OVERCOMING FEELINGS OF INFERIORITY

Eleanor Roosevelt once said, “No one can make you feel inferior without your consent.”  Her words are so true.  But sometimes we are so battered and bruised until we can’t overcome the overwhelming feeling inside.

Back in my 20’s I came across a book by Dr. James Dobson that addressed these issues.  His chapter on “The Canyon of Inferiority” opened my eyes.  As I read this chapter, while planning a lesson, I discovered that all my life I felt inferior and I didn’t have to.
So whether your a teenager or an adult that has feelings of not being important or necessary then I hope this helps you.
Let’s begin with that your not alone. That’s right–your not the only young person who feels this way. That was a big eye opener for me. I thought I was the only young person on this planet who felt inferior. It may seem like there are others who don’t care and they hide it by being shy, hilarious, mean or unfriendly. But Dobson states, “It will give you more confidence to know that everyone is afraid of embarrassment and ridicule.”
The next step to overcoming feelings of inferiority is putting God first. God loves you and knows your hurts. Remembering that he cares will help you deal with those overwhelming feeling. So set some time each day to spend time with the One who cares about you the most.
Next, write down what makes you feel inferior. It may take you several days to do this task but seeing on paper what it is that makes you feel not important will help you identify and reject those thoughts that are not godly.
Now this is the part I like. Find a true friend to talk your problems over with. Its important to think through who this friend is–someone who is mature and makes wise decisions. Look for someone whom you trust and talk to them about feeling of inferiority. You may be surprised that they have or had the same feelings.
And last take some time with your friend to create a strategy on how to deal with these feelings of inferiority.

Remember that, “You are fearfully and wonderfully made.” Psalms 139:14.  The God who made you has great plans for you.  You are exactly as he planned you to be.  Take joy in that because todays troubles are preparing you for great things tomorrow. “For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, Plans to prosper you and not to harm you, Plans to give you a hope and a future.” Jeremiah 29:11