I hated feeling this way…uneasy and so uncertain. If only I knew what what was making my emotions so wobbly. If only I could name it. Then I could figure out what to do about it.
One day He showed me. It was doubt. Not fear or worry, but self-doubt that made me question everything I thought, felt and said. I didn’t like it, but naming it helped me know how to pray. Naming it led me to confessions I needed to make and promises I could claim. Naming it made me feel like I could finally stand up to it.
Recently I spent some time with my friend, Ann Voskamp. Leah and I visited with her family on their farm in Ontario. While we were there, II was reading a chapter in Ann’s book, One Thousand Gifts, where she talks about the power of naming things. How essential it is to our healing and hope.
We spent time on the porch talking and Leah recorded our conversation so we’d be able to share it with you. It’s so good to know we’re not alone in our doubts and fears. As you’ll see, Ann and I had many that overshadowed our lives for so long, but we found healing and hope once we learned to them. Would you join us on the porch? Be sure to turn up the volume. A truck or tractor passes and it gets kind of loud. <Also, if you are reading this via email, just click on the post title to see the video on my website>
I love how Ann shared, “When you don’t have a name for something, you’re haunted by it’s shadows…But when you can name something… It loses it’s mask and you can find a strategy to deal with it.” (One Thousand Gifts)
Join us Friday…Ann and I kept talking, and we’d love for you to join us again on the porch. I could have talked with her all day! We’ll be back Friday to share more. If you’d like a reminder, simply put your email in the update box at the top of my website, and I’ll slip you a note in your inbox when it’s posted.
We have a few gifts… Would you leave us a little note by clicking “Share your thoughts” below this post. We’d love for you to be part of the conversation, too. And I’m giving away 3 signed copies of Ann’s book, so I”ll draw names from the notes you leave here.
One last thing… I wanted to share how Jesus has been working behind the scenes knowing the topic of today’s post. I’ve been receiving notes from many of you reading my Confident Heart devotions in The 7-day Doubt Diet. Just this week, here is what two of you wrote:
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“Renee, I just finished reading the Introduction and the first chapter of A Confident Heart . Thank you so much for writing a book like this and knowing exactly what it’s called that I’m going and have gone through all my life and didn’t know what it was called. ~ Sharon
“I’ve always doubted myself, but like you I called my different names. It felt so good to know and hear that I am not alone and that I can find my God-Confidence. ~ Megin
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I smiled, knowing it was all HIM!! You are on His heart and in His thoughts, my friends. And if you are curious, maybe now wanting to read Chapter 1 of my book, I’d love to share it with you.
Remember to “share your thoughts” below so I can choose the winners of the 3 signed copies of Ann Voskamp’s New York Times Best-Seller, One Thousand Gifts . I’ll announce the winners next Monday. And since we talked about overcoming self-doubts, I’ll tuck in a copy of my book with each of Ann’s for the three of you who win.
If you are reading this via email, please click on the post title to “share your thoughts” on my website and enter the drawing.
Thanks so much for sharing this!! I cannot wait to read your book! I sometimes worry and am afraid and now I realize it is just self-doubt!
I just want to thank God and you for leading me to your devotion tonight. I have recently started a new career ..at 40 and I have been having doubts, well, ok, fears too!!. But I did not know that this was my issue until a friend and I were chatting earlier and the tears began after we talked . So…I told my friend that I think God is calling me and I better go chat with Him. On nights that are quiet, I like to read my email and find Proverbs31 devotions! And guess what- yours was there “Trigger points”. So as I read, tears flowed (& still now as I write this) and God gently pointed out that I need to let Him have all my doubts and fears. He is in control-NOT me! He gave me this new career and has revealed to me that I can do this with Him by my side!
