The Promise of Security

1. Embrace change as a catalyst for personal growth

God uses change to change us. He doesn't use it to destroy us or to distract us but to coax us to the next level of character, experience, compassion, and destiny.

Change is inevitable. As humans, we often resist change, seeking comfort in the familiar. However, God uses change as a powerful tool for our personal growth and development. By embracing change, we open ourselves to new experiences, challenges, and opportunities that shape our character and deepen our faith.

Growth through discomfort. Change often pushes us out of our comfort zones, forcing us to confront our fears and limitations. This discomfort is precisely what we need to evolve and mature in our faith and personal lives. By viewing change as a positive force rather than a threat, we can:

• Develop resilience and adaptability
• Gain new perspectives and insights
• Strengthen our reliance on God's guidance
• Discover hidden talents and abilities
• Cultivate empathy and compassion for others

2. Find security in God's unwavering love and promises

Just wait and see. I get that orphaned feeling every time I kneel at my parents' graves. But here's the good news: you can indeed look for that kind of love from God, and He will always love you and take care of you like the perfect father does his child.

God's love is constant. In a world of uncertainty and instability, God's love remains unchanging and ever-present. This unconditional love provides a foundation of security that transcends our circumstances and relationships.

Promises that endure. God's promises, as revealed in Scripture, offer comfort and assurance in times of doubt and fear. By anchoring ourselves in these promises, we can:

• Find peace in the midst of chaos
• Trust in God's provision and protection
• Overcome feelings of abandonment or rejection
• Experience the Father's love in a profound way
• Build a sense of security that is not dependent on external factors

3. Cultivate confidence through faith and self-awareness

Flee from arrogance, but whatever you do, hold tightly to the confidence you have in Christ.

Balanced confidence. True confidence is rooted in a healthy understanding of our identity in Christ, rather than in our own abilities or accomplishments. This Christ-centered confidence allows us to acknowledge our weaknesses while embracing our God-given strengths.

Self-awareness and growth. Developing confidence requires honest self-reflection and a willingness to confront our insecurities. By cultivating self-awareness and relying on God's strength, we can:

• Recognize and challenge negative self-talk
• Embrace our unique gifts and talents
• Set and pursue God-honoring goals
• Overcome fear and self-doubt
• Inspire and encourage others through our example

4. Overcome loneliness by recognizing God's constant presence

God knows we're insecure. But we do not need to be. And He will not leave well enough alone. He has enough security for both of us, and for those of us who call Christ Savior, He slipped His own secure Spirit within our simple jars of clay.

Never truly alone. Feelings of loneliness and isolation are common human experiences, but as believers, we have the assurance of God's constant presence. Understanding and embracing this truth can transform our perspective on loneliness.

Cultivating divine companionship. By nurturing our relationship with God, we can experience a deep sense of connection and companionship that alleviates loneliness. Practical ways to cultivate this divine companionship include:

• Developing a consistent prayer life
• Meditating on Scripture and God's promises
• Practicing gratitude for God's presence
• Seeking God's guidance in daily decisions
• Engaging in worship and praise, both individually and corporately

5. Discover your true value and significance in God's eyes

Every now and then a moment of clarity hits us, and we feel known by something—Someone—of inestimable greatness.

Inherent worth. Our value and significance are not determined by our achievements, appearance, or social status, but by our identity as children of God. Recognizing this truth frees us from the constant pursuit of worldly validation.

Embracing divine perspective. When we align our self-perception with God's view of us, we experience a profound shift in our sense of worth and purpose. This divine perspective enables us to:

• Reject harmful comparisons and self-criticism
• Embrace our unique design and purpose
• Find confidence in God's unconditional love
• Live with authenticity and vulnerability
• Pursue God-given dreams and aspirations without fear of failure

6. Clothe yourself in strength, dignity, and God's presence

When Scripture tells us to "put off your old self . . . and to put on the new self," it's inviting us to think in terms of taking off and putting on clothing.

Daily spiritual dressing. Just as we choose our physical clothing each day, we must intentionally clothe ourselves with spiritual attributes that reflect our identity in Christ. This practice reinforces our new nature and empowers us to face life's challenges.

Strength and dignity. By putting on strength and dignity, we carry ourselves with confidence and grace, regardless of our circumstances. Practical ways to clothe ourselves spiritually include:

• Meditating on Scripture that affirms our identity in Christ
• Practicing positive self-talk and affirmations
• Surrounding ourselves with encouraging people and influences
• Engaging in acts of service and kindness
• Cultivating a spirit of gratitude and praise

7. Nurture healthy relationships through clear vision and boundaries

We can see people "like trees walking around." Not as fellow human beings. Not as peers on planet Earth. Our female eyes have a strange way of viewing the opposite sex as something more or vastly less than they really are.

Clarity in relationships. Developing healthy relationships requires a clear and balanced perspective of others, free from distorted perceptions or unrealistic expectations. This clarity allows for genuine connection and mutual respect.

Establishing boundaries. Healthy boundaries are essential for maintaining strong, respectful relationships. By setting and communicating clear boundaries, we can:

• Protect our emotional and spiritual well-being
• Cultivate mutual respect and understanding
• Avoid codependent or manipulative dynamics
• Foster open and honest communication
• Create space for personal growth within relationships

8. Embrace your identity as God's prized possession

He chose to give birth to us by giving us his true word. And we, out of all creation, became his prized possession.

Divine selection. Understanding that we are chosen and valued by God transforms our sense of identity and purpose. This truth provides a foundation of security and significance that transcends worldly measures of worth.

Living as God's beloved. Embracing our identity as God's prized possession impacts every aspect of our lives. It empowers us to:

• Live with confidence and purpose
• Reject negative self-talk and harmful comparisons
• Pursue God's calling with boldness
• Extend grace and love to others
• Find peace and contentment in God's approval

9. Transform feelings of unlovability through God's healing power

God cured me of my own gross unfaithfulness. He healed my unloveliness with His own love. As I live and breathe, I am not the woman I used to be.

Divine restoration. No matter our past or present struggles, God's love has the power to heal and transform our deepest wounds and insecurities. This healing process allows us to experience and extend genuine love.

Embracing God's love. As we open ourselves to God's healing love, we undergo a profound transformation that impacts our self-perception and relationships. This process involves:

• Acknowledging our need for healing and forgiveness
• Receiving God's unconditional love and acceptance
• Allowing God's truth to replace lies about our worth
• Extending forgiveness to ourselves and others
• Cultivating a lifestyle of gratitude and praise

10. Rise above competition and conflict with grace and compassion

Don't repay evil for evil. Don't retaliate with insults when people insult you. Instead, pay them back with a blessing. That is what God has called you to do, and he will bless you for it.

Breaking the cycle. In a world often driven by competition and conflict, we are called to respond with grace and compassion. This countercultural approach not only honors God but also promotes healing and reconciliation.

Cultivating a spirit of blessing. By choosing to bless others, even in the face of hostility or competition, we reflect God's character and experience personal growth. Practical ways to cultivate this spirit include:

• Praying for those who mistreat or compete against us
• Seeking to understand others' perspectives and motivations
• Responding to criticism or insults with kindness and empathy
• Finding ways to encourage and support others, even rivals
• Focusing on personal growth rather than comparison or competition

Last updated: September 29, 2024