We all have deep-seated insecurities.

   They may vary greatly in form and type, but they are there nonetheless.  And I know all too well how it feels to live in an atmosphere wherein a HUGE emphasis is placed on performance, works, productivity and appearance.  Everything else becomes secondary.   This results in weighty self-consciousness to an unbearable degree.

"Am I doing it right?"
"Am I good enough?"
"I should just try harder."
"I NEED to work on this in my life."
"If only I could just _________."
"I need to get better at _______."

And the list goes on and on and on.

   It seems there are always a hundred different ways to be "wrong" and it is highly likely that you could possibly be doing something wrong without even knowing it.  So, you are constantly on high-alert....guarded and watching and wondering and hoping that you are hitting the mark.  All the while inwardly doubting that you are.

   Lately, I feel like I've been given a taste, just a NIBBLE really, of what it truly means to find my identity in Christ.  To find freedom in Him.  To live under grace.

   And my vision blurs and my head starts spinning because my entire life I have been so programmed to focus on myself rather than focus on the person of Jesus Christ.  Although I can't even begin to claim that I have "arrived" or that I have figured it all out, I am hungry to.  Needy, thirsty, and maybe even a little bit desperate, to learn more about what it means to be justified by faith in Christ.

"For He rescued us from the domain of darkness, and transferred us to the kingdom of His beloved Son, in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins." - Colossians 1:13-14

"Therefore there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus has set you free from the law of sin and of death." -Romans 8:1-2

"After you have suffered for a little while, the God of all grace, who called you to His eternal glory in Christ, will Himself perfect, confirm, strengthen and establish you." -1 Peter 5:10

"Nevertheless knowing that a man is not justified by the works of the Law but through faith in Christ Jesus, even we have believed in Christ Jesus, so that we may be justified by faith in Christ and not by the works of the Law; since by the works of the Law no flesh will be justified." - Galations 2:16

   And now it's your turn....do you deal with insecurity?  How do you combat that by running to the cross?  What are some verses/books that have breathed life into you lately?  I'd love to hear!

*SIDE NOTE* I was humbled and honored to be featured recently over here at Embellish Productions.  Such an amazing feeling when something you write resonates with/encourages/speaks life into someone!  That is my deepest desire and aspiration for this little blog.