It's no secret that many of us struggle with insecurity. Whether it's the fault of our parents, society, or perfectionism, it's our reality. So often I reprimand myself for not remembering that my only true security is found in the fact that the God of the universe loves me unconditionally. To be secure is to be "free from danger or harm; safe." (dictionary.com) Conversely, insecurity stems from fear: Fear of rejection, fear of failure, fear of the future...we've all experienced fear, whether real or imagined. Social media can fuel our fear and wreak havoc on our insecurities.
Imagine finding out that a group of what you consider to be your closest friends had a party. It's all over social media...photos, tagging, liking, sharing, and commenting on what fun they had. #bestpartyever. Minor detail: You weren't invited. Not only that, but no one even commented that they missed you or wished you could have been there. It seems like your absence was intentional, but why? Have you done something to offend someone? Maybe they just don't like you? The possibilities run through your mind and the fear of rejection has you in its grip. The saddest part about this scenario is that you will probably withdraw, even from those who aren't involved, because you're convinced that this rejection is global.
I admit that I have put this much stock into something I saw on social media. I wasted a few too many tears because I was feeling excluded. "Wasted" is the key word...we can't get back the time or emotional energy we spend feeling sorry for ourselves because we feel left out! When we wallow in self-pity, we are focusing on ourselves instead of others. The Apostle Paul had something to say about this. "When others call down a curse on us, we bless them. When we are attacked, we put up with it. When others say bad things about us, we answer kindly."
(1 Corinthians 4:12-13) In other words, we are responsible for our response when we are offended. Knowing that God has forgiven me for my self-pity, I must look to Him for the ability to forgive others for their oversights, even if they are intentional; keeping in mind that "love does not demand its own way. It is not irritable and it keeps no record of being wronged." (1 Corinthians 13:5)
Dear fellow strugglers, my prayer for you in the coming year is that you will find your security in the only one capable of meeting our needs. He loves you unconditionally. "God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear, though the earth give way and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea, though its waters roar and foam and the mountains quake with their surging." (Psalm 46:1-3)
