Nixon, Hitler, and Saul
When I think of two men in history that suffered from extreme insecurity, the names Nixon and King Saul comes to mind. Hitler too. We’ve all felt insecure at moments in our lives- some overthink people and their actions, some close themselves off to community because they’ve lost trust and faith in people, some don’t want friend groups mixing for fear of their friends becoming friends, and so on.
And this insecurity can lead to strange behavior, gossip, lying, cheating, stealing, killing, or what appears to be insanity. It also causes one to act selfishly, it brings an attitude of self-righteousness, a critical spirit, and a judgmental spirit.
“Fear creates stress, and stress makes us selfish, self-righteous, judgmental, and paranoid. And trust me, no one wants to be friends with THAT version of you. The more stressed you feel, the more you give into the effects of fear. It’s a vicious cycle. When you feel stressed out, find a release for your stress. Take a walk, take a break, read a book . . . you know what works for you.”
And, imagine what this is doing to the body stress-wise. The mind is pacing and scheming, the heart is racing, and one is never at ease.
When I think about what drives insecurity, I’d say its fear and a lack of peace with one’s own self. Nixon recorded people without them knowing, he over thought people, and he lied. Then, he resigned from the office of presidency. King Saul became so insecure when he realized God’s favor had left him that he tried killing David many times because of fear and jealousy. Saul also killed others in trying to get to David, and later resulted to seeing a medium- something God had clearly instructed His people never to ever do. Then, in the end he committed suicide. And Hitler, he embodies all kinds of insecurity. Then, he too committed suicide. He was so insecure that his paranoia went into what should be done with his remains. He wanted his body totally burned so that no one could do anything to it. Ah, poor Adolf….
Such love has no fear, because perfect love expels all fear. If we are afraid, it is for fear of punishment, and this shows that we have not fully experienced his perfect love. 1 John 4:18
To be blunt, fear doesn’t come from God. And since insecurity comes from fear, neither does insecurity come from God. Fear comes from the devil. And if we don’t resolve to renew our minds daily and drench our minds- which is the power house of our lives- with the Word, the enemy will play on our fears of insecurity. And if we let it get too far, we will look ridiculous and unstable to others, like King Saul looked at the end of his life. Or, like Hitler did at the end of his. Or, we’ll pity those like Nixon.
Practical life applications to overcome insecurity: Admit that you’re insecure. Really seek God to help you with your feelings. Renew your mind. Speak to a mentor or close friend about it. Resolve to overcome the temptation of insecurity by speaking Bible truths when feelings of insecurity come.
For God did not give us a spirit of timidity, but a spirit of power, of love and of self-discipline. 2 Timothy 1:7
You will keep in perfect peace him whose mind is steadfast, because he trusts in you. Isaiah 26:3
So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand. Isaiah 41:10
Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil's schemes. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place. Ephesians 6:10-14