Devil's Dart: Insecurity

We live in a time of immediate gratification and assurance based on the Jiminy Cricket philosophy that when we wish upon a star, our dreams will all come true. It begins with the need to establish our own importance, to be plugged in. We come to depend on the opinions of others - often people with no credible background. We develop an insatiable need to “know.” And when, for some reason, this “reality” comes tumbling down, our world and our personal identity seems shattered. Rather than opening our eyes to the power of God, our insecurity often pushes us farther into the abyss of confusion and procrastination. We have been taught to “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding.” But when “understanding” is skewed by insecurity, it is difficult to trust anyone - God, ourselves, or others.

Scripture tells us of those who became insecure after changes rocked their lives. Moses, adopted son of the Pharaoh, let anger rule his actions and he had to flee Egypt as an accused murderer. King Saul, fearful of battle with the Philistines and unable to approach God for direction, consulted a medium for advice on the coming combat. Elijah hid in a cave to escape the wrath of Jezebel. The disciples gathered in the upper room after the crucifixion of Jesus, fearing action from the Chief Priests. While our insecurity may not be life threatening, nevertheless, it can change our world, bringing fear and uncertainty into our lives, undermining our faith.

The power of the dart of insecurity lies in our innate belief that we are self sufficient - that we can handle our own problems. Perhaps Satan teases us with a taste of success and we begin to believe the lies of self security. When the walls come tumbling down - and they will - our courage and ambition are washed away in a deluge of self doubt. Insecurity insinuates we are worthless. And yet God sacrificed His Son for “whosoever believes.” John 3:16

The answer to this dilemma lies in the power of prayer. Prayer is our connection to Almighty God Who alone is able to break the bonds of insecurity. It would seem that giving up control would be a welcome opportunity. But often those who suffer the most from insecurity have the greatest difficulty turning their fears over to God. Insecurity carries a side-issue of self protection. Fearing that the exposure of insecurity opens the door to vulnerability, it seems preferable to shadow box the demons who threaten our success. Satan is a master at turning our insecurity into doubting our ability to succeed, the possibility of being helped by others, and even of the power of God’s miracles.

Prayer, in itself, opens our lives and our personalities to the power promised those who believe. But sometimes, even more powerful than our individual prayers, is partnered prayer. This doesn’t mean bearing our souls and our iniquities to a sister in Christ. (That would require trust which, unfortunately, is another victim of insecurity.) All that is needed is a request for prayers for strength - that God will give the wisdom and the ability to overcome the blockades in our lives. The beauty of partnered prayer is that it strengthens the faith of the one who prays as well as the one being prayed for.

Partnered prayer not only takes problems to the Most High God, but it gives assurance that we are not alone on this journey. Unfortunately, the assault on our faith may not end. But it is the first step in turning the outcome of a battle for the soul into victory. For both the seeker and the partners, it requires trust and an open heart, allowing the voice of God to give answers and supply the courage to bring strength and assurance of the path taken.