An Abundant Life Or An Insecure Life?

Yesterday we discussed what might be holding us back from receiving all God has for us. The discussion was enlightening and encouraging. It’s something we don’t talk about often, but I believe healing and wholeness takes place when we’re honest with ourselves and open with each other.

I realized I have a number of “things” that have held me back over the years. Insecurity is the one I shared yesterday.

A recent experience caused insecurity to reemerge.

Like I wrote yesterday, I thought I had this insecurity thing buried. But somehow it surfaced again recently in a situation with some of my girlfriends. This group of friends is like a lifeline to me. God has intertwined our lives in such a beautiful way. Life without them would be empty. They encourage me, support me, pray for me, put up with me, and are willing to do life with me. Their presence in my life is nothing short of a gift from God. I can be real, raw, completely honest, and am able to be myself with them.

We chat almost daily through a group text, and through this very means of communication I invited them to an upcoming event where I will be speaking. How much fun it would be to spend extra time with these dear “sisters!” I sent my text and waited for a lively response. I waited… and waited some more. Silence for hours followed. And so did the whispers of the enemy of my soul.

“No one really wants to hear you speak. You shouldn’t have invited them.”
“They don’t love you like they say they do.”
“Your friends would rather do anything else than spend time with you.”

And the biggest one of all:

“See, you don’t fit in.”

The whispers grew louder with each passing hour, and I nearly started to believe each one. But, maybe my text didn’t go through? Maybe no one received it? I hoped this was the case. I sheepishly shot out another text, asking if anyone received my earlier invitation.

The flood of texts poured in, and so did the love. Yes, they all received it and were either buried with other activities that afternoon or were checking schedules or were waiting to confirm with their families. I opened my heart to them and explained how the enemy used the silence to bring up insecurities of my past. More love poured in through my phone. I should have known better than to second-guess my relationship with these amazing, beautiful friends.

The enemy of our souls knows how to get to us. He does all he can to discourage us, to cause us to doubt what we know to be true, to distract us from God, and to disrupt God’s plan for our lives.

Jesus, however, knows this and extends to us hope.

The thief comes only in order to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have and enjoy life, and have it in abundance [to the full, till it overflows]. John 10:10 AMP

I needed the reminder:

Jesus came to give us an abundant life, not an insecure life.

Friend, if you’re like me and find yourself grappling with any kind of insecurity, may I encourage you to remember who you are in Jesus. We are secure because of Him. You fit in because of Him. You matter because of Him. We are victorious because of Him. We have an abundant, eternal life, all because of Jesus.

I can chuckle at this experience now, but I’m thankful it opened my eyes to how this insecuity can sneak back in and threaten the abundant life I’ve been given.

I invite you to join the conversation below, and share your experiences, thoughts, beliefs about letting go of insecurity and living an abundant life in Jesus. I look forward to conversing with you!

Much love,

Julie