Overcoming Self- Doubt with the Voice of Truth

“I don’t feel like I have anything to offer.”

My own words struck me as if somebody else said them. Tears began forming in my eyes, as I found a part of me that had long been hiding…

A few years ago, I stepped out of my comfort zone and signed up for a worship songwriter’s retreat happening in our area. I was so excited until the moment I found out I would have to share one of my own songs to the online forum. Fear poured over me like a black cloud full of rain. I suddenly felt I had nothing of value. Nothing of worth. And if I did have something to share, I knew I would have a hard time asserting my opinion unless forced.

It sounds silly. I have written Christian songs since I was a teenager. I’ve shared most of them with family and friends over the years, and a few songs even became regulars at church. But despite hundreds of songs and 20 some years later, the thought of contributing to a co-writing process frightened me.

Truth is, I had become a little too content to be in the background. More times than not, I’ve been the girl behind the piano on Sunday, playing and singing back-up. Although I absolutely love the chance to lead worship when I get it, I seem to be placed in positions that help and enhance what already is. And I really have enjoyed it! But I’ve also stayed there – hiding my real talents, and hiding one of my life’s goals of leading on a more full-time basis. Stepping out with a song for strangers to hear was a good start. But fear gripped me!

However, I quickly realized God had ordained this time for me to ask myself these questions:

● Why am I hiding myself?

● Why am I holding back what God gave me?

● Why do I believe I am unworthy?

I know I’m not the only one who struggles with that reoccurring voice of doubt that says, “You can’t do it. So many people do this better than you. You are a failure. Why even pursue your dreams? People won’t like you. You will never be ready. You’re not pretty anymore. Your skills aren’t good enough. You can’t even speak. You will never reach your goals. You don’t have what it takes,” and on and on.

To quote a song lyric:”But the Voice of Truth tells me a different story” (Casting Crowns, 2003). Why do we believe the lie above God’s voice that tells us we are loved? We are worth it. We are His children. We have abundance. We already have what we need. We are chosen. We do not lack. We are creative, because of our creator. And by His grace, we can accomplish the work He gave us to do. The enemy cannot stop a child of God who knows Whose they are.

It’s time to listen to the Lord instead of the doubt. It’s time to say, “Enough is enough” to the lie that says we aren’t good enough.

That doesn’t mean we quit learning or pursuing our passion, honing our skills, and so on. God gave us a mind, let’s use it. God gave us talents and gifts, so use them. Why sit back and think that dreams are for other people, and not for me? That somehow, we aren’t worth the effort or God’s attention?

In his letters to Timothy, the Apostle Paul told him to “not neglect the gift that is in you” (1 Tim. 4:14) and to “stir up the gift” (2 Tim. 1:6). Although Paul speaks of a spiritual gifting Timothy was given, I believe we can also apply this principle to our natural giftings as well. Why would God give us a passion or talent for something and not expect us to “stir” it up? Just as we should not neglect our spiritual gifts, we also should not forget to exercise the natural talents God gave us.

We have everything we need, within our grasp, to succeed in the tasks God has ordained for us. All we need to do is stir up our gifts and use them! Apostle Peter puts it this way:

“His divine power has granted to us all things that pertain to life and godliness…therefore…be all the more diligent to confirm your calling and election” (2 Peter 1:3,10).

Develop it.

Confirm it.

Make sure of it.

Say “yes” to using the gifts God gave you! Because gifts are for giving! We give back to God as we use our gifts to edify and encourage others. Say “yes” to the dream you’ve buried deep inside; “yes” to growth and moving forward!

So…what’s your dream? And what is holding you back from going for it? What are the gifts you need to develop and use? I encourage you to write it down, set goals, and pursue it for the glory of God. Keep it always before you, and don’t allow the lies of the enemy to deter you from living the abundant life God desires for you. It may also be helpful to find a mentor in your gifting, a class, conference, or as in my instance, a retreat that helps you grow. But in whatever you do, do it as unto the Lord and be obedient to his call.

Prayer: Heavenly Father, thank you for the gift of your Spirit most of all, that constantly brings us back to you, reminds us of your word, and helps us fulfill the tasks you’ve laid out before us. Help us to stir up our spiritual and natural gifts, to be obedient to use them when you tell us to, and not to neglect nor be fearful in what you’ve given us. Help us to be good stewards of not only the talents, but also of our time–that we make the most of every opportunity to bless others with what we have to give. In Jesus’ name, amen.

Anna De Lay

I am a wife, homeschool mom, musician, and songwriter; but most importantly, I am a daughter of the King. My heart’s desire is to draw closer to God and bring other people with me! Truly, there is no greater joy.