3 Biblical Statements for Christians Who Struggle with Self-Doubt
How to Build Biblical Confidence
If you’re one of those people who always feels good about yourself and wins at everything you do, this is not for you.
If, however, you’re like a lot of us who believe in Jesus and believe the Bible is the Word of God, but still battle with insecurity, read on.
Waves of confidence and insecurity
I’ve been a Jesus follower for many decades. I love Jesus, love studying the Bible, and believe it is all true.
But in some areas of my life, I believe God’s words more than in others.
I believe with all my heart, soul, mind, and strength that Jesus is the way, the truth, and the life. I believe that what He accomplished on the cross and through His resurrection and ascension are enough to make me righteous in God’s sight and give me assurance of living forever with Him.
There are many areas of my life that I have really strong faith in God’s words.
But I have others where I struggle. I don’t struggle all the time, but various times.
Godly confidence in who God has made me to be and the value I can bring to the world is one of them.
It’s not all the time, but it comes far more often than I would like.
For longer periods of time, I have real confidence that I really have gifts that help people and build God’s kingdom. During those times, I have a much higher spring in my step and do much better work.
But, far too often, thoughts and feelings sneakily creep into my soul. I entertain thoughts like, “There are so many who are doing what you do, and they do it so much better. Go do something else.”
Or
“Sure, a few thousand people are reading your materials, but there are many who are reaching tens of thousands, hundreds of thousands, even millions. Put away your lap-top and go watch TV.”
It’s like the waves of an ocean. Fairly consistent times feeling good about myself and consistent times where I don’t.
Imposter Syndrome is Real and Common, Even for Christians
It’s ironic. One of the things I’ve been really good at over the years is helping Christians see what God has gifted them to do and then develop steps to do it.
I’m still amazed at how much easier it is for me to see the wonderful gifts and strengths in other people and struggle to see them in myself.
Many books and articles address “imposter syndrome”. It’s the feeling many have when they endeavor to move into unfamiliar territory in their lives. It might be a higher level in management or leadership. It might be when starting a new business or ministry.
It’s the feeling that “I’m an imposter. If people really knew how unprepared or ungifted I am for this role, they would not trust me.” I’ve read about it in so many books. I know it is very common for many people.
So, if you are like me and have times where you struggle with this, here are a few biblical weapons to help you fight against it.
Every Bible reader knows how highly Scripture talks about David. He is mentioned by name more than any other person in Scripture, aside from God.
David, the man after God’s own heart, the man who fulfilled God’s purposes for His generation, the man from whom the Messiah would ultimately come, wrote these powerful self-doubt destroying words:
“For you formed my inward parts;You wove me in my mother’s womb. I will give thanks to You for I am fearfully and wonderfully made; wonderful are Your works, and my soul knows it very well.” (Psalm 139:13–14, NASB)
Just from these two verses, here are 3 powerful self-doubt shrinking ideas (There are MANY more woven throughout the Bible):
- God Himself formed me the exact way He wanted me.
The most brilliant mind in existence decided I was worth creating, and He created me the way He wanted me to be.
God could have caused me to be born in a different time, in a different place, with different gifts and talents. But in His love and perfect judgment, He specifically, hand-crafted me and made me the way He wanted.
I am a one of a kind, God-creation.
I am fearfully and wonderfully made.
Yes, Me!
2.God’s Works are Wonderful
When I look up at the stars on a clear night, it’s easy for me to worship God and be in awe of His power and beauty.
When I stand on the shore of the ocean, it’s hard not to worship Him, be in awe of Him, and recognize just a little bit of His greatness..
When I hear some people sing, see other people run incredibly fast, or others build an architectural wonder, I am amazed at the abilities God has put in people.
I may never be a household name, but if I believe the Bible is the word of God, I also have to believe that not only are God’s works in others wonderful; they are also wonderful in me.
3. It’s biblical for my soul to deeply believe, to know I am a God-creation.
David’s greatest desire was to know God and live His purposes (Psalm 24).
Part of what enabled him to live out God’s purposes and plans for him was this STRONG belief.
“Wonderful are Your works, and my soul KNOWS IT VERY WELL.”
David had grown to such a degree that he no longer, or rarely, struggled with imposter syndrome. He had such confidence in God that He KNEW very well that God’s wonderful works included him.
This is what I want planted so deeply in my soul that it grows to be a big, massive tree of assurance; of knowing.
Sometimes, when I’m feeling down on myself, the Holy Spirit brings to mind this thought. “Mark, when you bash yourself and entertain thoughts about how awful and worthless you are, you are bashing what God Himself has made.You believe God created you, right?”
I reluctantly respond, “Yes.”
Then comes the Holy Spirit’s words, “Then stop bashing what God has made. See yourself the way God sees you. You are a special, hand-crafted, fearfully and wonderfully made creation of God Himself.
Your failures and mistakes do not erase that fact.”
It’s easy for me to see it and say it to others, but it’s much harder for me to see it and say it about myself.
No Jesus follower wants to be arrogant. But in my up and down way, I’m slowly embracing the fact that God’s word is always true, even after I’ve failed or blown it.
Even then, ESPECIALLY THEN, I need to remind myself, God says I am a hand-crafted God creation and yes,I am fearfully and wonderfully made.
It is not arrogant to say what God says about me.
I’m still working on the “and my soul knows it very well” part. But I know I need to, and embracing this is important for me to fulfill my part in God’s purposes and plans.
If I believe my feelings more than God’s word, then I reduce or shut-down much of the flow of God’s grace which empowers me to do what God calls me to do.
But when I say “yes” to Him and His words, it opens the pipeline of the Spirit to be and do what He says about me.
I hope this encourages my fellow self-doubt wave riders.
One last thought
What if all of us would embrace these truths, step on self-doubt and embrace the gifts and talents God has put in us? What if we would then take steps to follow the dreams and visions God has put in our hearts?
How would that change the world? How would that change you?
I’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments section..
If you would like more resources on spiritual growth and purpose fulfillment, head over to www.TruVineMission.com
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