Wednesday, June 5, 2024

Insecurity is defined as “uncertainty or anxiety about oneself; lack of confidence.” If I take a moment and ask myself what triggers insecurity in me, I would say being unconnected from my identity in Christ.

At my best, I know that I am loved, accepted, and forgiven, and that people's opinions and circumstances around me could never change that. At my worst, I too often lean toward pleasing people, putting a spiritual name on it, so I can look good. Unchecked insecurity can make us question what God has said and lead us away from God’s best. 

God asked Saul to destroy the Amalekites for what they had done to Israel. This was a punishment that Saul was sent to enforce. The Lord was very specific that Saul was to destroy absolutely everything, but Saul chose to keep the king alive and allowed his men to take the best of the livestock. 

1 Samuel 15:13 
When Samuel finally found him, Saul greeted him cheerfully. “May the Lord bless you,” he said. “I have carried out the Lord’s command!” 

As Samuel rebuked him, Saul continued to defend himself, saying he had done what the Lord asked, but then the truth came out.  

1 Samuel 15: 24 
Then Saul said to Samuel, “I have sinned. I violated the Lord’s command and your instructions. I was afraid of the people and so I gave in to them. 

While Saul once had been humble and obedient, he lacked trust in God’s provision. His unchecked insecurities affected how he saw his reality. In an effort to please those around him, he was easily swayed by their opinions, causing him to disregard obedience to the Lord. Sadly, it eventually cost him his very position as king.  

Let’s learn from Saul and agree that obedience to God leads us to our best life. Jesus came for us so that we could be free and live in peace while serving him in this fallen world. Even when our circumstances look bleak and our relationships crumble, nothing can separate us from the love of God. 

Let's acknowledge the places in our lives where we are insecure, and go after them with the truth that we are secure in Jesus Christ!

Questions:
In what areas in your life do you feel less than confident?

Who do you find yourself likely to compromise to please?

Next Steps:
Ask a trusted friend to give you feedback about that area where you lack confidence in—allow them to speak truth into your life. 

This week let the voice of God be louder than the voice of the people you are trying to please. 

Prayer:
Thank you, Jesus, that I am able to get up today and participate in your plans. You have good things for me to do, and I thank you! Make my paths straight so I may walk in your spirit as I go about my day. Give me the strength to love my enemies and obey your word. Thank you for your promise that I will have your supernatural peace regardless of my circumstances. Amen. 

Series Theme Verse:
Psalm 37:3-4 
³ Trust in the Lord and do good. Then you will live safely in the land and prosper. ⁴ Take delight in the Lord, and he will give you your heart’s desires.

Today’s post was written by April Willer, a regular contributor to the LivingItOut devotional.