Biblical Truth for the Woman Who Doubts Herself

​Since this fall, I’ve been working on a devotional for single women, and have been loving the whole process of bringing this dream to life. This devotional contains so many topics that are near to my heart, and I can’t wait to get it into your hands!

But despite the fact that I am loving the writing, and writing about things I’m passionate about, there are a lot of doubts that role through my mind as I put words to the page.

Mostly self-doubts.

I question if I could really write words for single women that will help them. I see so many others writing on these topics, doing such a great job, and I wonder if my little devotional would really make a difference. 

This has lead to a lot of second-guessing and overthinking in the writing process. To the point that it has taken me months to decide on a name, and I have pushed the release date out twice from my original goal.

And this is just one area of my writing, and one area of my life, in which I doubt myself.

Do you ever doubt yourself?

Simply put, self-doubt is a lack of confidence in oneself and one’s abilities.

Self-doubt can show up in many ways…

• We question if we could really make the right decision for this circumstance, and maybe second-guess the decisions we do make
• We feel incapable to carry out our responsibilities
• We doubt we could ever fully accomplish our goals and dreams
• We don’t ever believe we’re the right person for the task
• We wonder if we can truly make a difference in our community
• We don’t feel we are deserving of opportunities or recognition given us

Self-doubt is a form of insecurity.

It is a belief that in some way I’m not good enough and don’t have what it takes, which causes a lack of confidence when facing responsibilities and opportunities.

Self-doubt can be caused by:

• comparing ourselves to others who seem more capable
• fear of failure
• fear of rejection
• fear of letting others down
• shame of past mistakes
• the criticism of others
• negative self-talk
• leaning on our own abilities rather than on Jesus
• not having reverent fear of the Lord

​The Biblical Antidote

​The Biblical antidote to self-doubt is not more self-confidence, believing I am good enough, capable, and equipped in and of myself.

Because it’s the trying to do and be “in and of myself” that leads to the self-doubt in the first place. It’s the leaning on my own abilities, strength, wisdom, and plans that has my mind spinning with thoughts of I can’t do this. I’m not up to the task. What if I make the wrong choice? I’ll just let everyone down.

And it should.

Because in my own abilities, strength, wisdom, and plans, I truly can’t. My weaknesses will get in the way. My energy and motivation will burn out. My gifts and talents will be uninspired and unhelpful to others. 

I need Jesus. I need His strength, His courage, His direction, His inspiration, His wisdom, His provision.

So the real antidote to self-doubt is trusting in God.

​"Trust in the Lord with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding. Seek his will in all you do, and he will show you which path to take. Don’t be impressed with your own wisdom. Instead, fear the Lord and turn away from evil." Proverbs 3:5

We can trust…

• God’s character: you can be confident of His might and ability to work and make a way, even in your weaknesses
• God’s calling: you can be assured He knows what He is doing when He calls you to a task, whether it’s something “big” like a career path, or something “small” like writing a note of encouragement to a friend, and you can know He will equip you for that task
• God’s conforming us in Christ-likeness: in Christ, you are made complete, and you are being made more completely into who God created you to be as you grow and mature in your faith. Rather than doubting yourself, you can be confident in your identity in Christ.

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The Biblical opposite of self-doubt is confidence in who God is, who He says I am, and what He has called me to do, which leads to obedience.

​5 Biblical Ways to Overcome Self-Doubt

​Since trust in God is the antidote to doubting self, here are some ways we can grow our trust in God and overcome the self-doubt:
​
Get into God’s Word

​“For the word of the Lord holds true, and we can trust everything he does.” Psalm 33:4

​Through His Word, God shows us His character, gives us His promises, and tells us who we are in Him. Having these truths in our minds will help quiet the whispers of self-doubt.

Spend time in prayer

​“Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done.” Philippians 4:6

​Talk to God about your doubts, and ask Him to give you the wisdom, guidance, and provision to do what you need to do, instead of trying to do it all on your own.
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Remember God’s faithfulness

​“I will remember the deeds of the Lord; yes, I will remember your miracles of long ago. I will consider all your works and meditate on all your mighty deeds.” Psalm 77:11

​How has God shown Himself able in the past? How has He helped you when you thought you couldn’t do it? Remembering how God has shown up before can grow our faith in Him for facing what lies ahead.

​Worship

​“Praise him for his mighty works; praise his unequaled greatness!” Psalm 150:2

Let yourself be in awe and wonder of who God is, shifting your focus from the fears, the seemingly impossible tasks, and your own shortcomings, to the God with whom “all things are possible.” (Matthew 19:26)

Take the next step

​“May he equip you with all you need for doing his will. May he produce in you, through the power of Jesus Christ, every good thing that is pleasing to him.” Hebrews 13:21

​In faith and obedience, do what God has called you to do. Taking a step of faith doesn’t mean you won’t have any doubts or fears. It means you’re choosing obedience to the Lord over those fears, knowing He will be with you and will help you.

Because of who God is and the work He is doing in us, we can live from a place of confidence in Christ rather than doubting ourselves.