I struggle with insecurities just as much as the next girl. Some days are worse than others where I feel like everything is just feeding my insecurities.
- Do I look fat in this outfit?
- Are they talking about me?
- What if they don't like my new haircut?
- What if they don't accept me because …..?
Seriously, it’s not just you and me. We ALL deal with insecurities in some way. Even the most outwardly confident people are most likely hiding their insecurities behind a facade.
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What Causes Insecurity
There are a lot of things that can feed our insecurities:
- past traumas
- experiences of failure or rejections
- loneliness
- social anxiety
- perfectionism or negative beliefs about yourself
In order to know how to combat insecurity, it is important to know the root causes. Oftentimes insecurities can have different faces – appearances, body image, relationships, wealth, possessions, or worries of the future.
According to Psychology Today
our insecurities are developed by the kind of childhood you had, past traumas, recent experiences of failure or rejection, loneliness, social anxiety, negative beliefs about yourself, perfectionism or having a critical parent or partner.” Feelings of worthlessness as a child can carry over into our adult life, impacting our self-perception and how we interact with others.
Related: Never On the Sidelines Because God Chose Me
Satan loves to feed our insecurities because when we are feeling insecure we are focusing more on ourselves than on God. One of his favorite weapons is self-doubt and fear. He wants us to question who we are and how we measure up to other people and the world. He wants us to feel insecure over the purpose of our lives and if we are even good enough. When we doubt God, Satan wins.
But Satan does not reign victorious over our lives – Jesus does! Jesus died on the cross so that Satan would be defeated. There is hope when we put our faith and trust in Jesus.
What Does the Bible Say about Insecurity
Our insecurities as humans started in the Garden of Eden. Think about it, when Adam and Eve were created they were roaming around and minding their own business naked. They didn’t care how they looked or what they were wearing. Until they both had a bite of fruit from the tree of knowledge of good and evil. Immediately we see that they covered themselves and hid from God. Ever since then we have been separated from God.
But God wants so much more for us than to focus on our insecurities. He wants us to see ourselves through His eyes. He views us as His children – worthy of His love. We can stop fighting to be good enough according to worldly standards because He already tells us we are good enough. We are all equally valuable to God. We don’t have to strive to achieve worldly things because He doesn’t care about those things.
Bible Verses About Insecurity
The Bible shows that there were people who experience insecurities and doubts. You are not alone! Here you can find a number of verses that give insight into how we can stop feeding our insecurities.
Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:6-7 NIV
Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, Ephesians 6:10-14
No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to mankind. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can endure it. 1 Corinthians 10:13-14
Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will. Romans 12:2
How To Stop Feeding Your Insecurities
God cares about the heart. He doesn’t want us to be stuck in the negative cycle of insecurities. While different seasons in our life breed different kinds of insecurities, we can learn how to cope with these feelings in a healthy way. We can learn how to stop allowing insecurity to control us. Next time insecurity pops up you can arm yourself with a battle plan.
Understand Your Value
Where does your sense of identity come from? This is a crucial question and an important part of understanding your value. We often try to seek our value and worth from worldly things. As mentioned above, the way you view yourself is majorly influenced by your childhood experiences. Ultimately, security is not to be found in these things as they will also let us down. We also can’t let others determine our value. Letting these thoughts or other people control us will breed fear, anxiety, and depression.
Related: Do You Believe What God Says About You
Our security and understanding of our value begin with Christ. Understanding that you are in Christ is a game-changer. It revolutionizes the way you think about yourself, your self-worth, and your identity. With Christ, we get a new identity. You are created in His image. You are so valuable that God sent His One and Only Son to die for you. He has taken hold of you and placed you in Christ. This is where your value and worth lies. He took up your shame and insecurities on the cross and made us whole. Knowing this will allow you to be set free from insecurities.
Read the Bible
We can only know God’s truth by being in the Word. His truth will always be greater than our insecurities. Here you can learn Biblical affirmations that will help you combat your insecurities when they creep up. I love writing down a handful of Bible verses to keep in my purse so I am reminded constantly of God’s truth. The Bible has so many verses (see above) that can help affirm God’s love for us. He calls us loved because He is love. We are worthy because He is worthy.
Being grounded in the Word of God helps us squash our insecurities with the truth. Looking at life and ourselves through a Biblical lense is so important. When we want to push God away, He holds us even closer. God never let's go. He will not let you slip through His “fingers.” God is here to stay and show you that you are loved in an unimaginable way.
Pray for Insecurities
One of the ways to stop feeding your insecurities is to pray. We have access to the Father who wants us to hand over our worries and insecurities to Him. Ask Him to reveal Himself to you and the wonderful works He is doing in and through you. Ask Him to increase your faith and help you understand His purpose for your life.
Where insecurities lead us to feel down and hopeless, we know that God accepts and loves us for who we are. Yes, the flaws and all. You were fearfully and wonderfully made in His image. If God loves us and accepts us, there is no reason to worry over the people who do not show us the same compassion or situations that might cause us insecurity. When we realize that God is in control, we can let go of the worry that we are missing out. He is good and always wants what is best for us.
As believers, let us use scripture and prayer to transform us more into the image of Christ and to point us to the eternal value that we have in Him. I hope that you will experience God’s love and goodness each and every day of your life.
