Overcoming Self-Doubt / Author: Cynthia Greene
Self-doubt can be a stumbling block in our life that cripples us from moving forward and taking action. Self-doubt is defined as a lack of faith in oneself; a feeling of doubt or uncertainty about one’s abilities or actions. (Source)
Self-doubt hides within fear, insecurity, self-sabotage, and procrastination. It robs us of our faith, confidence, trust, hope and decision making. It can become a heavy emotion that prevents us from moving forward.
Self-doubt can come from past experiences, comparison, worry about what others think of us, discouragement, indecisiveness, fear of failure, or dependency on others for our value.
Are we alone in this struggle? No, the Bible is full of Biblical figures that showed doubt and fear at different times in their life. Examples include:
- Moses was insecure about his ability to fulfill God’s calling on his life.
- Sarah doubted God when He promised her a child.
- Thomas doubted Christ’s resurrection. (John 20:27)
- Peter feared walking on water. (Matthew 14:31)
Overcoming Self-Doubt
The world will tell you that the solution for self-doubt includes things like self-confidence, positive self-talk, affirmations, and building up our strengths. These actions all depend on leaning into your own abilities, strength, and wisdom. Although these steps might work in the short-term, over time insecurity and doubt can creep back in.
Instead of following worldly advice, Scriptures tells us to rely and trust on God and the strength and wisdom that He alone provides to His people.
Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to Him, and He will make your paths straight. (Proverbs 3:5-6)
Replace the lies of the enemy with God’s truth.
We overcome self-doubt when we bring God into all aspects of our life and look to Him for our source of strength, trust, help, guidance, courage, and wisdom. Here are some scriptures to help with this.
| Self-Doubt Says…. | God Says… |
| I can’t ____ | Everything is possible for one who believes. (Mark 9:23) |
| I don’t have the strength to ____ | We can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. (Philippians 4:13) |
| It is impossible to _____ | All things are possible with God. (Luke 18:27) |
| I can’t ____ | Trust in the Lord and he will direct your paths. (Proverbs 3:5-7) |
| I might fail. | Take courage and have hope in the Lord. (Psalm 31:24) |
| I am afraid of___ | Do not fear, for God is with you and He will strengthen and help you. (Isaiah 41:10) |
| I know things will not work out. | All things work together for good to them that love God. (Romans 8:28) |
| I am not good enough. | We are God’s masterpiece. (Ephesians 2:10. Psalm 139:14) |
| I don’t know what to do. | Trust the Lord…and He shall direct your paths. (Prov 3:5-6) |
Take your worries, doubts and fears to God.
- God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power, love and a sound mind. (2 Timothy 1:7)
- Don’t worry about anything, instead pray about everything. (Philippians 4:6)
Prayer
- Ask God for wisdom, strength, confidence, skills and the abilities you need.
- Ask God to help you look to Him and not doubt.
- Ask God to bring to mind His Truths.
Stop comparing yourself to others.
- Comparing ourselves to others is not wise. (2 Corinthians 10:12)
- Comparison opens the door to lies and steals our confidence.
- God gave each of unique talents and abilities. (Romans 12:6)
Journal Prompts
- What do you doubt about yourself?
- What is self-doubt stopping you from doing?
- What thoughts are feeding your self-doubt?
- What are you afraid of?
- What lies are sowing seeds of doubt and fear?
- Write out a scripture(s) that focus on being God-Dependent.
Song: Philippians 4
