The Impostor Syndrome

The “impostor syndrome” is fake fear. It is the fear that deep inside, you are not who you want people to think you are. That God knows it, and he doesn’t love you because of it. I think it is something we have all experienced. For example, people say that I am smart and hard-working, but sometimes a little voice inside says, “No, you are not! You fake being smart and you don’t work all that hard. You may have everyone fooled, but someday they will find out.”

The Voice That Bullies

That voice often drives people to drink or take drugs to cover up this feeling. It drives people to lie and even act unkind to cover up this feeling. That voice bullies us into behaving in ways for which we are not proud. It tries to whittle away at our self-esteem and undermines our identity. But, we can talk back with confidence… sharing that the Word of God says we are children of the king. 

That voice tells us that we are unworthy of God’s love. But, how can that be true? Who knows us better than God? Indeed, we are known by God and loved by God. Even on our worst days, God loves us. 

Lord, help us to shout down that little voice that tells us we are underserving. Keep us in your love, even when we do not love ourselves. Remind me that the “impostor syndrome” is fake fear.

Feeling helpless doesn’t mean everything is hopeless.

It is easy to trust in God when we feel great. It is easy to trust God when things are going our way. The secret to joy, however, is to trust in God more than our feelings. When we have a child or grandchild in the hospital, we must trust God. When our pay check is barely enough to make ends meet, we must trust God. When we have a big test at school, we must trust God. When our joints ache, we must trust God. Many things in our lives may not be good, but God is good. And, he is looking out for our good. 

Fortunately, when you are feeling stressed because you can’t imagine a way out of a bad situation, God can open your eyes to his victory. Maybe, right now you can’t see a way. But, ask God to wake you up with new insight. And, he will wake you up to smell the coffee and see the light. Then, what felt impossible will feel doable. 

The impostor syndrome is fake fear. You can talk back. When you can’t imagine a way out, God can open the eyes of your heart. Remember feeling helpless doesn’t mean everything is hopeless. When you can’t imagine the possibilities, pray. You can have a victorious life. Victory is within reach!

“Indeed, the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Don’t be afraid…” (Luke 12:7)

Copyright © 2023 Chuck Locklear

See Victory Is Within Reach to discover that all things are possible with God.