On Boosting Self-Confidence

Trying to convince ourselves that we're better or stronger or wiser doesn't make us so. As for myself, it just makes me more anxious and stressed. Sharing a quote today to ponder.

Notice that God didn't spend time trying to boost Moses' self-confidence. Rather, God kept reminding him that he should put his confidence in Him. Whenever we spend time trying to convince ourselves that we're really better or stronger or wiser than we know we are, we're doomed to failure. God doesn't want us to grow in self-confidence. He wants us to put all of our trust in Him. After all, He's the only one who is powerful enough to overcome the Pharoahs in our lives.

~ Elyse Fitzpatrick

Overcoming Fear, Worry, and Anxiety

Painting ~ Waiting, Gordon Coutts (1896)

Walking Peacefully

I'm re-reading a book that I need right now — Overcoming Fear, Worry, and Anxiety by Elyse Fitzpatrick. I have several of her books, and I recommend her writings to you. These are troubling times, yet a time filled with hope and expectation. I'm reminding myself to trust God in the midst of it all, as He works for our good and for His glory.

Why does God delight in helping us to become trusting children, filled with peace and confidence, children who lean on His strength? Because when He changes hearts like ours into hearts like His, He receives praise and glory. When we discover that we're able to walk peacefully through conditions that formerly terrified us, our hearts will overflow with gratitude and thanksgiving — and that brings joy to God. Only He can change hearts that are frequently overwhelmed by fear into hearts that are overshadowed by His power and bravery, and it's His delight to do so.

~ Elyse Fitzpatrick

Why Do We Do What We Do?

Sharing a book recommendation with you from my daughter Elizabeth.

I have begun working with a new counselee, and have therefore been spending a lot of time contemplating, "why do we do what we do?" Counselees struggle with a plethora of issues, but I cannot be satisfied simply picking one of their problem areas (i.e., depression, eating disorders, marital strife, anger) and helping them change in that area. No, there is something at the root of all these problems - something that explains why they are where they are, or in other words, who or what controls them. I must seek to uncover these root issues, these "functional gods," or these "idols of the heart" if I am to direct the counselee to lasting change. Anything short of this will be temporary and self-directed.

One resource I regularly return to when helping counselees discern the issues of their heart is Elyse Fitzpatrick's Idols of the Heart. This is an excellent book, not only for explaining what our idols tend to be, but in helping the reader walk through her own issues in a very practical way.