Self-Worth
Teens can grow their self-worth grounded in faith and apply scripture to everyday life, building confidence and self-awareness. A few ways for your teen to do this include:
- Daily Affirmations Based on Scripture: Encourage teens to speak aloud bible verses that reflect their personal values. This can reprogram negative self-talk and improve overall well-being.
- Journaling: Writing about personal experiences through the lens of God and viewing it as part of a divine plan can help teens practice acceptance and reflect on their inner worth. Consider reflections for gratitude, such as “How Did God Care for Me Today?”
- Serving Others: Engaging in acts of kindness, fellowship, or volunteering projects highlights several scriptures, including Ephesians 2:10, which states how we are created to carry out the work of God.
Faith-Based Substance Abuse and Mental Health Treatment for Teens in Texas
Clearfork Academy is committed to helping teens and their families across Texas access substance abuse and co-occurring mental health disorder treatment. We understand the effects that unresolved mental health challenges can have on the lives of youth, their health, and communities.
We offer specialized tracks and a Christian faith-based approach, incorporating Christ-centered practices such as bible study, prayer, and scripture with evidence-based mental health therapies to help teens learn forgiveness, hope, and gratitude.
Contact our admissions team today to help your teen begin their journey toward transformation.
Sources
[1] Timoszyk-Tomczak, C. (2020). Religious Struggle and Life Satisfaction Among Adult Christians: Self-esteem as a Mediator. Journal of religion and health, 59(6), 2833–2856.
Austin Davis, LPC-S
Founder & CEO
Originally from the Saginaw, Eagle Mountain area, Austin Davis earned a Bachelor of Science in Pastoral Ministry from Lee University in Cleveland, TN and a Master of Arts in Counseling from The Church of God Theological Seminary. He then went on to become a Licensed Professional Counselor-Supervisor in the State of Texas. Austin’s professional history includes both local church ministry and clinical counseling. At a young age, he began serving youth at the local church in various capacities which led to clinical training and education. Austin gained a vast knowledge of mental health disorders while working in state and public mental health hospitals. This is where he was exposed to almost every type of diagnosis and carries this experience into the daily treatment.
Austin’s longtime passion is Clearfork Academy, a christ-centered residential facility focused on mental health and substance abuse. He finds joy and fulfillment working with “difficult” clients that challenge his heart and clinical skill set. It is his hope and desire that each resident that passes through Clearfork Academy will be one step closer to their created design. Austin’s greatest pleasures in life are being a husband to his wife, and a father to his growing children. He serves at his local church by playing guitar, speaking and helping with tech arts. Austin also enjoys being physically active, reading, woodworking, and music.
