Yep there it is, the word we all know to well, Insecurities. The struggle can be real when facing these. For women I feel like it has to do more with body image but for men maybe more of am I good enough but both can happen to all of us. Regardless of what insecurities you face lets talk about how God can get us through them!
I struggle with body image on a daily basis, its not always the prettiest battle and its not always the easiest. Insecurities can make you feel like complete crap and facing them can be rather difficult. The good news is God left us a whole book (The Bible) with so many helpful words and advice on how to deal with these stubborn thoughts from the enemy!
Let’s start with Genesis, Genesis 1:27 states “So God created human beings* in his own image. In the image of God he created them; male and female he created them.” We are created in Gods image, he made us exactly how he wanted us. He picked our body, our hair, our eyes every single detail! But yet we can struggle so much with the enemy getting into our head telling us “you’re ugly” “you’re to fat” “you’re to skinny” “you’re not enough” etc…
Now fast forward to Psalm 139:14 which states “You are beautiful, for you are fearfully and wonderfully made.” and Song of Solomon 4:7 “You are altogether beautiful my darling there is no flaw in you.” You see God knew the enemy would fill our heads with these thoughts and insecurities but he prepared Bible verses for that. He tells us we are beautiful and without flaw because he made us in his image. Just knowing that you are beautiful to God is enough, knowing he looks at you and automatically thinks that.
The problem is in todays culture if you aren’t up to date with the latest trends, fashion, or even up to someone’s standards they will let you know which is not okay. “Your beauty should not come from outward adornment, such as elaborate hairstyles and the wearing of gold jewelry or fine clothes. Rather, it should be that of your inner self, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is of great worth in God’s sight.” (1 Peter 3:3-4) We should not live our lives based on what the world thinks or says about us, we should live our lives off of what God said about us and what God thinks about us.
After reading 1 Peter 3:3-4 we learn that our beauty doesn’t come from the outward appearance, our beauty lies within our spirit! You can quickly conclude that insecurities come from the world because the world only wants to look at what’s on the outside, they don’t want to take the time to see what’s on the inside. Someone could have the sweetest and purest spirit but they would still get labeled ugly by the world because of their outward appearance. We can’t allow the world to get in our heads and change the way we see ourselves, our self image needs to be in Christ!
Insecurities are an issue within the flesh. Here’s what God says about flesh related problems: “Therefore, brothers and sisters, we have an obligation—but it is not to the flesh, to live according to it. For if you live according to the flesh, you will die; but if by the Spirit you put to death the misdeeds of the body, you will live. For those who are led by the Spirit of God are the children of God.” -Romans 8:12-14. You see if we continue to allow insecurities in, we are slowly killing our spirit. We are supposed to die to self everyday, “Jesus answered him, “Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born again he cannot see the kingdom of God.” (John 3:3), “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come.” (2 Corinthians 5:17).
In order to face the insecurities we have to go to God, we have to leave them all at his feet trusting he is going to help us get through them. We have to die to ourselves and pick up the new creation that we are in Christ! Get in his word, he left us a whole book that is filled with so much advice regarding any insecurity you may face. “I’m not good enough” -Jeremiah 1:5, “I’m ugly” -Isaiah 64:8 and so much more. I’m telling you the Bible is filled with so many kind words our heart and head need to hear and know when facing insecurities so that with the help of God we can defeat that enemy!
Key Bible Verses:
–“Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship. Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.” -Romans 12:1-2
–“Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires.” -Galatians 2:20
–“Don’t you know that you yourselves are God’s temple and that God’s Spirit dwells in your midst?” -1 Corinthians 3:16
Songs to help:
-You say By: Lauren Daigle
-God only knows By: For King & Country