Setting Aside Insecurity One Glorious Moment at a Time
Insecurity. It strikes way more than I like to admit. A recurring pestilence set to trip me up on my journey of purpose.
I can count on it to hit with sweaty palms and a racing pulse. Feelings of inadequacy and impending failure follow.
This is when I check my numbers, gauge my progress, question my purpose, and freak out about my performance. I begin to doubt the calling God has placed in my heart. Whether I have what it takes. Whether I heard Him correctly. Whether I’m doing it right.
It’s a little like when my hubby and I brought our first-born home. We gently laid him on our bed. We smiled lovingly at his sweet baby noises. Then we panicked, wondering how we could be so crazy to think we could pull off this parenting thing!
Yet when we quit focusing on our weaknesses as parents and instead focused on doing the best job we could, we began to relax and enjoy our son. Now he’s 19 and still making sweet noises (and I know I am crazy :)).
Now every so often, in a strange de ja vu, panic sets in and I wonder how I could be so crazy to think I could pull off this writing/encouraging thing?
Yet I’ve found that when I look less at the shape of my future and instead focus on the One who is guiding me there, my confidence is renewed.
When I look less at the shape of my future and instead focus on the One who is guiding me there, my confidence is renewed. Click To Tweet
I have to keep reminding myself that it is not about my reputation or success. It (this life, this calling, this purpose) is all about glorifying God. When I’m obedient to Him, the rest will fall into place. I’ll reach who I need to reach, go where I need to go, and do what needs to be done.
We all face times of insecurity, especially when we step out into unknown territory. But our anxiety can be tempered by remembering a few truths:
»Numbers don’t matter—Jesus Christ spoke about the importance of leaving one hundred sheep to go after one lost. In fact, whatever we do for one of the least of these, we do for Him (Matthew 25:40).
»Prestige doesn’t matter—Our Savior died forsaken and humiliated, wearing a ring of thorns as His crown; His closest friends died under similar circumstances. Besides, what good would fame do us once in Heaven?
»Wealth doesn’t matter—The Lord had few material goods during His time on the earth, and His disciples were asked to give up all to follow Him. And we certainly can’t take it with us.
All that matters is that we stay true to the One who calls us, forgives us, and saves us. The One who loves us enough to die for us.
When we do that, insecurity has no place to camp.
When we stay true to the One who calls us, forgives us, and saves us—the One who loves us enough to die for us—when we do that, insecurity has no place to camp. Click To Tweet
And the more I keep my focus on Him, the more I know it’s true:
There’s much more peace working for the glory of God then working for the glory of self.
“Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time. Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you” (1 Peter 5:6-7).
Reflections: What areas are you most insecure about? How do you handle insecurity when it strikes?
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By His Grace,
Julie
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Hello, I'm Julie, an imperfect wife and mother of four. Life in this broken world is not always easy. Yet, joy can be found in each day through the grace and mercy of the Lord Jesus Christ.
I find it's easy for our day's blessings to get lost in its happenings. But God's "mercies never end" (Lamentations 3:22) and His "grace is sufficient" (2 Corinthians 12:9).
May the posts and pages on this site offer you a measure of peace and encouragement.
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Julie, I try to remind myself who I am in Christ, not how I see myself at that moment or how I think others see me. It’s funny, I’ve been getting discouraged a lot lately and I have had this wonderful experience of Christ almost feeding me daily with little things, as if to say, “Keep going, you are right where I want you to me.” I actually had tears in my eyes to today as I was thanking Him. Great post. We are all insecure at times. Kim (you were my neighbor at Wise Woman)
I’ve also experienced Christ’s feeding at times, Kim. It is indeed wonderful! I’m sorry you’ve been facing discouragement. May you continue to set your eyes on only Him and His plan for you. Thanks for popping over.
Another inspiring post Julie! I’d say I am most insecure (right now) about my career work and future. I’m finding security and wisdom in friends who are part of the body of Christ. They just see things differently! 🙂
Insecurity can paralyze us if we’re not careful, Brent. Take care to be regularly built up by those friends. God has a great plan for you–He will reveal it in His perfect timing.
Hi Julie. We both struggle with the same thing. Writing was not my idea, and ten years later, I ask myself, “And, why are you doing this?” (lol)
From personal experience, I know that insecurity is a relative of fear, a family I’d rather keep as strangers.
What motivates me? Of course, I want to be obedient, but I don’t want to end my life with regrets or excuses.
Jesus has helped me through many fears, and I pray He will help us both when fear/insecurity raises its ugly head again. Keep writing, my friend. Blessings!
Thanks for the sweet encouragement, Marisa! I have no doubt I haven’t seen the last of the fear and insecurity, but I serve a God who is bigger than all the fear in the world. If I continue to look to Him for my guidance and worth, fear/insecurity will never win. Blessings to you, my fellow traveler.
So glad that you shared this post. In reading it, this thought struck me – insecurity will fade as I keep my eyes on the One Who gives me purpose. I visited from Winsome Wed. 🙂
Welcome! I think you nailed the key to keeping insecurity at bay. Glad you came over.
You are so dead on with this topic. Thank you for writing this and for being so bold to keep going in Jesus’ name. Thanks for linking up this week and just simply, for being my friend.
You are an incredible inspiration to me, Rachel. Honored to call you friend.
As a nominal Christian, I used to worry and get uptight. As I grew in the Lord, I learned to trust in Jesus.
It is so important to continue to nurture our relationship with the Lord. That’s the only real way to find peace in this life. Thanks for your comment, Cecelia.