Victory Over Insecurity a 5-Day Devotional by Dr. Robyn L. Gobinနမူနာ

Day 1: Uncovering where insecurity comes from.

At the root of insecurity is feeling inadequate or “not good enough.” A quick Google search of the word “unworthy” returns the following definitions: not deserving effort, attention, or respect; not acceptable; having little value or merit. While the average Christian would agree that these definitions do not define them, many of us secretly struggle with the lingering belief that we are somehow inadequate and ‘not good enough.’ Not good enough can mean different things to different people: “Not smart enough. Not attractive enough. Not interesting enough. Not accomplished enough. Not educated enough.”

There are a variety of legitimate reasons why we might struggle with feeling ‘not good enough.’ For some of us, this mindset developed from a history of abuse or trauma or feelings of unworthiness that were modeled by parents who were overly critical of themselves. Others had a loving childhood with parents who were emotionally available, but managed to develop this mindset due to perfectionism, regret over past decisions, depression, anxiety, unrealistic standards, perpetual self-criticism, and comparison against friends, family, and images, and messages on social media. Some people come to believe they are ‘not good enough’ from negative stereotypes and experiences of discrimination. Yet, despite all these valid reasons, the Bible tells us that God saw us as worthy enough to send His son, Jesus Christ, to lay down His life on our behalf. 1 Peter 2:9 says we are God’s chosen people. When we remember who we are in Christ, our perception of ‘good enough’ begins to shift.

The problem with unworthiness in God’s kingdom is that it stops us from doing what God has called us to do, and it robs us of the abundance and peace God desires for us to experience. People who struggle with unworthiness tend to have low self-esteem, believe they don’t have what it takes, regularly put off doing things that need to get done, focus on their failures and shortcomings, minimize their successes, avoid doing things outside of their comfort zone, expect the worst possible outcome, settle for what they are given rather than going after what they really want, and regularly get in their own way of accomplishing their goals. It’s easy to see how these behaviors work in opposition to what God has called us to do and experience during our time here on earth. But how do we begin to detach from feelings of unworthiness when they are so convincing and habitual? We remember who is most important.

When we say or believe we’re ‘not good enough,’ we need to take it a step further and ask, “For whom”? As believers, our sole focus should be on pleasing God and bringing glory to Him. We experience unnecessary suffering when we try to live up to our own unrealistic standards and other people’s expectations. It’s also important to remember that God has always viewed us as good enough. The Psalmist reminds us that God’s thoughts concerning us are amazing and precious (Psalms 139:17 NIV; NLT). Unlike the way the world works, we don’t have to earn favor in God’s eyes. Hebrews 8:12 reminds us that God doesn’t hold our sins against us. He knitted us in our mother’s womb with a plan and a purpose. We are His masterpiece. He created us to do good things (Ephesians 2:10). The Bible tells us we are fearfully and wonderfully made, and God’s workmanship is marvelous (Psalm 139:13-14). He loved us from the beginning, and that never changes. Nothing can separate us from His love (Romans 8:38-39).

When it comes down to it, no one is ‘good enough’ apart from Christ. We are all imperfect. Yet, God uses us in our imperfect state to accomplish His good purposes. We don’t have to strive to be good enough because God strengthens and empowers us to do what He has called us to do through the Holy Spirit. When we remember who we are and whose we are, we can boldly proclaim I am enough because He is enough!

Reflection Questions: What insecurities are you currently experiencing? What person, situation, or experience first taught you were not good enough?