I’m always skeptical of books promising “instant confidence” or detailing “three simple steps to an automatic confidence boost.” Not because I don’t need them, but because the concept of confidence feels too complex and too personal to be solved in a three-step book.

Sometimes, I’m overflowing with confidence. I don’t care how I look, I don’t care what others think of me and I don’t think anyone—or anything—could hamper my self-esteem. But then something happens. I overlook an assignment at work and throw off the timeline of an important project. Subconsciously, I question my ability to meet deadlines and stay organized. Once brimming with self-assurance, I feel like a dog with my tail between my legs.

Have you been here before?

Maybe the “tail between your legs” feeling is a common one. It doesn’t matter who criticizes you—your boss, your spouse, your mother, a stranger on the street—you instantly begin to feel inadequate, even worthless. The voice in your head tells you you’re well below average, and you’re inclined to listen.

Or maybe your confidence comes and goes like the tide. One day you wake up ready to conquer the world, the next you feel unskilled and unworthy. Your mind starts to wander, drumming up all kinds of unhealthy thoughts. What am I even good at? Why am I on this earth anyway? Will I ever amount to anything?

In these moments, when your self-esteem dwindles, you can find confidence in the Lord. These five Bible verses will get you see yourself as God sees you:

  1. Hebrews 4:16 (GNTD)
    Let us have confidence, then, and approach God’s throne, where there is grace. There we will receive mercy and find grace to help us just when we need it.
  2. 2 Corinthians 12:9 (GNTD)
    But his answer was: “My grace is all you need, for my power is greatest when you are weak.” I am most happy, then, to be proud of my weaknesses, in order to feel the protection of Christ’s power over me.
  3. 2 Timothy 1:7 (GNTD)
    For the Spirit that God has given us does not make us timid; instead, his Spirit fills us with power, love, and self-control.
  4. Ephesians 2:10 (GNTD)
    God has made us what we are, and in our union with Christ Jesus he has created us for a life of good deeds, which he has already prepared for us to do.
  5. Psalm 139:13-14 (GNTD)
    You created every part of me;
    you put me together in my mother’s womb.
    I praise you because you are to be feared;
    all you do is strange and wonderful.
    I know it with all my heart.