So thank you for your words so I could hear Gods! I can do ALL things through Christ who strengthens me! Now, to discover what my triggers are…hmmm? P.S. I signed up for your 7 days doubt diet- so THANKS!t!! Shelley
I often find myself saying that if I knew what was bothering me (if i could name it) then I could do something (pray) to overcome it and claim God’s promises in reguards to it. I struggle so much with this and it’s a wonderful reminder to know that I am not alone! Somehow there is strength and confidence in knowing that He will use this too to bring about HIs good and perfect will! Thanks for the chance to win would love to work through these books and let God transform me!
[email protected]
I HAVE HAD SUCH BLESSINGS TODAY FROM THE LORD. I TURNED ON THE COMPUTER TO FINISH SOME LOGGING BEFORE RETIRING FOR THE EVENING AND THERE WAS YOUR E-MAIL. I READ IT AND WATCHED THE VIDEO. WHAT A BLESSINGS TO END THE DAY OF ALREADY BLESSED DAY. I WOULD LOVE TO OWN BOTH BOOKS. I BELIEVE THE RIGHT PEOPLE WILL RECEIVE THE BOOKS. IF I AM ONE OF THEM THAT WOULD BE GREAT. GOD BLESS YOU AND YOURS KAY
Thank you for this! I am struggling forward after a long plateau in my faith, and naming something to give focus to my prayers is not something i had considered before.(It also makes you look a lot more closely at youself and motivations.)
I love when Ann said…once you name it then God can make beauty out of the ashes. I just experinced this last week. Its name was strife and it was making me miserable and I felt disconneted to God. One day, God was very clear with me, He let me know that I was going back to a place in my marriage that I didn’t want to revisit. My attiude had to change because if was affecting my life, in my marriage and with other relationships.
Yep, I named it…or I should say God named it…strife! Oh, things are MUCH better at home.
~Tammy
I never named what it is – that doubt of myself that leads to doubt of God because I did not recognize that I was fearfully and wonderfullty made. Now I plan to look in the mirror and thank the Lord for my beauty found in my relationship with Him. I plan to go to my husband as his virgin bride by the blood of Jesus. I plan to bless my children and grandchildren in the holy name of Jesus. I am a child of God, a Jesus girl, a lover of the Spirit.
Thank you so much for this blog today. I will keep it and treasure it.
Thank you so much for this! I have not thought of it this way, when we don’t have a name for something, we are haunted by it’s shadows. And, by naming it, we can find a strategy to deal with it. I am loving this~learning more every day-the truths of God. SO VERY thankful for those He sends to share His heart w/us! Happy Day!!! 🙂
I’m on day 6 of your 7-Day Doubt Diet, and I cannot begin to tell you how it is changing my life. I’ve so enjoyed listening to your “front porch” conversation. I think I could stay all day soaking up the encouragement and truth.
Just wanted to say Thank You both for your unfailing love to share the word of God through your own personal struggles. I don’t think you know the multitude of lives that you have touched and will touch. Thanks Again 🙂
As I listened to both of you talk on the porch I felt as if I were seated right there with you! So much made sense to me…especially near the ending when you talked about slowing down and taking the time in the rush of our lives to give things a name…the dark and the light things. This made such perfect sense to me….
It was interesting. When I took the little inventory you sent us in the 7-Day Doubt Diet, it came up that I was taking this for someone else since I didn’t seem to struggle with doubt. I think if I had taken it last week, I might have gotten a little bit different result. The mini-lessons you have shared with us from your book coming out later made me want to do this study so badly. I think it’s interesting how we women are ruled by our emotions–that doesn’t seem to change much. One week, we can be filled with faith, and the next week, we can’t seem to trust in anything.
I did pick up just yesterday on Satan trying to infiltrate my thoughts. God gave me some special promises several years ago that have not come to pass. I found myself saying “if” such and such occurs, and God quickened my spirit. If I say “if” in regard to God’s promises, isn’t it true that I am expressing doubt? Yes! So I changed my thinking immediately.
