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I felt secure as a child because God blessed me with a loving, supportive family, but I’ve struggled with insecurity since I was a teenager.

When I was in junior high, I was promoted to a class filled with overachieving, critical teens. One girl seemed to revel in chipping away at my self-esteem. In hindsight, I think she was jealous of me—but the damage remains.

God has given me success. He blessed me with the talent to play the trumpet. In marching, concert, and jazz bands, I was a soloist from tenth through twelfth grade. People still tell me I play well in my church’s praise band. He anoints my lips to play the trumpet and honor Him with music.

God also opened the door to the Christian writing world and compels me to write. He hounds me until I get to work—then writes through me. I unlock my heart, submit my work, and let God handle the results.

Regardless of how much encouragement I receive, I still don’t believe in myself. Nor do I see myself as a gifted writer or trumpet player. I simply do what God tells me to do. God, in turn, blesses me with a sense of quiet trust when I use my talents to do the good works to which He has called me.

Daunting though it may be, approaching life without self-confidence is what God inspires me to do. He wants me to feel secure in His will—not mine—and rewards me with a deep sense of peace when I obey Him.

Obedience dissolves insecurity. The Holy Spirit takes over when we submit to God’s will for our lives. Believing I’m obeying the Holy Spirit—rather than writing and playing music to bolster my self-confidence—is essential for me.

We don’t have to believe in ourselves. We can simply trust that God is ministering through us and will use the talents He gives us to touch and encourage others who yearn for what God alone can provide: security. 

(Photo courtesy of pixabay.)

(For more devotions, visit Christian Devotions.)