When You Feel Like You're Not Enough

When you feel like you’re not enough, find strength and peace by anchoring your identity in Christ’s unshakable love.

Life has a way of testing our faith. Even when we long to follow God, we can find ourselves exhausted, directionless, or overwhelmed by discouragement. I’ve walked through that valley myself, and in the middle of it I discovered something that changed everything about how I see my life and my worth.  This is the story of that journey. 

Have you ever felt determined to obey God, yet found yourself lacking the direction or even the energy to follow through? I know that feeling well. 

There was a season when I didn’t fully grasp the power of God’s Spirit within me. I felt broken, unloved, and consumed by depression. Life seemed like a dark tunnel with no way out. Much of my energy was spent encouraging others, making sure they were happy, and finding my worth in their approval. For a time, this gave me purpose and made me feel useful—like I was exactly where God wanted me to be.

But then the storms came. My kindness, love and encouragement weren’t reciprocated. Instead, I was often met with indifference and rejection. Relationships that I felt were close and stable suddenly crumbled. My identity was shaken, and I questioned everything. 

If I was where God wanted me, why was I in so much pain? 

Surrounded by people who seemed to live joy-filled lives, I felt rejected, unseen, and convinced I wasn’t enough. Lies whispered in my mind, stealing my sleep and robbing me of peace.

Then God interrupted my despair. He reminded me in no uncertain terms: my life was His. I had surrendered it to Him, and I didn’t get to decide its worth. That’s when I realized the key to strength and joy isn’t found in myself or in others—it’s found in Christ alone.  God reminded me of who I am, and more importantly, whose I am.  And what a life-changing discovery!

That moment changed everything. I began to realize that no one else determines my value; only my Savior does. With this truth anchored in my heart, even the broken pieces of my life could be gathered up, restored, and made beautiful.  

I started to strengthen my spirit by meditating on Scripture and inviting God’s Spirit to guide me through moments of weakness. In His presence, my faith renews, and I find courage I could never muster alone. 

Often, it’s been in those moments when I’ve had nothing left—physically, emotionally, or mentally—that I’ve truly experienced the power of simply trusting Him. It’s there that my spirit rises. 

When I began to truly understand who I am—and whose I am—the chains of depression broke. Hurtful words and rejection no longer held me captive. God’s Word became my shield, and His love my fortress. My identity stopped depending on the approval of others and became anchored in the unshakable love of Christ. 

 God’s Word constantly reminds me of my true identity as His child:

You are enough because you are a child of God. (John 1:12, 1 John 3:1)

You can rejoice in suffering because Christ suffered for you. (1 Peter 4:12-19, James 1:2-4)

You are deeply loved and empowered to love others. (John 15:9-14)

Nothing can separate you from God’s love. (Romans 8:37-39)

Climbing out of that tunnel of despair, I discovered what Paul declared in Philippians 1:21: “For to me, to live is Christ, and to die is gain.” And oh, what joy that realization brings! 

When you feel like you’re not enough, remember: your worth isn’t defined by rejection or circumstances. True strength and peace come from anchoring your identity in Christ’s unshakable love.

For Further Thought

What situations leave you feeling like you’re not enough? Who or what has shaken your sense of worth?

Consider Philippians 4:13: “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” 

Remember—God fights for you. Ask Him to silence the lies and help you believe the truth: you are His child, deeply loved, and more than enough.

Building a daily rhythm with God doesn’t have to be complicated. Maybe it’s reading a short passage of Scripture, whispering a 30-second prayer, or sitting quietly in His presence for five minutes. Whatever it looks like for you, let it remind you that Jesus is your peace, your freedom, and your hope—greater than any circumstance.

Friend, you don’t have to measure your worth by the opinions of others or the circumstances you face. Your identity is secure in Christ, who calls you His own and loves you without condition. When you feel like you’re not enough, remember that He is always enough. Anchor your heart to His Word, lean into His Spirit, and trust that He will bring beauty out of brokenness. May you walk in the confidence that you are deeply loved, fully known, and never alone.

Prayer

Gracious, loving God, thank You for Your faithfulness. Just as You’ve shown up in the past, I trust You to continue reminding me of my identity in You. Your will is perfect, and Your plans are good. Lift me above life’s storms, surround me with Your peace, and let my words and actions glorify Your name. Amen.

ABOUT MARLA WALDRON

Marla Waldron is a devoted daughter of the Heavenly Father, and she embraces her roles as a sister, wife, mother, teacher, and friend with grace and dedication. For 35 years, she has served as a public school educator, mentoring countless beginning teachers and currently working as an Intervention Specialist with Kindergarten students. In her local church and community, Marla faithfully contributes by volunteering at food and clothing banks, participating in fundraising events, and actively engaging in, as well as leading, small group Bible studies for The Dented Fender Ministry. A mother of three grown children, Marla has also taken on the responsibility of caring for her 50-year-old brother with multiple handicaps since their father's passing. Despite facing dark tunnels of grief and self-doubt, Marla has learned to lean on God’s grace, holding tightly to His truths and trusting in His guidance one step at a time. She and her husband live in Ohio, embracing the unpredictable ride of life with faith and resilience.

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