. DEALING WITH INSECURITY Introduction One of the things we all struggle with from time to time is insecurity. This could best be described by the antonym of this word, security. Security is defined as being free from danger, a stable condition or freedom from risk or uncertainty. One must ask, “Can this even exist in our world?” Probably not. We can shelter ourselves from some things but in life there is always something creeping in the shadows and following us everywhere we go, that something is called the unknown. How many times have we all said, “If I had only known”? Surely the world would be a completely different place if we could “know” everything before it happens. Unfortunately, or maybe fortunately that is not the case. When life’s uncertainties come crawling out of the shadows there is a way to face them with the confidence that everything will turn out alright. Now don’t get me wrong, I’m not talking about things that come up because of our bad decisions or willingness to do what is wrong. These things have consequences that often we cannot escape. I am talking about the uncertainties that come out of the blue that we live in fear and anguish of. The truth is, you don’t have to live in fear and anguish of the unknown because there is a way to be free from this kind of torment. You can live an overcoming and victorious life! To find this way we need to go to the source of truth, The Bible. One man comes to mind when dealing with this subject, Barak the son of Abinoam. (Funny name but interesting story) He is listed as one of the heroes of faith. How did he get to a place of faith and recognition in the pages of the Bible? He overcame his insecurity and you can too! Question #1. Do you deal with insecurity to the point that it stops you from being productive? Barak the son of Abinoam “And what shall I more say? for the time would fail me to tell of Gedeon, and of Barak, and of Samson, and of Jephthae; of David also, and Samuel, and of the prophets:” Hebrews 11:32 (KJV) The story of this man starts out in the Old Testament book of Judges. “And she sent and called Barak the son of Abinoam out of Kedesh-naphtali, and said unto him, Hath not the Lord God of Israel commanded, saying, Go and draw toward mount Tabor, and take with thee ten thousand men of the children of Naphtali and of the children of Zebulun?” Judges 4:6 (KJV) Israel was in a place where they needed leadership badly. The enemies had planned to come against them and action was necessary. Action of this sort demands that someone be in charge that is confident and without insecurity. The man who was called for the job ironically was a man who had insecurities. We know he struggled with this because first of all he had to be called. He didn’t step up to the plate so to speak and apply for the position. Deborah (who was a judge in Israel) called him probably because of his leaning toward insecurity. You might say, “Why would she have done a thing like that? I thought they needed someone secure and confident?”. Well, she probably called Barak for this very important job because she knew he would deal with his problem and not let it overcome him. She knew him to be a humble man and one who would not cover up or mask his problem. We too need to uncover the problem and face it with courage. “He that covereth his sins shall not prosper: but whoso confesseth and forsaketh them shall have mercy.” Proverbs 28:13 (KJV) One way that people cover up insecurity is through an image of pride and false security. It reminds me of the cat. Maybe you have seen this one in real life. A cat, when faced with danger will always turn sideways, bow its’ back high and puff its’ tail out to twice its’ normal size. It looks quite impressive and threatening but in reality it’s just a ploy. It is an example of pride at work. The cat isn’t really bigger it is just puffed up. Maybe you have seen people do the very same thing. They get degrees in college to make their name look bigger and more impressive but in reality may be struggling in their marriage relationship because of a basic insecurity. They are good at business, make a lot of money and live in a nice home but struggle to connect with their children because of a basic insecurity. You see, it is not the things we are good at that make us what we are. What you truly can become is determined not by talent and ability but by overcoming your weakness. When weaknesses are overcome we are in a true sense set free and have the ability to excel. Question #2. Are there some things you would like to excel at? What to do When the Job is Bigger Than You? Barak was told by Deborah what needed to be done. Fight Sicera (a mighty general) and defeat him. Wow, what a job? Talk about the uncertainties of life here. One moment he is living his life in comfort and peace and the next minute the phone rings and he is called to do something he is not really secure in doing. What did he do? Barak didn’t allow his insecurity to defeat him, he actually used it to his advantage. “For by wise counsel thou shalt make thy war: and in multitude of counsellors there is safety.” Proverbs 24:6 (KJV) The last thing he had in mind was to do the CAT. He knew it wouldn’t work. Instead, he turned to Godly council for the strength to overcome his weakness. We must do the same. He made a decision to trust Deborah for advice and leadership as he led the armies. This is the same thing that we