When ‘Not Enough’ Feels Like Too Much
Where do you turn when not enough haunts your thoughts? When inadequacy weighs you down? What is your first response?
Often, after I drag myself down with inner negative self-talk. I would hide from others, sometimes literally or figuratively. I put on the mask of “all-is-good” in my world. I didn’t want to appear weak or feel exposed.
Have you felt this, too?
My saving grace? God. He has used many individuals and resources to help me see Him as my rock, and my enough-ness. A wise friend challenged me to run my to-do list by Him before I start any tasks. Whoa! What a concept! Instead of my go-to prayer: Lord, bless this choice I am making. I was encouraged to ask Him – What would you have me do today? What do you see as priority?
I so easily get down on myself for not being enough – especially if my to-do’s and concerns aren’t in place before I even seek the Lord’s wisdom and guidance.
I’m still learning to run to the Rock first. He is greater than all my thoughts, desires, emotions, and stronger than any storms of life. I don’t have to “be enough” before I go to Him. He already is. Read that again: He already is enough even though I don’t always “feel” this truth.
My prayer for you: allow Him to show how much He loves you. Go to Him first in all things. Believe that He perfects our “not enough ” and let His “always enough” be your first response. Trust the facts of Him over the feelings of you. Speak the truth of who He is and what He can do over your negative self talk.
Use this check list:
How do I make His “always enough” my first response to my feelings of “not enough”?
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Praise Him for who He is. Repeat a verse that talks about His greatness. Acknowledging who He is helps reframe who we can be in Him.
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Pray/talk to Him. Tell Him how inadequate you feel. Sing your heart out.
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Purpose in your heart to speak truth over yourself. Pray that His truth would penetrate your feelings of “not enough” and be replaced with the truth that “He is always and forever enough” for us.
“But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me. For the sake of Christ, then, I am content with weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and calamities. For when I am weak, then I am strong. 2 Corinthians 12:9-10
My 14-day devotional, Freedom from the Inner Critic, is designed to help you do exactly that. Each day brings Scripture, gentle reflection, and practical truth to counter the “not enough” voice—so you can walk in the freedom Christ offers.