It would be nice if they would stop after middle school, it would be nice if they would stop after high school, college, first job, marriage, children, mid-life, or retirement. Insecurities can be a foe that follows us from the first day in kindergarten when being teased regarding the way you dressed, or spoke, or looked (kids can be cruel) to feeling that you really do NOT have the ability to be in that educational program or be in that new job (and when the one in charge sees you for who you are (or the lack of who you are) you will be let go).
What type of insecurities do you deal with?
Possible Reactions to the Foe:
When faced with this ugly enemy, one possibility is to listen to the insecurities and believe them as absolute truth. From this choice, one can be ruled by them by not living and experiencing life. You may not meet those new people, look into that new job, or ever feel secure in any relationship you have. The other extreme is you may feel these insecurities, you may hear the messages being played in your head but you fight them by saying and acting in the opposite manner. You may fight these insecurities by replacing them with messages such as "at least I am better than that person" or "I am going to make sure I get this promotion no matter who I walk over". A dangerous cycle that can lead to living a life of pride. Others may ignore these messages and act in ways that are very much linked to them, but never realize WHY they are doing these self-destructive behaviors.
How have you reacted to insecurities throughout your life?
The Cure for the Foe:
Is there a "right" or "healthy" reaction to insecurities? Is it possible to be cured from this foe that can follow us from crib to grave. What would that even look like? If being cured does not take on the appearance of listening and agreeing with the statements nor acting or stating the complete opposite how could one reach what is TRUTH and live in FREEDOM from insecurities? Next time an insecurity rises within you, next time when that negative message comes to you, try a few of the following:
Pay attention to what you were doing (or about to do) or who you were around when this feeling and message came to you. Sometimes certain people/places can be triggers of insecurity for us. You may be better prepared when the circumstances present themselves again.
Ask yourself, "Is this a message from God or the enemy (also known as the father of lies)?".
Ask God to reveal the truth to you concerning this message. Remember there is nothing that God cannot reveal to us about ourselves where God cannot fully heal.
Find a trusted friend or spiritual mentor to help you process through this journey. Don't allow insecurities to follow you to the grave.
And remember the following:
I sought the LORD, and he answered me; he delivered me from all my fears. Psalm 34:4 (NIV)
Resources:
Moore, B. (2010). So Long Insecurity: You've been a bad friend to us. Carol Stream, IL: Tyndale House Publishers.
Silent Cries, Secret Wounds, Experiencing God's Healing Touch. (Sermon Series at Mecklenburg Community Church by James Emery White).
Spiritual Mentors are available in Community Care at Mecklenburg Community Church. For more information click here.
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