Insecurity

I suppose if we were totally honest, we would all admit to some insecurities about ourselves. I have always cared too much what people thought about me. As I’ve matured, I’ve tried to put aside those misgivings in knowing that God loves me unconditionally. No need to fear what others think.

Being interested in the psychology of human nature, I have found it interesting to discover that some of the funniest people use humor to mask their insecurities. And some of the seemingly self-assured, even pompous people are hiding their fear or loneliness under a facade that’s hard to penetrate. But they need love more than they want to admit.

Jesus, who taught us how to love perfectly, was the master of unmasking people’s pretenses. Here’s an example: (Matthew 9:1-4, NIV).

Jesus stepped into a boat, crossed over and came to his own town. Some men brought to him a paralyzed man, lying on a mat. When Jesus saw their faith, he said to the man, “Take heart, son; your sins are forgiven.” At this, some of the teachers of the law said to themselves, “This fellow is blaspheming!” Knowing their thoughts, Jesus said, “Why do you entertain evil thoughts in your hearts?“

Do you see how Jesus knew both the inner faith of the believers and the unbelief of the hypocritical religious leaders who refused to believe?

My point is that God knows our hearts, as well as our actions. And He, who loved us “while we were yet sinners” (Romans 5:8), continues to love us beyond measure.

I am persuaded that neither death nor life, nor angels nor principalities nor powers, nor things present nor things to come, nor height nor depth, nor any other created thing, shall be able to separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord. (Romans 8:38-39, NKJV).

Now that’s a place of security! We can be sure, along with the apostle Paul, that we are loved perfectly by a perfect God. Are you confident in that safe place? My insecurities as a musician were disabled when other great musicians gave me their vote of confidence. But should I ever have let my insecurities define me? Does it really matter what others think as long as God is at work in me? Not that I should be proud of my accomplishments or talents. I just should humbly let Him use me to love and bless others however He wishes.

Are there some insecurities that you need to relinquish to the One who knows your heart and loves you, warts and all?