Second Guessing Ourselves
“For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart.” Hebrews 4:12 ESV
Have you ever second-guessed yourself? Have you ever wondered what the outcome or situation would have or could have been if only you had done it differently? Why do we do that? God tells us not to be doubled-minded in James 1:6-8; if we doubt, we will be like a wave driven by the sea and tossed by the wind.
So where does this second-guessing come from? From an insecurity of past mistakes? Uncertain whether you have the knowledge to make the right decision? Often when I was raising my only son, I questioned all that I did—babies don’t come with blueprints. I did my best by reading books but, in the end, it was my choices that I relied on. Now that I know God, He is my blueprint in all things. Being a single mom for many years, I questioned everything. Were the jobs I held the right ones? Was the school I sent my son to the correct learning place for him, and would he learn and grow there?
The media says that second-guessing yourself can be a type of anxiety caused by needing to be 100% sure you’ve done the right thing. No one can be 100% sure of everything, 100% of the time.
We began attending a small church in our community and learned there was One who could provide solutions and answers and who could be trusted and relied upon 100% of the time. Jesus was the answer.
As the years passed, I became more secure in myself as a mom and a provider with God. I grew more confident that my choices were the correct ones and I was able to stop second-guessing myself most of the time. Even if I’m not 100% sure about my choices, I am 100% confident that Jesus is helping, and will help me, through those decisions.
In John 13:7, Jesus told His disciples, “You don’t really know what I am doing, but later you will understand.” It’s only in looking back that you see how the Lord has led you. He is the best at what He does and His track record proves it. So, trust God and stop trying to second-guess yourself!
Father God, we all fail at times in leaning on our own understanding. Help us today to rely more on You, knowing that we never have to second-guess You, for Your ways are always in our best interests. Amen!