Lose the Emotional Confusion.... (PART 2)

....gain the clarity to peace.

Be sure to look back at the previous post for greater understanding of this one. While Arterburn (2007) hightlights many emotional states, I would like to focus attention on two that easily entrap many folks: inadequacy and insecurity. Crassly stated, inadequacy tells us that we really don't measure up and insecurity reminds us of our many vulnerabilities.

Arterburn states:

You are inadequate because you are human. [....] If you start to look at your emotions and find that inadequacy is at the top of the list, give up on trying to feel better about yourself and start focusing on feeling better about God. Look at what God has done through you. Look at what God has allowed to happen in your life even though you did not have it all together or have all that others had.

I am going to take the liberty of paraphrasing (maybe, embellishing) Arterburn on the matter of inadequacy; here it goes:

If you have bought the deception that you have to be darn near perfect for God to ever use you, give it up.....you will never be good enough. Remember, we are human. But get this-- God would like to use us anyway, even with all of our imperfections. I know, it makes no sense that God wants to use me or you to build His kingdom, but that's just the way it is. Maybe you and I should worry less about measuring up and just start looking for what God may simply want to do through us.

Regarding insecurity, Arterburn states:

The only place you are truly secure is in your relationship with God. A multitude of scriptures speak to who we are in Christ-- we are loved, forgiven, saved by grace through faith, joint heirs with Christ, blessed with all spirtual blessings, sons and daughters of God, complete in Him, and so much more.

2 Corinthians 1:21-22 God is the One who makes you and us strong in Christ. God make us his chosen people. He put his mark on us to show that we are his, and he put his Spirit in our hearts to be a guarantee for all he has promised (NCV)

Here goes another Fox paraphrase:

You really think anything in this world is going to provide lasting security? I can tell you right now, the only real security in this world is in our relationship with God. It's your choice....you can either base your security on your feelings or on what God's Word says. I'm choosing His Word!

Lord, when those feelings of inadequacy and insecurity rise in my spirit, help me to apply your Word to my life.