Thank You for making me so wonderfully complex! Your workmanship is marvelous—how well I know it. – Psalm 139:14 NLT
“You’re just lazy!” my teacher said as I struggled with my math homework. I had been in an accident that put me in the hospital for the final six weeks of second grade which caused me to miss the multiplication tables lesson. As a result, I struggled throughout the third grade to catch up with my peers. I knew I wasn’t lazy, but those comments fed my insecurities. Most people, as teenagers, were filled with self-doubt and insecurity. We can easily worry about what people think about every aspect of our lives.
As adults, we can continue to face insecurity to the point that we are our own worst enemy. Insecurity manifests in various forms, causing us to doubt ourselves, our worth, and our abilities. But we are called to live in the freedom Christ offers us. Through God’s Word and His unfailing love, we can break free from insecurity and embrace the abundant life He has prepared for us. Here are five steps you can take to break free from insecurity.
1. Embrace your identity in Christ. First, you have to know who you are. The Bible tells us we are fearfully and wonderfully made in the image of God (Psalm 139:14). We are His masterpieces, created for a unique purpose. When you focus on your identity, you can silence the lies of insecurity that attempt to rob you of your confidence. Tell yourself regularly out loud, “I am God’s masterpiece.”
2. Receive God’s unfailing love. Insecurity often stems from a fear of rejection and a need for approval from others. However, God’s love for you is constant and unconditional. He has promised to never leave you nor forsake you (Deuteronomy 31:6). Knowing you are deeply loved by the Creator of the universe, gives you the courage to face your insecurities head-on and find solace in His acceptance. Tell yourself regularly out loud, “God loves me.”
3. Practice gratitude and praise. It is easy for anyone to focus more on their flaws and shortcomings. However, shifting your perspective towards gratitude and praise can transform your heart. Instead of dwelling on what you lack, count your blessings and acknowledge God’s faithfulness in your life. Gratitude redirects your focus from self-doubt to God’s abundant goodness, filling your heart with joy and contentment. Remember to practice praising God out loud.
4. Prize God’s promises. Get out of your head and look to the truth found in Scripture. The Bible is filled with many promises that remind you of God’s plans to prosper you and give you hope and a future (Jeremiah 29:11). As you meditate on these promises, you can build a strong foundation of faith, trusting God is in control of your life. His promises will reassure you that you are secure in His hands, and nothing can separate you from His love (Romans 8:38-39). Read the promises of God out loud over yourself.
5. Pursue community. God designed all of us to live in community with one another. Surrounding yourself with supportive and uplifting fellow believers can help you break free from insecurity. As believers together, we can encourage, uplift, and pray for one another, reminding each other of God’s truth and His calling over our lives.
Breaking free from insecurity is a process that requires intentional effort and reliance on God’s Word. As you embrace your identity in Christ, reflect on His unfailing love, cultivate a heart of gratitude, stand on His promises, and build a supportive community, you can experience the freedom He offers. Remember the words of the apostle Paul in Philippians 4:13, “For I can do everything through Christ, who gives me strength.” With His strength and grace, you can break free from insecurity and live boldly, knowing that you are cherished and empowered by the One who holds your future in His hands. Walk in the freedom of His love and embrace the abundant life He has prepared just for you.
Dig Deeper
1. How does understanding your identity as fearfully and wonderfully made in God’s image impact the way you view yourself and your insecurities?
2. In what ways can you actively embrace God’s unfailing love in your daily life to counteract feelings of insecurity and seek His approval above all else?
