You may be wondering, “Are affirmations Biblical?” The short answer is “yes” if used the way God intended.
We tend to believe lies about ourselves. Things like we are not loveable, or not smart enough, or lacking in abilities, or a hundred others. And when we believe these lies of the enemy we are the most miserable. It’s time to embrace Biblical Affirmations that will set us free to live life the way God intended. Confident. Secure. Able.
Are you ready?
Great! Let’s get started.
What are Biblical affirmations?
The definition of “affirmation” is short, but meaningful words of encouragement that help us turn negative thoughts about ourselves, others, and our environment into positive statements.
Are there Christian affirmations in the Bible? Let’s just say that affirmations are nothing new. They have been around since the Bible was written but were made popular among the mainstream in the 1960s.
The modern 60s movement has taken Biblical truth statements and removed the element of God, making life all about ourselves.
Affirmations usually start with the words, “I am.” So a Bible affirmation would go like this, “I can do anything God asks me to do because He will help me.” (Philippians 4:13)
In contrast, a non-Biblical affirmation would say, “I can do anything I set my mind to doing.” Do you see the difference? There is no Christian perspective. Everything is accomplished in our own strength and our own abilities.
What does the Bible say about affirmations?
Affirmations are thoughts that we embrace as truth. The Bible is clear that to change the way we approach life we must change the way we think.
“Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.” Romans 12:2 ESV
So what specifically are we to think about? We are to have a positive mindset based on a Biblical perspective.
“Finally, brothers (and sisters), whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.” Philippians 4:8 (enhancement added)
This verse in Philippians is followed by a promise. When we think this way about ourselves, others, and the world around us, we will have peace.
When we think about things that are true, we won’t believe lies. And we know that God’s word is truth.
Why are affirmations so powerful?
We are not talking about “new age” stuff. God is the author of a positive mental attitude. Bible affirmations give us God’s power found in the promises of God.
“Your brain sometimes gets a little mixed up on the difference between reality and imagination, which can be surprisingly useful.” Healthline
Essentially, you can fake it till you make it. Even imagining doing something often enough does a kind of re-wiring of the brain.
“There is MRI evidence suggesting that certain neural pathways are increased when people practice self-affirmation tasks (Cascio et al., 2016).” Positive Psychology
Do spiritual affirmations work?
Repetition is the key, like practicing the piano. We must be in the Word of God often. We also have to believe that the affirmation is God’s truth. Otherwise, your brain is not likely to buy into it.
So for spiritual affirmations to work, sometimes you must accept them by faith as true, even though you don’t completely understand them. Faith is an important part of the Christian life.
But affirmations done solo don’t always work for everyone. Sometimes we need assistance.
“Uncovering past experiences that are fueling deeply etched patterns of negative thinking is best done with help from a therapist.
Also keep in mind that low self-esteem and other negative thought patterns often relate to mental health concerns, including depression and anxiety.” Positive Psychology
If your church has Certified Biblical Counselors, you usually can get a lot of help sorting things out from a Scriptural perspective. God wants His children to know the truth because the truth sets us free. (John 8:32)
If your church does not offer these services, there are online Christian Counseling services that can help.
Online Christian Counseling Services
- Free Christian Counseling – Actually they charge $55 per session, with the first one being free, unless you qualify for a scholarship. All counselors love Jesus.
- BetterHelp – You do have to request a counselor with a Biblical approach. They counsel people with all kinds of backgrounds. Part of their network is getfaithful.com, where every therapist is a practicing Chrisitan.
- Faithful Counseling – All of their counselors are practicing Christians.
- My Counselor Online -They have physical offices in Colorado, Kansas, Missouri, and Texas, but do online therapy worldwide. All counselors love Jesus.
- Chatnow is a website that gives you the ability to chat with a “Christian who cares.” The site doesn’t offer professional mental health services, but it allows you to talk to a Christian volunteer for free about any issues you may be experiencing.
Examples of Bible affirmations for the child of God
God has given us many Bible-based affirmations that we need to embrace on a daily basis. They come straight from the teachings of the Bible. They give us core values to live by that will result in positive change and God’s peace.
1- I am worthy of love because Jesus died for me so that I could have new life. (John 3:15, John 15:13, Romans 5:8)
2- I am grateful for today because God is good and He has great plans for me. (Psalm 145:19, Jeremiah 29:11)
3- I am God’s masterpiece. I am God’s special possession. (Ephesians 2:10)
4- I am at peace with my past because I am a new creation in Christ. (Philippians 3:13, 2 Corinthians 5:17)
5- I am a radiant woman of God and I embrace the way God made me, created in the image of God. (Psalm 139:4)
6- I can do hard things today because God is my refuge and strength. (Psalm 46:1, Isaiah 40:31)
7- I take responsibility for my happiness. No one else can do it for me. (Psalm 16:11, Nehemiah 8:10)
8- I embrace my weaknesses so that God’s strength can be seen in me. (2 Corinthians 12:8-11)
9- I am confident that God will use everything in my life for good. My story matters. (Romans 8:28)
10- I can forgive because God will take care of the consequences of the other person’s actions. (Romans 12:19)
The practice of positive affirmations will help dispel the spirit of fear, give us perfect peace in difficult times, help us maintain a sound mind, and release the power of God in our lives
There are many more Biblical affirmations available to us when we have a personal relationship with Jesus.
If you don’t know Jesus, you probably have questions. The people at Chat About Jesus have answers. You can text, call, or chat with them online any time of the day or night.
Biblical affirmation resources
The Bible is our absolute best source for positive Biblical affirmations.
As a word of caution, beware of internet sources.
Before you accept internet advice, look at the website’s “about page”, or “statement of faith.” If Jesus and the Bible are not central in their remarks, run.
Meanwhile, the Creator’s Classroom has resources just waiting to be claimed.
Free Digital Resources
Scripture cards are always a good place to start with Biblical affirmations. The following are free instant downloads, no email is required.
For those who like to read and want a hard copy in their hands, this bookmark is free to download.
And for those who want a simple Bible reading plan on our identity, this plan is also free to download.
Free online Bible Study
Because affirmations can be so powerful in our lives, a free online Bible study was created to help women internalize the truth of God’s word. It was done as a group in Women Growing In Joy, which I would encourage you to join as there will be future studies that you may be interested in.
The Study guide is free with links to the Scripture passages, videos, and devotional readings. This video will give you a glimpse into the Bible study about Biblical affirmations
Other Digital Resources
If you would like to take a 30-day journey through more Biblical Affirmations, this journal was crafted just for you. The link is embedded in the photo.
Along with the affirmations, the journal also has Scriptures to look up, as well as additional reading recommendations on each day’s topic.
And finally, the journal includes 8 Scripture cards that can be printed and laminated to carry in your purse, hung on the rear-view mirror of your car, or placed on your bathroom mirror. They will remind you of the words that God has for you.
Final thoughts
The use of affirmations is good when they tell us the truth according to God’s word. That is why Biblical affirmations are so helpful.
Jesus said when we know the truth it will set us free, free to live life the way God intended. (John 8:32)
You will also want to read:
- Are your thoughts holding you captive?
- A fearfully and wonderfully made woman
- Who are you? Finding your identity
- I don’t know who I am anymore
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