I was just at Wednesday night church looking at this book!! Looks good
I was just at Wednesday night church looking at this book!! I didn’t understand it at the time, thx for the explanation:)
Just what we were talking about today in my bible study – how do we know what to pray when we can’t name the stumbling block in our road? Thank you for the timeliness of your post.
A friend of mine invited me to join the 7-Day Diet Devotions. I love everything I have read so far on your website!! God is really teaching me about trust, recognizing my fears and realizing the Enemy uses my fears to doubt and distrust my Lord. God desires to replace my fears with His comfort and peace. I so want Him to! I look forward to growing closer to my Lord Jesus through your website!
Wow! Your blog was right on time for me today! Thanks for taking the time to write about this topic. BTW- I’d love to win a copy of ANn’s book!
Hello,
Trusting in the Lord is SO important in all of our relationships and also to take away the anxiety Satan tries to bombard us with. I hope I win your book so I can learn more about your thoughts on the subject. God bless you and your efforts to spread the Gospel of Jesus Christ!
Such a good devotion from P31 today that I had to follow up on your website with the video & sign up for the “doubt diet”! Really hit home & made me think. I have such negative self-talk when faced with things that cause me doubt myself. Your book looks great! Thanks for all you do to encourage others! God bless you & your ministry!
Thanks so much for sharing this video! I totally agree…there is something about naming the thing, good or bad, that removes some of the uncertainty and thereby much of the fear.
I am really enjoying the 7-Day Doubt Diet. I have struggled with feelings of inadequacy and self-doubt for a long time.
God is slowly and surely opening a pathway of hope and healing for me. I am very grateful for your openness and instruction. Thank you and God Bless all at Proverbs 31 Ministries.
Wow, both of my favorite authors/bloggers at the same time! Praise God! I have been reading Ann’s web page for some time, have just purchased the book (yesterday) but havenot started my list of 1000 things to be thankful for yet. Wan’t to read the book first. Waiting on your book to arrive in the mail Renee and I know it is ownderful. Thank you Lord for both of you. You change lives! Starting to teach a Ladies Worship Class in the fall and would love to use either of these books. Again, thank you for all you do through Jesus name!
As I read your devotionals in the morning, and it seems sometimes that I am reading about myself. I have been suffering from this doubt and insecurity problem from I was a teen and still in adulthood. When you invite me to the 7 Day Doubt-Diet I had to sign up and it was indeed a blessing from God, I was able to speak to every situation each day I read. Each time I am to do something I heard the doubt voice whisper every negative things possible and I believe because I did not believe in myself either.I want to do so much for Christ but still suffer from fear and doubt but I must say I am very happy for your devotionals and the 7 day Doubt Diet, I would really love to gwet a copy of your book and Ann’s also.
My husband dont believed in me either and that can be so hurtful. It has been only one year and four months since I have accepted Christ as my Lord and Saviour, so I really could use your help in getting to where God want me.
Thank you again and may God continue to use you to empower women all across the world
Lorna, Jamaica, W.I
I am so amazed at the timeliness of this coming these past weeks and then again today. I am incredibly blessed that God is so involved in my life that He has brought these things to pass… how many years ago did He start working to bring you and these books and the conversations and friends, and their lives all together, right now, to encourage, help me to grow and see me through. Thank you for being a part.
I just read the first part of your devotion. I knew I struggled with certain things, but to put a name to it, and to understand the doubt analysis, made a big difference. It was as if you were in my mind, repeating what I hear on a regular basis. Somehow, doubt slips under the radar and unites with our own perception, making it feel like our own. Thank you for sharing on this topic.
As I read your blog and watch the video I sit here thinking what perfect sense it all makes. I know that doubt and insecurity are life-long struggles of mine, but I have never identified my ‘struggle’ as self-doubt before. And I just wonder…how did these ladies get so smart!? I have high hopes that perhaps your book will bring me some of this wisdom!
