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Stop Beating Yourself Up: Myths that You Need to Shut Down Right Now!

 I am my own worst critic. My need for validation far outweighs logic in stressful times, so my mind wanders into the old patterns of insecurity, defensiveness, and loneliness. Surely, I am not alone in this struggle. Today, friend, I'm here to share the thoughts that I struggle with and the truth that debunks these myths.

  1. No one cares how I feel. This is at the heart of my vulnerability. When I am tired and stressed, life seems to move ahead, and the people I care about seem oblivious to my struggles. This couldn't be further from the truth. As good as I may be at hiding this illogical notion, my husband and mom are usually the first to detect a change. Thankfully, they refuse to leave me alone until I understand just how much they care. Even better, my Father in Heaven sees me in every feeling. Isaiah‬ ‭41‬:‭10‬ ‭says, "Don’t be afraid, for I am with you. Don’t be discouraged, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you. I will hold you up with my victorious right hand." It's a little hard to convince myself that I am unseen when, throughout the Bible, God has promised that I'm not alone.

  2. I don't have anything of value to offer. This one is particularly difficult for me because I thrive on helping people. When I feel useless in a situation, it could potentially lead me into a very dark place. One of my favorite songs says, "If I'm not dead, You're not done. Greater things are still to come." When I remember this truth and consider what I may have left to do, this feeling dissipates. If my purpose isn't to serve in a particular situation, it's because I'm needed in another capacity. Believe me, I have to constantly remind myself of this! But God is helping me to grow.

  3. I have to convince others of my worth. This stems from years of people-pleasing. I'm not proud of this feeling, and usually wish I could take back the words I say to validate myself to others. I tend to over-explain myself or even question others what I may be doing wrong. This is exhausting for me and the people I am harassing! When my heart is overwhelmed, I forget to look up and begin to look around. My worth is only found in Christ, my Savior. Acts 20:24 reads, "But my life is worth nothing to me unless I use it for finishing the work assigned me by the Lord Jesus—the work of telling others the Good News about the wonderful grace of God." My life is nothing unless I focus on giving God the glory. Truth is, I am not worthy. I never will be. Whatever crown I receive is useless unless I lay it at the feet of Jesus and give Him glory. As a bonus, He wants me as I am. Not because of who I am, but because if who He is. I'm so thankful that my true worth is found in Christ alone.

The ugly parts of me aren't fun to explore, but these lies have to be silenced before my mind and heart are thrown into darkness. By leaning into Jesus and finding myself in God's word, I can debunk the myths that the enemy whispers.

© 2024 Jill Cook. All rights reserved.

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