Fighting the Voices of Self-Doubt

Just a few days ago, my prayers included being thankful that God had given me a peace about the upcoming American Christian Fiction Writer’s Conference. It was particularly pleasant since it’s usually my way to let worry creep in and take over. Well…as if a storm front blew in while I was sleeping, this morning I awoke with the familiar rushing winds of anxiety and downpour of fear swirling around me.

Amidst the stormy emotions are nagging voices of self-doubt.

“No one is going to like my story.”
“This whole free hugs thing is stupid and folks are going to not take me seriously.”
“I’m not as professional as a lot of these writer’s I’ve connected with.”
“My novel isn’t long enough.”
“There’s no way my pitch is going to sound smooth and polished.”

It would be extremely easy to curl up in the fetal position until the storm passes. I could even take the pressure off myself and cancel my requested appointments with agents. I’d simply attend the workshops, sitting on a back row taking notes, and quietly return to my life when it’s all over. But that would be letting the voices win.

No. It’s time to lace up the gloves. Swing my arms across my chest to loosen muscles. Dance with quick and nimble feet. And turn to THE source for strength and wisdom for the fight. Maybe you need some words of encouragement, too. Maybe you have an opponent testing you, taunting you to engage in a fight to the death.

Let’s put on the armor of God and run in to battle for a victory!
From Ephesians 6:10-18:

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, and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.

And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the Lord’s people.

I’m armed. I’m ready for battle. I’m unwilling to let any other voices speak louder than the One who made me, the One who saved me, the One who keeps me, the One who loves me. Victory!

If there is a challenge you’re facing, voices you need to quiet so you can hear God’s soothing words, I’d love to hear about it so I can be praying for you. Leave a comment!