The Prison of Insecurity

February 22, 2012 — 7 Comments

Everyone deals with insecurity differently. I spent most of my adult life trying to pretend my insecurity away. I pretended to be better than I really was. I acted like I was closer to God than I really was. I dressed like I had more money than I really had. I spoke with more confidence than I really had. I portrayed that I was a better husband than I really was. Most people would tell me that I struggled with pride, but it was a false pride, born out of insecurity.

I wasted so many days, weeks, months, years worried about what other people thought of me. I can remember speaking on a Sunday morning, and not getting as many compliments as I needed, so I’d go and ask people if they thought it was good. I have bought things I couldn’t afford to impress people I didn’t even like. I’ve said things that weren’t true to cause someone to think I was more important, or more gifted or wiser than I really am. I’ve worried myself sick over what someone thought of clothes that I wore or a comment that I made or a message I preached.

Insecurity will put you in a prison of second guessing. It will infiltrate your friendships. It will erode the intimacy of your marriage. Insecurity will convince you that you aren’t good enough so you better pretend to be better than you really are, and in that moment the YOU that God longs for you to be is lost.

The only cure I’ve found for insecurity is admitting just how insecure you are. It is ironic, actually. The greatest weapon against insecurity is to say, “I’m not secure in who I am.” It is in that moment, God has the room He needs to be all you’ve pretended to be.

Have you seen insecurity rob you of the person God’s created you to be?

 

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Justin and Trisha

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Justin & Trisha are authors, bloggers, speakers and teachers in Nashville, TN. Their first book, Beyond Ordinary: When a Good Marriage Just Isn't Good Enough releases January 2013. You can find more info HERE.
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  • GaryK

    It is ironic….I am learning each day how insecure I was and still am with who I think I am.  It is only when I allow the mask of lies to be removed and allow HIS truth to penetrate me to see the fragility of my humanness and the POWER of HIS grace and mercy do I see my worth.  I agonize over how long it took to get to this place and how many mistakes it took me to find HIS TRUTH.  Is it possible to be sad and rejoice at the same time?  Thanks for being the brother I never had and for walking this path for me to see so openly.  I know it is not easy, but so worth it for you an others.

  • Amanda Huffer

    Thank you so much for sharing on this subject as this is a huge struggle for myself and I believe many others. I have struggled my whole life with insecurity and it only deepened within the past few years as many things spiraled out of control (things I had no control over) in my life. It has been so hard to be this insecure person and try to outwardly portray that I am not. It is a never ending fake facade. Last year I admitted to my spouse and a dear close aunt about just how insecure that I am. I also made that confession aloud to God. He has been working in me to change this and is working in His timing. I see a difference day by day and for that I am grateful. The peace of it all is amazing. I will say that the devil still tries to come in to try and take my joy but I am getting better and better and put him in his place with all his lies. I am so thankful for a God that can deliver me from something that is so detrimental. It keeps us from growing in Him. I am growing up in Christ more each day. Thanks so much for sharing your heart and story on insecurity. It is so refreshing and comforting to know that you are not alone.

  • http://kevinmartineau.blogspot.com Kevin M.

    Justin, I can totally relate to what you have said in this post.  I struggled with insecurity/fear for many years.  It took a big wake-up call for me (a medical leave from ministry) to begin the journey toward freedom.  Insecurity/fear holds us in bondage.  Being the person that God wants you to be and has created you to be (no matter what others may think of you) is true freedom!

  • http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=123100007 Meggan Schwirtz

    LOVED this! Thank you.

  • http://www.eileenknowles.com/ Eileen

     Great words.  “Have I seen insecurity rob me of the person God created me to be?”  Oh boy,  have I.  I spent many many years allowing this fear to dictate my decisions in life.  You are so right.  Once we admit it…it loses it’s power and the freedom begins. 

  • Diane1230

    Oh my goodness.  Replace father wth mother and you have written my story.  I’ve struggled with insecurity for as long as I can remember.  This Lenten season, THAT’S what I want to give up! :-)

  • Kathy

    I never thought I was insecure in myself until I read the book by Beth Moore about Insecurity!  It is great!  It did show me that  I am insecure and that  I DO NOT have to claim that !  I AM SECURE IN CHRIST!  That provides freedom and releases control of all things to the One who deserves the control.