Are affirmations biblical? What does the Bible say about affirmations?

what does the bible say?

The Bible does not promote affirmations in the self-help sense but emphasizes speaking and meditating on God’s truth. We recall God's promises for strength and hope and to change our perspective from an earthly one to an eternal one. The New Testament encourages believers to speak truth to one another (Ephesians 4:25) and focus on what is pure and honorable (Philippians 4:8). Reminding ourselves of these truths is important. Unlike psychological affirmations that rely on self-empowerment, biblical affirmations depend on God's unchanging Word to shape identity and purpose. Also unlike affirmations from a worldly perspective, where people try to change their reality by repeating positive statements about themselves or reality, Christians will remind themselves of what is true based on what God says. We are called to remember what God’s Word says, who God is, and who we are to refocus and meditate on what is true. This does not change our reality, but it will change our perspective and put our thoughts and feelings in their proper place. Reminding ourselves of scriptural truths about God and ourselves strengthens our faith and allows His Word to take root in our hearts.

from the old testament

The Bible does not use the term affirmations in the modern self-help sense, but it does emphasize the power of speaking and meditating on God’s truth. In Psalm 42:5, the psalmist speaks truth to himself, reminding his soul to trust in God.Joshua 1:8 says, "This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do according to all that is written in it." Speaking and meditating on God's Word is essential for living according to God’s ways.In Lamentations 3:21–23, Jeremiah laments the state of his people and says, "But this I call to mind, and therefore I have hope: The steadfast love of the LORD never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness." Although Jeremiah was wrestling, calling the truth of God’s character to mind allowed him to change his perspective and find hope in the midst of difficulty.

from the new testament

Ephesians 4:25 tells us to speak the truth with one another since speaking the truth strengthens Christian community.Colossians 3:16 talks about the way we are called to share God’s truth to build up fellow believers: "Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, with thankfulness in your hearts to God."Believers are encouraged to focus their minds on “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).

implications for today

Psychological affirmations focus on self-generated truths designed to boost confidence and shape reality through repetition and positive thinking, relying on human willpower rather than an external standard. Psychological affirmations also call us to repeat over and over again what we want to happen or be true; the Bible warns us to be careful about idle babble and vain repetitions. In contrast, biblical affirmations, if we can call them that, are just about speaking the truth to ourselves and others. Doing so is rooted in God's truth, emphasizing who we are in Christ and declaring His promises over our lives. While psychological affirmations center on self-empowerment, biblical affirmations depend on faith in God's power and His unchanging Word. The key difference is that psychological affirmations are self-driven and seek to create reality, while biblical affirmations are God-dependent, grounding our identity and purpose in His truth rather than our own perceptions.

Some truths we can repeat to ourselves about God, His character, ourselves, and what God says about us are that:

God is faithful, and His promises never fail (Deuteronomy 7:9).

God is my refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble (Psalm 46:1).

I am fearfully and wonderfully made (Psalm 139:14).

His love for me is everlasting and unchanging (Jeremiah 31:3).

God is in control, and His plans for me are good (Romans 8:28).

In Christ, I am a new creation; the old has passed away (2 Corinthians 5:17).

I am not a slave to sin (Romans 6:6–7).

God works all things together for my good (Romans 8:28).

I am more than a conqueror through Christ who loves me (Romans 8:37).

Nothing can separate me from the love of Christ (Romans 8:38–39).

The Lord is my provider, and He supplies all my needs (Philippians 4:19).

I can be content in all circumstances and do all things through Christ who strengthens me (Philippians 4:13).

I have been redeemed and forgiven through Christ (Ephesians 1:7).

His grace is sufficient for me, and His power is made perfect in my weakness (2 Corinthians 12:9).

I have the Holy Spirit living in me, giving me power and wisdom (2 Timothy 1:7).

He is with me (if I am a believer) always and will never leave me (Hebrews 13:5).

I am chosen, royal, and set apart for God’s purpose (1 Peter 2:9).

I am a child of God, loved and chosen by Him (1 John 3:1).

He forgives my sins and cleanses me from all unrighteousness (1 John 1:9).

Reminding ourselves and others of these truths strengthens our faith, grounds us in His Word, and helps to change our perspectives toward life’s circumstances.