I am a pastor’s wife, and currently leading a women’s bible study from P31. I have been so encouraged by your daily devotionals and have shared many of the thoughts from them with my group! Thank you for sharing them with us! Also, a friend of mine who is a young mom like myself, just told me about One Thousand Gifts, and how much she is enjoying it. God truly does inhabit the praise of his people, and focusing on our blessings, and His goodness is so vital in the Christian life!
LOVE the new look of your site!!! Enjoyed watching the video of your chat with Ann on the front porch and thank you for the chance to win a copy of her book and yours!
Thank you for sharing your conversation. I read the first chapter of your book and knew I would need to place an order. Amazing how the Lord directs us when we go to Him. I have been blessed to know. The shadow of doubt can affect anyone and am so thankful to learn about naming some of the others.
Thanks for sharing and for your tranparancy!
I have heard so many wonderful things about One Thousand Gifts and would love to read it soon! Your book sounds just as great! So blessed by the Proverbs 31 devotionals I receive every day. Thank you!!
God Bless you both for your wonderful encouragement for a woman’s heart! It would be a blessing to win and use for the encouragement to help others!
The words in your 7 day doubt diet have opened my heart and mind to the doubts I deal with each day. Would be so honored to read your new book as well One Thousand Gifts. Thank you for your words of encouragement! God’s blessings to you, and the staff at Proverbs 31. sue
Thank God for a girl like you full of wisdom and truth on issues I really struggle with. I will be praying for you, Ann and both of your books to help many who struggle with these doubt issues. I am grateful.
Love
Julie
Hi Renee,
Thank you so much for sharing in your story that you have suffered with depression. The overwhelming sense of doom that i wake up with some mornings is so defeating. And I sometimes think that if i had enough faith…. if my faith were stronger… etc …. I would not feel this way. So i appreciate your honesty and it gives me hope to see how God is working in your life.
I LOVE the first chapter of your book. I have such fear that I can never change in certain areas of my life. I have almost given up hope. “Almost” is the crucial word here. Your book gives me hope to keep seeking God no matter how many thousands of time i have failed Him in this area.
I look forward to reading your book. And I am praying for a miracle . I am praying that God will provide a way and the strength for me to defeat this “demon” that haunts me daily and that He will bring healing to my soul.
I would love to read both these books.
Thank you,
martha
Diligently seeking God today , just waiting for direction. Both books look great! Would love to win!
I am 56 yrs old and i have never come across someone to hit the nail on the head on whats going on with me.
It’s hard to share how i feel because everything you talk about in your book pretains to me. I took the analysis test and i am at the bottom all of this is weighing me down. I feld you and i were having a conversation about me, i belong to a ministry in my church and it so hard for me to function, i have not left my ministry because i don’t want to diaspoint my pastors, and God.
Im taking the 7 day doubt diet and it could not come in a better time in my life. Because i am going through so many issues. Thank you God bless!!
Renee,
The devotional was like you were talking directly to me, like we were having a personal conversation. I’m in a similar place, feeling like I’m called to a women’s speaking ministry – but having so much self doubt. The books sound like they would touch on many issues that I am dealing with and I have several friends that are in need of the same type of healing.
May the Lord bless you!
Carol
Renee,
Today is my first day, again. I got it the first day and self doubted right then. Couldnt bring myself to open it. Then when I did, couldnt bring myself to read like I needed it. Yesterday, I read the Intro & Ch.1. Today, Devo Day 1. It is very difficult for me and I truly dont know why I cant let go. Even though I know that it started when I was just a small child, I dont understand why I cant shake it. I encourage others like you wouldnt believe and yet I am the one who hides out in secret because of my own insecurities. The truth is that I have always felt unwanted and unseen. I was ignored alot growing up so I always did things to get my family’s attention. When I wasnt being ignored, I was critisized for one reason or another. My compensation for that was to become an over achiever. When that started waining, I added lies to make it look better. As you know, none of those things lasted or made it better, only worse. I never developed real friendships or truly meaningful relationships til I got married and had children (kids came first). For the past few years I have been trying to get rid of all this junk. It feels like someone is digging into my heart with a rusted spoon. Just reading this chapter is so hurtful for me. I did the analysis and I was on the highest end of the spectrum. Crazy, because in my line of work, thats what I do all day, every day–is encourage others to do better and see how special they are. You cant imagine the pain I feel when I cant believe for me. Im praying that God will free me. I reallly need to get free. I really want to know what it feels like to be free from all this stuff. Stuff that until today, I thought I was protecting myself from being hurt, not keeping me from things. Please pray for me on this journey.
