Have you ever wished you were "better people"...more successful, more loving? Do you lie awake thinking you're not "good enough" and wishing you could change?

You're not alone. This silent, nagging train of thought chips away at our partners' minds night after night, creating a distressing restlessness.

Its name is low self-esteem. In other words, they just don't feel good about themselves. You may say to yourself, "Yes, that's me. But what can I do? What will put my mind at rest about myself so I can sleep?"

In answer, let me tell you a little "bedtime story." In Luke, Chapter 14, Jesus tells His listeners that when they're invited to a wedding feast, not to try to exalt themselves (build self-esteem) by choosing the best seat in the house. He tells them to choose a lesser seat instead, and then He himself will exalt them.

That's the key to dealing with nagging doubts about low self-esteem. It's not up to you to build it up. All you're to do is obey Him, remain humble in His sight, and let Him do the rest. As James says, "Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and He will lift you up" (James 4:10, NKJV).

Sleep well! Tell inferiority to flee. Don't strive to gain the "best seat" so you will feel better. Leave it to Him! The Lord Himself will lay the foundation for your new sense of self-worth in His sight.

Heavenly Father, I praise You that building a new sense of self-esteem is not my job, but Yours. Help me to obey You, to hear Your voice and to daily humble myself before You. I rest in the fact that I no longer have to strive, because all that I am is in Your hands and I can trust You to exalt me in Your perfect time. In Jesus' Name, Amen.