Anxieties And Insecurities

Mengxi Yang, Australia

Romans 5:1-5

devotional

After reading this passage I was reflecting on how joyful we should be in knowing we are in God's Kingdom, but how often this can be missing in our lives. I realized that a major reason why myself and others lack joy in the Kingdom of God is because of insecurities and the anxieties of life.

People have many insecurities in their lives in relation to their wealth, looks, popularity, abilities, family background and so on. In society today, this is so apparent with social media. People admire and idolize celebrities and their lifestyle, pursuing the perfect body and the perfect house. We can be so quick to compare themselves with those around them and often strive to have superiority over others. All in all, this breeds insecurity and anxiety as we strive to conform to society and people around us rather than in God.

For me, I have many insecurities because of my desire to prove myself to others and because of the high standard I have created for myself based on my past experiences. These fears and insecurities have driven me to look to short-sighted achievements and ways to boost my pride , which in turn causes me to have less gratitude and joy towards God and the life He has blessed me with.

This scripture however directly tells us why we need to rejoice in all circumstances of life no matter what. It teaches us that we rejoice in our sufferings for developing endurance, for forming noble characters and for growing in our relationship with God and filling our lives with God’s love above all else. The greatest gift and joy in life is knowing God and remaining in His love rather than pursuing all these other things that produce insecurity and anxiety. Ultimately, all good things come from God even the difficult times in our lives, that God will so we always have a reason to rejoice in God.

reflection questions

• What are some insecurities and anxieties in your life that are stopping you from rejoicing in God?

• Would those around you describe you as a joyful person?

• What is your attitude towards suffering? Do you view it as an opportunity to grow closer to God?

challenge

Memory scripture: Philippians 4:4-9

 practicals

• Share with others about the ways God has worked in your life recently

• Spend quality time with God in prayer and praise Him

• Have a gratitude list. To list everyday things to be grateful for