So Long, Insecurity: Week 2

Week two is here!

The reading for this week was the Chapter 2 and 3.

Week 2 is all about how insecurity affects us. We read that before we can really cut insecurity out of our lives we need to understand what it is. To be completely honest, there may be some envy among us bloggers. As Beth states in her leader’s guide: Let’s not let envy get in the way of the support a group like this can offer. Let’s pray that we can see each other clearly and with hearts of compassion not comparison.

So how do we know if we have a problem with insecurity? Beth says in Chapter 2:

“We all have insecurities. They piggyback on the vulnerability in our humanity. The question is whether or not our insecurities are substantial enough to hurt limit, or even distract us from profound effectiveness or fulfillment of purpose. Are they cheating us of the power and abundant life Jesus flagrantly promised?…I’m convinced many women-if not most-have enough insecurity to hinder them.” Pg. 15-16

1. Share a specific time in your past when insecurity kept you from doing something you wanted to do or stopped you from using your gifts. How does it hinder you today?
2. Before we go further, we need to develop a working definition of insecurity. How would you define insecurity in a word or brief phrase?

On page 17 Beth writes the definition of insecurity by Joseph Nowinski:

“Insecurity refers to a profound sense of self-doubt – a deep feeling of uncertainty bout our basic worth and our place in the world. Insecurity is associated with chronic self-consciousness, along with a chronic lack of confidence in ourselves and anxiety about our relationships. The insecure man or woman lives in constant fear of rejection and a deep uncertainty about whether his or her own feelings and desires are legitimate.” Pg. 16

1. What part of this definition seems accurate? Is there anything about it that surprises you? If you feel comfortable, explain how you fit this description in the comments.

Part 2 of that same definition says:

The insecure person also harbors unrealistic expectations about love and relationships. These expectations, for themselves and for others, ar often unconscious. The insecure person creates a situation in which being disappointed and hurt in relationships is almost inevitable. Ironically, although insecure people re easily and frequently hurt, they are usually unaware of how they are unwitting accomplices in creating their own misery.” Pg.23

I particularly loved this definition and really resonated with it. I found it so true in my own lives and seeing it played out in the lives of others.

1. So think about movies and/or tv shows, or even news items. Can you find an example of self-sabotage in relationships? If you think of something, share it with us!!
2. What unrealistic expectations have you placed on relationships in the past? How can we become more conscious of our negative pattern in relationships?
   • Are you the one thinking he’s going to text you every morning to say “good morning”? Do you think he’s going to tell you how beautiful you are every day?
   • It can be in regards to your friendships as well.

Beth then moves on to discuss in chapter 3 about the “false positive” on page 36-37 when she was in a conversation with a friend and the friend mentions how she can’t imagine Beth struggles with insecurity…because she’s so tiny. The false positive is one thing that we think would make us more secure in all things.

1. Look at the list on page 38 of false positives. Which ones really stand out to you the most? Can you identify which is your false positive – the one thing you think would make you secure?

Our insecurities are too deeply rooted within us to be easily fixed. Although we have unhealthy ways of thinking, we are not hopeless because we have Christ in us. Nothing can make us secure, not a husband, or a fit body, or a prettier face. Nothing but Jesus.

1. So read Romans 8:9. What hope does this verse offer?
2. Read 2 Corinthians 4:7. What words does this verse use to describe Christ living within us? How should this transform the way we view ourselves?

Beth shares about how her own insecurities affect her view of God. Read on page 18 from “This morning I went on a walk…to…I wonder if you can relate.”

1. Read Psalm 139:1-4, 13-14. What does this passage reveal about how well God knows us? How does He view us,e even with that full knowledge?
2. Then read Ephesians 2:10. How are believers described in this verse What impact should this truth make on how you view yourself and live your life?
3. Then read 1 Peter 2:9-10. How are believers described in this passage? What is our purpose?

In your journal:

1. What barriers does insecurity place on you that you want to be free from?
2. Also, re-read Psalm 139, Ephesians 2:10, 1 Peter 2:9-10 every day this week. And just think about them.
3. Re-read the challenge Beth put at the end of chapter 3 on page 43: “Let healthy, utterly whole, and completely secure part of us increasingly overtake our eaten vessels until it drives our every emotion, reaction, and relationship. When we allow God’s ruth to eclipse every false positive and let our eyes spring open to the treasure we have, there in hHis glorious reflection we’ll also see the treasure we are. And the beauty of the Lord our God will be upon us.”

Assigned Reading: Chapter 4. As you’re reading in the book, underline what is jumping out at you, what you think is true, what surprises you, and what seems to be the most challenging. Maybe you highlight the answers to each of those questions in a different color.

Prayer Requests: How can we be praying for you this week?

**If anyone is wanting to join the study, just purchase the book (click the picture on my sidebar) so you can follow along with us!! We’d love to have you.**

Ephesians 2:10