Years ago, the Lord began to deal with me on a certain issue that I had been struggling with for quite some time. It was one of those things that I knew was there, but just assumed it was normal and something I should live with. It seemed more painful to address, than to hide and pretend didn’t exist. It was insecurity. And it wasn’t leaving without a fight.
The definition of insecurity is: not sure or certain; doubtful; inadequately guarded or protected; unsteady; not firm or fixed.
I’m not sure when insecurity began to creep in. As a child and teenager, I don’t recall obsessing over my looks or what others thought of me. For the most part, I considered myself friendly and outgoing. But somewhere in my adult life, the switch was made. Instances where I would have been comfortable, now had me squirming and looking for the exit. Talking to others started to feel embarrassing and I would leave thinking about all of the stupid things I had said. I was not secure in my own skin and more importantly, I was not secure in Christ.
Colossians 3:15 says…..”And let the peace that comes from Christ rule your hearts.”
The term “rule” in this sentence comes from athletic terms. Paul is telling believers that God’s peace should be the umpire or referee in our hearts. That He should decide what is safe to stay or what needs to be thrown out of the game. Without His peace as our filter, we will fight a losing battle. Our natural thought will always be opposite of the Word of God. They will always lead us astray.
Philippians 4:6-7 says…..”Don’t worry about anything; instead pray about everything. Tell God what you need and thank Him for all He has done. Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus.”
Insecurity robs us of peace and joy. It pulls our focus and attention inward causing us to look at our inabilities rather than Christ’s ability. It places us on the throne instead of Jesus. True peace isn’t being problem free or having everything we want in life. Our security doesn’t come through perfection or the opinions of others. But when we properly guard our thoughts and stand upon God’s Word, we can fight against the devil. That’s where we can walk in the fullness of His Spirit and be true examples of Christ. It has nothing to do with us and everything to do with Him.
Our walk with The Lord is a daily reminder that we can do nothing in our own strength. Though insecurity may show its ugly head from time to time, we have the power to overcome and remind ourselves who we are in Jesus. And remind the enemy of his future. I don’t want to be so distracted with my flaws and shortcomings that I miss the will of God for my life. He deserves my undivided attention. He deserves the best that I can offer. So, while I’ll never be perfect, I can rest knowing that He looks at me through the blood of Jesus. He sees me, not as I am, but who He’s shaping me to be. And that is something worth smiling about!