I loved todays devotional from Proverbs 31 and would love to read these books. 🙂
Reading your 7-Day Doubt Diet has been a reminder to me of the fact that those doubts which haunt my mind and feelings are from one source. The source that wants to break me down, make me feel insecure, leave me with feelings of hopelessness and helplessness. Opening my heart to those doubts fuels them and weakens me. The source wins. That source, of course, is Satan, who wants nothing more than to undermine God’s ways. But God is the source of strength in my life. He is the one who created me because of love, who gave me His Word to help me grow in wisdom and confidence, who gave me the help of the Holy Spirit to speak to my soul, who gave me the opportunity of a guilt-free life never-ending with Him through the blood of His Son, Jesus Christ. Just like some foods weaken us and some foods nourish us, the source we open our hearts to determines whether we stand in fear or in confidence. Thank you for reminding me to guard my heart and and open it only to the one true God; the God who saves, protects, and nourishes.
Thanks so much for allowing God to use you to speak to us. Following Renee through this doubt cleansing has already been a blessing for me and my family. Facing those insecurities head on has released a lot of stress in our home. My 12 year old son said mom I like the new you! I’m looking forward to this journey! God bless!!
Thank you so much for sharing this video with us and I look forward to the other one on Friday! The video really made me feel like I was there with you two and listening and learning from your experience and wisdom! I have struggled with self-doubt all my life, and it is good to know that I am not alone!
Thank you so much for your encouraging words and helping me finally give this lack of confidence a name. I have been a damaged person since I was a little girl and live with chronic self doubt. If it were not for my Heavenly Father and ladies like you with such Godly encouragement life would seem impossible.
Thank you for sharing the devotion and your conversation with Ann; both uplifted me this morning at a time when self-doubt is plaguing me. I am so thankful for God’s love and presence during this storm in my life, and for blessing me with this encouragement.
The devil tried to stop this comment. I won’t let him. While finishing up “Trigger Points” from the email this morning I heard a couple Christian songs on the radio that fit so well with your encouragement. It makes me smile when God puts so many different things right in front of you to wake you up.
I don’t know how many times that I let opportunities slip by because of my doubt in what I could do. I always felt like I was a confident person, but after my divorce doubt starting creeping in all aspects of my life. After reading the 1st chapter of your book and going through the 7 day doubt diet, I realize what I have been doing to myself. I have not been letting God work in me the way He should. Can’t wait to read the entire book.
Self-doubt is paralyzing. It is like a disease that only you know , you are suffering from. I am glad to know I am not the only one with it.
Good words. We have to fix our eyes on Jesus. If we don’t they usually are stuck in the mirror looking back at us and that’s when the battle begins for me. I love naming our ‘things’. That reminds me of a commercial where a little girl is in bed and she sees a monster. “You’re not real” she tells him. The monster is bummed he wasn’t able to scare her. Lord help us keep our eyes on you and grow in your likeness. Looking forward to seeing both of you at SS.
Renee: Thank you so much for sharing your thoughts on self-doubt and also for sharing Ann’s remarkable spirit with us. I’ve started reading Ann’s book and immediately know of several friends who will benefit from it, as well as from your book. As women, we are pulled in so many different directions and rarely take time to listen to our Father’s voice. As a result, we are paralyzed by fear instead of being energized by our Father’s loving Spirit. I look forward to your post on Friday and further conversation with Ann. What a blessing you two are to us.