must do when confronting insecurity. The truth is that God has people who are able to help us when we need advice in making critical decisions. There’s no need to put on a show of pride and know-it-all. That road is for fools. The wise will seek and follow advice to their betterment while the fool will puff up and go his way to hurt and trouble. Question #3. What is the benefit of admitting your insecurity and dealing with it? The Outcome of Pride The outcome of pride is vividly displayed in this segment of scripture through the life of Sisera, the enemy that Barak was to fight. “And Sisera gathered together all his chariots, even nine hundred chariots of iron, and all the people that were with him, from Harosheth of the Gentiles unto the river of Kishon.” Judges 4:13 (KJV) Nothing is said of Sisera seeking counsel or praying to God for direction. He simply did what many people do, the CAT. Puffed up and turned sideways he made a show of his weaponry and men. This was pride on display. God dislikes pride and will not bless it. “Pride goeth before destruction, and an haughty spirit before a fall.” Proverbs 16:18 (KJV) If you are dealing with insecurity by using pride and false security as a cover my prayer is that you will see the error of this way. It cannot and probably has not worked for you. Pride actually shows others how weak and ineffective you are. It cannot deliver when the going gets tough. Pride is like a balloon that is pumped up. All that’s needed is a small pin prick to make it explode into many pieces. Sisera came to the same fate as those who lean on pride as the cover-up for insecurity. It was prophesied that he would die by the hand of a woman and that’s exactly what happened. You can read the entire story for yourself in Judges chapter 4. “And she said, I will surely go with thee: notwithstanding the journey that thou takest shall not be for thine honour; for the Lord shall sell Sisera into the hand of a woman. And Deborah arose, and went with Barak to Kedesh.” Judges 4:9 (KJV) Question #4. Was Sisera blessed by his show of pride? Do you think we can be blessed when we allow pride to lead us? The Outcome of Humility and Faith Let’s look again at Judges 4:9. The outcome of pride and humility are both brought out in this verse. Sisera was to die at the hand of a woman, (the highest of insults at that time). And Barak would not get the credit for his leadership. In other words Barak actually was just doing what he was told and the credit went to someone else. At this point I must ask you a question, “Do you need credit for the results?” If you do then this will not work for you. On the other hand, if you are simply interested in the result of victory over the enemy of insecurity and are willing to let someone else take the credit, then welcome to the conquerors club! Barak learned the secret of victorious living over his weaknesses. He learned the power of leaning on a God called woman to direct him. She told him where to go, when to go and how to go. He simply followed the directions and God brought him to a place of victory. Barak trusted Deborah because she was a prophetess of the Lord. She was not giving him random advise as so many do today. Your friends and family may not have the right advise for you. The question you should ask is, “Do I have a man of God in my life?” If you do, then you may rest in the warm glow of Gods’ security and comfort. If you don’t you may find yourself going from one place to another with no positive results. Some men, because of pride will never listen to a woman for advise even if she is right. Question #5 As you read the story of Barak can you see the positive results of trusting in God and leaning on Godly advice? Insecurity can be Turned Into Security There is hope for you in dealing with insecurity. The answers are found when we lean on God and his men and women who have answers. Victory is for the humble who understand their weaknesses and go for help. “…out of weakness were made strong…” Hebrews 11:34 (KJV) There is no reason for you to wallow in the mud pit of insecurity when you can go for the gold of Gods’ secure and proven way. His way will always be sure. God wants you to be happy and victorious. He knows (and wants you to know too) that you can turn your insecurities into strength. Through the power of HIS Spirit you can know the joy of true freedom. “If the Son therefore shall make you free, ye shall be free indeed.” John 8:36 (KJV) You can turn your insecurities into something positive with Gods’ help. When you apply these simple principles and seek his power great things can happen. Always remember you can’t do it alone. Humble yourself and submit to council. Learn to trust and lean on others who walk with God. Look at help as a great blessing from God. Question #6. If you struggle with insecurity list some things you plan to do to overcome it. Conclusion Thank you so much for going through this lesson. I trust it has been a blessing to you. If you have any questions please feel free to ask them and we will respond via e-mail as soon as possible. Would you like someone to talk to about your situation, let me know and we will give you a way to contact them. If you have a friend that this lesson may help, let them know! May God bless you and lead you into a life of inner peace and security. FW
Posted on: Mon, 27 Jan 2014 00:33:28 +0000
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