How do you know you are insecure? What behaviors show up when you are feeling insecure?
“For the Lord is your security. He will keep your foot from being caught in a trap.” Proverbs 3:26 NLT
Dead works are those works that we do by our own efforts which often result in frustration and discouragement. Insecurity is a ramification of trying to do life using our own might and power. Perhaps you experienced this during the past week?
A negative emotion will quickly crash your picnic when you are insecure, usually in the form of self-doubt which is fueled by fear or worry that you will not measure up in some way or fall short of people’s expectations OR your own inner expectations. Insecurity is the result of placing your security in anything but God.
In Exodus 32 we read about insecurity. Moses left to go meet God and get the 10 commandments. The people started to get restless and insecure so they started to look for an idol to place their security in: the golden calf. In the midst of our insecurity and uncertainty, we get tired of waiting and so we take matters into our own hands and start to create our own golden calf in an attempt to gain control.
How do you know you when you are insecure? You will experience a negative emotion usually in the form of self-doubt which is fueled by fear or worry that you will not measure up in some way or fall short of people’s expectations or your own expectations. Insecurity is placing your security in anything but God.
When was the last time you felt secure? It’s usually when you are using the gifts and talents God has blessed you with for the Glory of God. What emotions do you remember feeling when you felt secure? These emotions flow from your connection to God: I am using the gifts God has given me to glorify God.
Humility: not to think less of yourself but thinking of yourself less – CS Lewis. As we anchor our identity in Christ, the first phase of Emotional Intelligence in Christ, we start to think of ourselves less and think of God more. This results in an altruistic attitude, the 3rd phase of Emotional Intelligence in Christ.
Insecurity increases in the midst of our fear of not knowing…how the future will turn out, what the test score will reveal, what people will think. Let’s focus on what we do know:
- Jesus is our security, our way, our truth and our life. (John 14:6)
- The world and its desires are passing aways and the man or woman who does the will of God will live forever. (1 John 2:17)
- Without God we can do nothing, all things are possible with God (Matt. 19:26)
- God is our security; He will keep our foot from being caught in a trap. (Proverbs 3:26).
Do you believe this? If we trust in anything but God, we will be insecure…if we seek refuge in anything but God, we will be insecure. When we seek our identity in anyone or thing other than God, we will become insecure. The only thing that counts in this life is faith expressing itself through love (Galatians 5:6). How do we become free from insecurity? By reclaiming our identity in Christ, remembering Whose we are, and Who we belong to. “For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works which God prepared in advance for us to do.” Ephesians 2:10.
When we experience God’s unconditional love within us as we accept His Son as our personal Lord and Savior (the message of the Gospel of John 3:16) we are set free from a life of sin (placing primary in our life other things above God). When we place our sense of security in God and anchor our identity in who He says we are, we experience rest, confidence, and safety. “We are the righteousness of God in Christ Jesus.”
Take Action:
Write out the following verses and store them in your pocket, pull them out and read them anytime you feel the emotions associated with insecurity:
“My soul finds rest IN GOD ALONE; my salvation come from Him. HE ALONE is my rock and my salvation; He is my fortress, I will never be shaken…Find rest, O my soul, IN GOD ALONE; my hope comes from Him. HE ALONE is my rock and my salvation; He is my fortress; I will not be shaken. My Salvation and my honor depend on God; He is my mighty rock, my refuge. Trust in Him at all times, O people; pour out your hearts to him, for God is our refuge.” Psalm 62:1-2, 5-8
Lauren E Miller, M.Ed, MSC, ICF-PCC
As a stress relief expert, award winning author, motivational speaker, HRD trainer, Edge God In podcast host, and certified executive and life coach, Lauren facilitates fun process driven programs with guidance, support and accountability creating positive sustainable behavioral change in business and personal life.
Lauren has worked in youth and adult ministries for over 30 years. Through God’s mercy, grace and strength, she uses her experience simultaneously conquering two of life’s top stressors: cancer and divorce to help others destress and successfully move through challenges.
Happily, remarried and gratefully enjoying life in Colorado with a loving husband, three grown children and two grandchildren, Lauren is often found in the kitchen dancing to her favorite worship music or rolling around on the floor with her two dogs.
Lauren holds a Masters in Adult Education with a Certification in Human Resources Development | Advanced Neuro-Linguistic Programming (NLP) Basic & Master Certification | Faculty Shift Leadership Training | Master Sherpa Executive Coach (MSC) and ICF Certification PCC | 2nd degree blackbelt World Tae Kwon Do
Lauren has produced 8 CD’s and five 3 minute/30 day Audio/Visual Personal Excellence/Wellness Programs. She has authored 9 books, 3 of which are Award Winning:
- Hearing His Whisper…with every storm Jesus comes too
- 99 Things You Want To Know Before Stressing Out!
- Stop Letting the World Be the Boss of You! 25 Solutions to Refresh Your Identity in Christ
Edge God In Podcast: http://EdgeGodIn.com
