Self-Doubt

“You keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on you, because he trusts in you.” Isaiah 26:3 ESV

“You ought to discover some principle, you ought to have some great faith that grips you so much that you will never give it up. Somehow you go on and say, ‘I know that the God that I worship is able to deliver me, but if not, I’m going on anyhow, I’m going to stand up for it anyway.’” Martin Luther King, Jr.

Self-doubt is not necessarily a bad thing, especially if it motivates you to seek information or help. Overthinking and self-condemnation are. There are many things I doubt about myself, and some are obvious like starting a career in quantum physics. I do not have any talent, passion, or genius in that area. The Father did not make me a scientist or an Einstein either. But doubting some decisions I need to make without the correct information is also a foundation for increasing self-doubt. Continuing in a pattern of choosing toxic things or people to be in my life will solidify self-doubt.

Genuinely asking and seeking are the tools to diminish self-doubt. You may bring a toxic person back into your life and wonder why. This may lead to valuable information about healing yourself instead of self-loathing. You may quit drinking over and over before you are successful. More valuable information to be successful the next time.

Sometimes we may cling to a “spiritual guru” or another we admire. It may be your pastor, a successful person or an author. This clinging will not work in the long run because we’re clinging to a flawed person or fantasy.  They can be an encouragement to seek, change, and motivate but not to be used as an idol. Cling to the Father instead and see how He will work in your life and be encouraged by Him. (Psalm 63:8)

The second is patience. Some self-doubts are easy to resolve but most are not. We’re not a mushroom that grows in the dark overnight. We are becoming Christ-like. This takes the rest of our Earthly lives.

Perfect peace is yours. Yes, we may want to kick ourselves to the curb, condemn ourselves and quit quitting. That’s not peace. That’s giving up. Keeping our focus on “the prize of the Upward Call” will. (Philippians 3:14)

Musings

We are striving and running in circles when we have self-doubt. Self-doubt is another flashing light on our life’s dashboard that something needs attention. It’s a caution and not a condemning judgment. Ask the Father: What is this You’re trying to teach me? Who? How? When? With self-doubt removed, we will seek and find clarification.

Prayer

Dear Father,

When we doubt ourselves, it’s a call to look upward to You. There are so many things we can’t understand here on Earth but we know You do. Help us to place our doubts with you and continue to seek Your will. May we continue to possess the prize of the Upward Call.

In Your Son’s name, amen.