Overcoming Your Insecurity

Insecurity is a real problem with many people.  Individuals live their entire lives feeling like they never "measure up" to what others expect of them, and they are constantly comparing themselves to other people.  God's desire for each of us is to live in such a way that we are confident and secure in who we are in Christ and what we can do in His power.  However, people with insecurity never see themselves as God sees them.  God looks at each person as important and valuable.  Fortunately for us, God doesn't judge us by the standards of the world and the world's expectation, but He looks at us based on our future not our past.  And God deals with us on the basis of what we can do, not what we haven't done!  Romans 8:35-39 tells us that "nothing will ever separate us from the love of  Christ!"  No matter what we face, no matter what the world thinks of us, God will always love us.  With that in mind, let's examine some of the causes, effects, and solutions to insecurity.

There are many causes for insecurity.  Some of them include:

• Unpredictable childhood environments
• Tragedy
• Underdeveloped skill and talents because of a lack of encouragement
• Unrealistic rules and regulations
• Poor self-image
• Growing up without positive feedback

Effects of insecurity include:

• Difficult time establishing lasting friendships
• Indecisiveness
• Anger
• Problems meeting other people
• Attempts to hide their insecurity

How to deal with insecurity:

• Acknowledge that insecurity is a spiritual problem
• Reinforce your relationship with God
• Acknowledge your feelings and identify the way you are
• Realize the way you see yourself is not necessarily the way you are
• Focus on the positive qualities of your life
• Stop comparing yourself to others
• Overcome any doubts through the Word of God

Although some insecurities are very deeply rooted and may take years to overcome, the Holy Spirit can miraculously change our way of thinking about ourselves if we will only allow Him.  As children of God we are sons and daughters of the Most High King and as such we should act accordingly.  If you struggle in this area, here are several scriptures that may help you conquer your insecurity.  (Romans 8:37; 2 Corinthians 10:4; Ephesians 6:10; Philippians 4:13; Colossians 1:13; 2 Timothy 1:7; 1 John 4:4; Romans 5:17; Romans 8:31; Isaiah 54:17; Proverbs 3:5-6; Romans 12:2; John 8:31-32; Galatians 3:13-14)

What insecurity are you dealing with, that God is ready to deliver you from?

Pastor Dick Temple
Senior Pastor
Bethel Church, Choctaw