Does stress impact our confidence? Today I’ve asked my friend Tracie Miles, author of Stressed-Less Living to share how stress once diminished her confidence and threw her into a pit of doubt causing her to question her ability to fulfill God’s plans for her life.
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Although it was seven years ago, I remember it as if it were yesterday. Every morning I dragged myself out of bed, dreading another stressful and emotionally draining day at my job. A job which I had grown to hate, working for a supervisor whom I had grown to fear.
Not only was I overwhelmed with job stress, I was trapped in a deep pit of despair that was filled to the brim with doubt, low self esteem and zero confidence.
My heart and my mind were ravaged with turmoil. I had a demanding and stressful workload and a supervisor who used continual harsh words and often unwarranted criticism.
Even though I gave 100% and tried to do my best, I started doubting whether or not I was good at my job. Eventually my doubts began to creep into my personal life as well. Thoughts like “maybe I’m not a good enough wife, mother, sister, daughter, friend…” plagued my heart. Self condemnation started consuming my thoughts, and eventually I hit an all time low in self-confidence.
Juggling all the stress and pressures of the workplace was nothing compared to trying to carry the crushing weight of self-doubt.
The time finally came when I admitted I needed to make a change in my life. You see, I knew God had been calling me for several years to lay down my job, and allow Him to lead me into new places, but I had been too afraid and too insecure. But change was necessary, or else my physical and emotional health would continue to decline.
I resigned from that position, and although I no longer had the stress of corporate responsibilities, my life was still filled with many other stressors. Yet, upon leaving my job, I picked up my Bible more than ever before. And when I started making my walk with Christ a priority, I came to realize that even though my life was still stressful, my heart was at peace.
Why? Because as my faith grew, my self confidence grew with it. You see, I was coming to realize that my value is based on who I am in Christ, not who a supervisor said I was. I embraced the acceptance and value God promises, tucked in Deuteronomy 14:2, which says “You have been set apart as holy to the Lord your God, and he has chosen you from all the nations of the earth to be his own special treasure.” (NLT)
As my heart slowly healed from the brokenness of a broken person’s words, my spirit began to soar. God helped me understand that my value lies in Him, not in the approval or acceptance of the world. I need not base my self worth, intelligence or value based on what man or woman says, but on what God says about me instead.
It was a long journey, but the more I kept my eyes focused on Christ, the more my self confidence increased. I not only discovered my confidence again, I also learned that God is the answer to our stress, no matter what form it comes in.
And I finally found a calmness in my spirit that was not present simply because I left a stressful job, but because I had embraced my unstressed God: a Savior who loved me, despite my mistakes, sins and imperfections. My Jesus who told me I was His precious treasure, even if nobody else saw my worth, including myself.
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God not only showed Tracie the path to acceptance, self-confidence, and worth in Him, but He used her experiences as the training ground to build a story in her life which is now the basis of her new book, Stressed-Less Living: Finding God’s Peace In Your Chaotic World.
Today we’re giving away 3 signed copies to three of you! Leave a comment below this post and share with us something that is currently causing you stress. I’ll share too.
To find out more, be sure to visit Tracie’s Stressed-Less Living website: www.stressedlessliving.com . And if you purchase Stressed-Less Living between Sept 30-Oct 7th you’ll receive 7 FREE GIFTS.
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Job stresses are definitely causing stress, but Tracie’s experience with her job has been my experience at every job but the job I was laid off from due to downsizing and well I made more than everyone else because I had been there longer. It is led to so much self doubt, low self esteem and lack of self confidence. Growing up my mom always expected more from me, unless I was getting straight A’s and top of/best of everything it wasn’t enough. Even when I was told I did a good job it was always followed with but if you did this it could be better. It has been very hard to believe that God loves me and values me and accepts me even though I am far from perfect. This book seems like its just what I need.
When I read this I cried. I just got fired from a job I had for 5 1/2 years that everyday I dreaded and I thought it was me. I have been on depression medicine and sleep medicine for the past 5 years. I prayed day and night constantly because I could not deal with the stress and anguish. The women I worked with despised me and bullied me. They thought of it as a game but it was them 4 and the boss against me. In some ways it is a relief but the healing will take time. I would love to read this book! I think it might help me with this situation! I was just glad to read that someone else knows what I went through it wasn’t just me! Please if anyone reads this, PLEASE PRAY FOR ME! Thanks!
It is so amazing how God knows when to send words of encouragement to us! Thank you for sharing your struggles.
Stress is a health buster.. So important to have resources that keep our mind and body healthy so we can serve him. Having a grown child just move back home and launching a new business adds stress in my life. I. I look forward to reading this book!
Juggling work, teenagers and being a single parent. Praying for God’s guidance every day!
