We have been set free

For all that is in the world-
the lust (cravings/desires) of the flesh,
and the lust of the eyes
and the pride of life/vain glory of life/ostentation of the life/ boastful pride of what one has (possessions) and does-
IS NOT OF THE FATHER
but is of the world.
1 John 2:16

As we talk about insecurity, I think that this verse is very explicit in showing us what insecurity is all about. Did you notice it's a worldly thing? and it's not from God? We have been so duped into all these things by putting our hope in ourselves and those around us... instead of God. No wonder we are insecure - because we cannot deliver.

And the world is passing away, and the lust of it; but he who does the will of God abides forever.
1 John 2:17

This is good news! The world is passing away and the lust that goes with it! Let's let it go out of our lives! Why do we insist on clinging so tightly to it and nurture it as a consuming, constant friend? I love the second part of Beth Moore's book title. So Long, Insecurity you've been a bad friend to us. Sisters, Who really is Our Friend? Who are we longing to be like? Who do we really desire?

The world is passing away and all the junk that goes with it, but we who love and live for Jesus - we will live forever with Him. And at that time we will see Jesus in all of His radiant glory. And we will participate in what John tells us about in Revelation 5:11-14
Then I looked, and I heard around the throne and the living creatures and the elders the voice of many angels, numbering myriads of myriads and thousands of thousands, saying with a loud voice,
"Worthy is the Lamb who was slain,
to receive power
and wealth
and wisdom
and might
and honor
and glory
and blessing!"
And I heard every creature in heaven and on earth and under the earth and in the sea, and all that is in them, saying,
"To him who sits on the throne and to the Lamb
be blessing and honor and glory and might forever and ever!"
And the four living creatures said, "Amen!" and the elders fell down and worshiped.

So, why are we craving and fighting for all those things for ourselves? Only the Lamb is worthy. Only the One who sites on the throne is worthy of "blessing and glory and wisdom and thanksgiving and honor and power and might." Rev 7:12
Father, we have followed the fallen one instead of You. We have been deceived and agreed with the lies he has spoken to our hearts... and we have been so tormented as a result. We need you to free us. You have come to bring freedom.

I have personally known the torment of being in bondage to the lies of the enemy resulting in chronic, consuming self-consciousness. I also know the exhilarating freedom that Christ brings through truth. Praise God!!! We can live free! I know this, for I have been marvelously freed from insecurity.

There are those moments, though. As Beth asks, "When was the last time you came face-to-face with our gender’s massive struggle with insecurity? Describe the setting." Latest one...
My husband and I were on our way to Vancouver to take in the Olympics. We were going with another couple for the entire day. The plan was to walk around the city taking in the Olympic spirit, stop for a bite to eat at lunch, go to the men's Canada/Switzerland hockey game, and then go out for dinner.

As I dressed in the morning, I considered what would be the most appropriate for what we were doing. I chose jeans, a red shirt - wishing I had borrowed my daughter-in-law's red Canada t-shirt to put overtop so I'd be even more patriotic - a warm jacket and a red scarf. The next question was shoes. I usually need some help with this, so I did what I usually do. I put one runner on one foot and my boot on the other foot and went to ask my husband's opinion. "Boots." The insecurity started here. "What's wrong with runners? Would he be embarrassed of me if I wore runners?" Furthest thing from my rather "fashionless" husband, but the enemy was priming me for what was to come.

We met the other couple at our meeting place. They hopped out to get into our vehicle. When I saw her, the first thing I thought was, "Uhh... are we going to the same place?"

I wish I had a picture to show you, but if you just imagine a gorgeous model walking the run-way in New York, you'll have seen her. Not one bit of an an exaggeration, girls! She was in a funky black and white coat over a black skirt (at dinner later, I found out it actually was a dress), black leather high-healed boots with the coolest designer stockings, a white scarf, perfectly coiffed hair, and designer sun-glasses and purse to complete the outfit. I had dressed for the game; she had dressed for dinner. I thought I had dressed for dinner too... but obviously not. Smile.

I was talking to myself all the way to Vancouver- a "pep talk" really... in my head, so no one would know what was going on! I needed to speak some truth in the onslaught of the lies that were being shot rapid-fire at me! Guess what? God helped me get past the comparison, competition, insecurity garbage and we had a super fun and meaningful time together.

God has come to give us life in all its fullness. We must be on our guard against the schemes of the enemy to rob us of the joy and peace God has freed us for. Let's stand firm in our freedom, sisters!