I Used to Be Afraid to Be Seen

I have a confession to make. I used to hide from being around people because I was in such a deep state of insecurity, I couldn’t handle being in a situation where I’d be seen. Just the thought of others seeing me not at my best gave me immense anxiety.

When my husband started a remote position with an organization that’s based out of state, we traveled for a visit to the home office, where we were invited to a dinner with a few executives. I couldn’t bring myself to be put in a situation where I’d have to talk to people because at the time, I was so insecure about who I was.

So there I sat in the hotel room alone, hiding. While my husband went and met some amazing people from his new workplace, I missed out. Looking back now, I feel sad that I allowed myself to become so entangled in my insecurity that I couldn’t step outside of myself, outside of my comfort zone to be there for my husband. I was so fixated on myself and my own discomfort that I had abandoned him.

I’m sure my husband didn’t view it that way. He’s loved me through all my insecurities. But I felt guilt and shame that I allowed my insecurities to rule me.

Not only was I afraid to be seen, but I was afraid of the people around me and their opinions of me. Yet God’s Word specifically says two things that relate to this deep-seated fear:

1. “Am I now seeking the approval of man, or of God? Or am I trying to please man? If I were still trying to please man, I would not be a servant of Christ” (Galatians 1:10 ESV).
2. “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, and the knowledge of the Holy One is insight” (Proverbs 9:10 ESV).

These verses really helped me through my personal battle of insecurity. If I’m placing the Lord first in my life, then my need to please Him comes before anyone else.

I don’t know about you, but I find freedom and rest in that truth. To aim to please God before man gives me a sense of relief because I know that even if I mess up, God will never change His mind about me. The same goes for you, friend.

If you’re struggling with feelings of inadequacy or insecurity, know this: God created you and knows every detail about you. He sees every flaw, every insecurity, and every mistake, yet He still loves you the same because His love is unwavering.

So step out of hiding. Let His light shine on you so that it can reflect on others.

-Britt

Reflection Questions

1. Be honest for a second: are you letting others’ opinions of you dictate your confidence in yourself?
2. In what ways are you currently feeling insecure or inadequate?
3. What do you think God has to say about the areas in which you’re feeling insecure?