I’ve learned that our life is like a rollercoaster… Lots of ups, but lots of downs. We are in constant battle of fighting for our peace and joy. The battle always starts with the mind. As soon as I start to feel stressed, whether it is at work, family related, or just life in general… God draws me to go to Him and ask for his help. As soon as I do, the weight is lifted… and I have my peace. In God’s presence is the best place to get rid of stress..
Wow! What timing! God’s timing. Last night before going to bed I had some new thoughts….at least new for me. I had been to a Bible study and on my way home I was thinking about a lady who I was telling myself was opinionated and probably had opinions about me as well. Wasn’t sure about my relationship w/ her…could I really trust her? Yet, the most blessed thing happened next….New thoughts came to me….I don’t care if she approves of me or not….I have a peace now in my heart that I am receiving from my walk w/ Jesus. He accepts and loves me as I am and that is ALL that now matters. These thoughts are so refreshing and have emerged out of 8 years of living by myself. (Was married to a minister who chose a different lifestyle and am no longer his wife.) I am a people person and have talked to God a lot about not liking living alone…but my time and fellowship with Jesus has made me more at peace with myself and with the world. I am learning that Jesus love’ is really ALL that matters! Wow! What a gift! Would love to have a copy of the book….my daughter is still reeling from the after effects of the divorce-self doubt, people pleaser, and bound by having to do everything RIGHT! God is working-slowly but surely-in her. She is so precious! So love what you share, Renee’. God is not finished w/ us yet!
I am stressed right now by a move to a new state and the worry of finding a job. But my God supplies me with everything I need so I try to not get too stressed about it!
I can totally relate to Tracie’s comments today. Two years ago I was an emotional wreck dealing with a job in which I experienced control, emotional abuse, and my confidence took a nosedive. Also, family members, friends, and other situations have caused me to doubt who I am just recently. . Tracie’s book and her posts have been a great encouragement, as well as Renee’s book “A Confident Heart” and Lysa’s book, “Unglued” Most of all, believing the truth in God’s Word changes my perspective , as I internalize God’s love for me in my imperfect progress. Thank you so much for all the encouragement on Proverbs31. The daily thoughts from all of the ladies have been a blessing. I would love to receive a copy of Tracie’s book..
Thank you for sharing. its so true.Social pressures can increase everyday stress.
I love how God always knows what we need….I needed to read what you posted today.. I can’t wait to read the book.
Thank you for sharing this encouraging word with us. It was good to be reminded of our true worth…and of the far-reaching effects of stress.
Renee,
I met you in Memphis when you spoke to our Hope Women’s Ministry Kick Off for our Bible Study . We studied your book “A Confident Heart” that semester. Now, as one of the Hope in Kenya team, I get to share your message of God’s love with women half way around the world. “A Confident Heart” helped change my life and the lives of many women who finally understand what it means to let God be all we need.
I read Tracie post in the Proverbs 31 daily devotional and realized she was describing my life. I too have a very stressful job, but I really enjoy what I do everyday. However, sometimes the demands from other people and the responsibilities can overwhelm. Tracie’s message came at just the right time for me…I really feel it is God speaking to me through her… reminding me He is always there. I would welcome the opportunity to read her book and it looks like very good Bible Study material as well.
Thank you for your messages and may God bless you as you continue to share the wonderful love of God in all you do.
I work in child welfare and there is a lot of stress that goes with this position. There is no doubt in my mind that God has called me here, but sometimes Satan whispers in my ear that what I do here isn’t good enough. Additionally, the other people that I work with outside my office are not Christians, so it is truly a spiritual battlefield when trying to deal with high risk situations showing unconditional love … more so with the professionals than the families!
I signed up for Tracie’s 10 day stress detox study 3 days ago and it has already helped me so much. I wake up excited each day to see what the peaceful thought and prescription for peace is. I plan to order the book, but a signed copy would be awesome!
Stress is always there! Knowing how to better manage it is the goal,thanks for sharing what God taught you!
I have daily stress with my job and whether or not I should leave it. I have stress among family relationships and I have stress with health issues that we are trying to get in remission.
My stress is self-induced becuz I spread myself too thin and get involved in too many things outside the home….then my family suffers!
Stress is everywhere. Just try to remember to give it to God.
I quit my job in August because of stress. I simply couldn’t deal with the pressures of working for an atheist anymore and his snide comments all the time. My work schedule was changing and I had to make a decision between being involved in church or working. Since quitting, I have a different type of stress. I am adjusting to being at home, and to not making any money. I am also relearning how to spend more time with the Lord and am slowly growing closer to Him. God is faithful and I know he directed me to quit my job. I look forward to reading your book.