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Dealing With Self-Doubt

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We wouldn’t worry nearly so much about what others think of us—if we knew how seldom they did! Our natural, social and emotional insecurities sometime make us feel far more vulnerable than we really are. I’m talking about self-consciousness—the feeling that everyone (at least someone) is watching and carefully critiquing every move we make.

Having a clear conscience goes a long way toward giving us self-confidence. When we have nothing to hide, there’s nothing to fear! This Scripture clearly lays it on the line: “The wicked flee when no man pursueth: but the righteous are bold as a lion” (Proverbs 28:1). Someone long ago said, “I’d rather go to bed with a mangy dog than try sleeping with a guilty conscience.” Of course, both the filth and stench of the dog, or the conscience, would equally make sleep impossible.

We may safely assume that many of the complaints made in the Psalms, especially those written by David after his sin with Bathsheba, and having hired the assassination of her innocent husband, reflect abject fear. Even after his confession, David carried the scars of his evil deeds. It is especially touching that, to clear himself, he honestly accepted full responsibility. “Against thee, thee only, have I sinned, and done this evil in thy sight,” he said, then added, “That thou mightest be justified when thou speakest, and be clear when thou judgest” (Psa. 51:4). Literally, he committed himself to whatever horrible thing God might say or do in judgment for his sin. Oh, that all might exhibit such humility!

However, much of the time a Christian’s lack of self-esteem, self-loathing, and self-consciousness, may be due to Satan’s clever false accusations. Remember that, if he does his job well, he will not cease to accuse us, neither day nor night. We are strengthened, and may take comfort in knowing his future demise is certain: “And I heard a loud voice saying in heaven, Now is come salvation, and strength, and the kingdom of our God, and the power of his Christ: for the accuser of our brethren is cast down, which accused them before our God day and night (Rev. 12:10).

The late beloved Elder R.C. Cavaness once said, “If you pray an hour a day, the devil will tell you, ‘you must pray two’; if you fast one day a week, he’ll say, ‘fast two’; if you read a chapter of the Bible daily, he’ll demand two! ” If Satan accuses us before the Lord, how much more may we expect him to taunt us personally? Let us say, “Get thee behind me, Satan!” James reminds us to, “Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you” (James 4:7). Now, everyone shout, “HE WILL!”

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**“Today I yield the floor to Rev. D.E.Haymon. I came across this wonderful article this week and with his permission would like to share it with you. If you have an article that would be an encouragement to our ministerial audience, please feel free to forward it for consideration. “

D.E. Haymon is the founder and Senior Pastor of Calvary Apostolic Church in Denver, Colorado. His latest book A View From My Veranda is an excellent read and can be accquired at the church website.