I felt anxious from the moment I walked into the new Sunday school class. Without warning, countless insecurities filled my mind. I suddenly felt very ugly and very alone.
This isn’t an uncommon situation for me. Insecurities often consume me. Whether I’m at work, in class, at church, or with friends, I can expect to feel unconfident and even intimidated.
Unfortunately, insecurity is just a part of life. There’s no way to avoid it or delay it. We can’t expect it to go away when we get older, and we can’t better ourselves so that we no longer experience it. It’s simply a consequence of the Fall when Adam and Eve sinned in the Garden of Eden. But there is something significant that you should know about insecurity that you’ve probably never heard before.
Insecurity in a Nutshell
According to Dictionary.com, the definition of insecurity is a “lack of confidence or assurance; self-doubt.” When you enter a social situation—especially a new social situation—you’ll probably feel insecure. We all do.
That’s the secret about insecurity that nobody shares: Everyone feels insecure.
Your neighbor might be bragging about his amazing family again, but he probably feels insecure. There may be several people trying to befriend the new woman at church, but she probably feels insecure. Your coworker might be snickering at you as you train in your new job, but he likely feels insecure. We all feel intimidated and powerless in social situations.
Our insecurities might revolve around our relationships, jobs, bodies, homes, finances, spirituality, or even social media followers. Though this aspect of life doesn’t go away, it can get better. Here are a few things to remember when you’re dealing with insecurity:
1. Everyone struggles with insecurity.
Even if we can’t see others’ discomfort and self-doubt, they have it. They probably won’t express it, and they may not even realize that they have it. We can’t expect others to discuss their fears and social anxieties, but we should be aware that everyone has them.
2. We don’t need to be afraid to share our insecurities.
It’s hard being the first one to share our fears and worries. However, discussing them openly can help others be encouraged to do the same. Your honesty can assure others that they’re not struggling alone.
3. In contrast, we can (and should) find friends who are willing to share their insecurities.
The reverse of being a genuine friend is having genuine friends. You can draw strength from knowing that other people are asking the same questions and doubting the same things that you are. Their honesty can assure you that you’re not struggling alone.
4. Understanding who we are in Christ eases our worries about who we think we are.
You can focus on what you feel like you are or who you wish you were, but those aren’t healthy things to focus on. Instead, choose to focus on who you are as a Christian. No matter how insecure you feel, you can trust that you are loved unconditionally by the King of kings.
Bearing One Another’s Burdens—and Insecurities
In his letter to the Galatians, Paul stated, “Bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ” (Galatians 6:2 ESV). We aren’t designed to carry our struggles, doubts, and insecurities alone. We must support others—and be willing to ask for support—because the body of Christ is called to do so.
My hope is that you’ll realize that everyone is uncomfortable in social situations and that everyone has doubts about themselves. You may not be able to see others’ insecurities, but those insecurities are just as real as yours. The key to dealing with insecurity is remembering that you don’t have to feel alone in it.
Tizzie's Tidbits of Truth 