Even when you doubt yourself, you can still trust God...
I am incredibly grateful for the people in my life who have seen something in me that I didn't or couldn't see in myself. Insecurity and lack of confidence affect all of us, but there are others—and most importantly, God—who see in our lives what we may not. Join me as we explore how to find our true identity and strength through faith.
The Impact of Insecurity
For me, insecurity doesn't take much to trigger. It could be something as simple as a weird look from someone that makes me wonder if they don't like me or if I have something in my teeth. Even after COVID, our interactions feel awkward, adding another layer to my self-doubt.
Silence is particularly daunting. If I've created something and hear nothing, I immediately question whether it was good enough. Every one of us suffers from insecurity or lack of confidence at some point, and it manifests in various ways. Whether you’re a people pleaser, always fishing for compliments, or a name-dropper, these feelings can steal the life God intended for you.
God Confidence vs. Self Confidence
Here's the thing: we don’t need more self-confidence; we need to cultivate God confidence. Living with holy boldness means placing confidence not in ourselves but in God. As we read in Jeremiah 17:9 or Matthew, our own hearts and flesh can be deceitful and weak.
King David once wrote in Psalm 57, "My heart is confident in you." This is the type of confidence we should have—confidence in God’s identity and His view of us. Today, let me share three truths that will help cultivate a sense of God confidence.
Three Truths to Cultivate God Confidence
1. My God is Always for Me
Some of us grew up thinking God was always out to catch us doing something wrong. This isn't the true nature of God. As parents, we don’t wait for our children to mess up just to scold them; instead, we want the best for them. We aim to cultivate steadiness and freedom in their lives. God does the same for us.
As Paul wrote to the Romans, "If God is for us, who can be against us?" He is cheering you on, always striving to compel you in the right direction. We live not for the approval of God but from the approval we already have.
2. My God Always Helps Me
If you're unsure or lack tools in a specific area, God is ready to help you. What He has done in others' lives, He can do in yours as well. Paul wrote to the Philippians, expressing confidence that God continues to work within us, even in our weaknesses.
During a challenging time when my father was dying, my husband’s presence at the hospital gave me strength. It exemplified how God’s presence can change everything, providing strength and confidence.
3. My God is Still Working in Me
Times when I’ve fallen short remind me that God is still working on me. God doesn't quit or give up when faced with our imperfections. As Paul told the Philippians, God will carry on His good work in us until the day of Christ Jesus.
We are works in progress, and God’s patience is infinite. Let go of believing you're not good enough; these are lies. The truth is, God has a purpose for you, and your purpose is powerful when rooted in God’s word.
Conclusion: Living in God's Truth
Your circumstances do not define you. You are enough, and with God’s love, His promises are yours. My prayer for you is to not only hear these truths but also feel and experience them. This will transform your fear of needing others' approval because you'll know that God is profoundly in love with you. Amen.
Let's pray for freedom from past doubts and lies—may we embrace the truth and find strength in our faith.
