Self Doubt

We all experience

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

“The cross reminds us that it is in pain and suffering that we experience our transformation—not in our efforts to improve ourselves or avoid sin.” David G. Benner

Self-doubt is not necessarily a bad thing, especially if it motivates us to seek information or help. Self-doubt helps me to turn it over to God. Overthinking and self-condemnation are spinning my wheels and hurting my faith—hurting me. There are many things I doubt about myself, and some are obvious, like my ability to start 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 also lays the foundation for increased self-doubt. Continuing in a pattern of choosing toxic things or people to be in my life will solidify self-doubt. Paralysis!

Genuinely asking and seeking are tools for diminishing self-doubt. You may bring a toxic person back into your life and wonder why. This may lead to valuable insights into healing yourself rather than self-loathing. You may quit drinking over and over before you are successful. More valuable information comes your way so you can succeed next time.

Sometimes we may cling to a “spiritual guru” or someone else 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 not surrender. That’s giving up. Keeping our focus on “the prize of the Upward Call” will motivate. (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? We remove self-doubt when we 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.