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Are you an introvert? Are you a Christian? As a Christian, and a “recovering” introvert myself, I have had this post on my heart for some time. Over the course of my life, I have come up with some ways that have helped me to step out of my shell. But even more important than some tips and tricks to overcome shyness, there are some Bible verses that will show you that you are more than a label (even if it’s one you gave yourself). You don’t have to be stuck with the idea that you can’t be greatly used of God because you are too shy, too timid, or find yourself classed with the introverts.
We Belong to God
John 1:12 ~ But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name:
Isaiah 43:1 ~ But now thus saith the Lord that created thee, O Jacob, and he that formed thee, O Israel, Fear not: for I have redeemed thee, I have called thee by thy name; thou art mine.
As Christians, we are children of God. He has redeemed us. He calls us by name. We are His. This alone should strengthen us, comfort us and empower us!
We Don’t have to Be Afraid
2 Timothy 1:7 ~ For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind
So, if God has not given us the spirit of fear, where did it come from? We may have had a bad experience, or experiences, that has placed in our hearts a fear of certain situations. But ultimately, the guilt lies within our own sinful natures. The devil seeks any opportunity to compromise us, and will tempt us wherever our weaknesses lie. (1 Peter 5:8) But remember, 2 Timothy 1:7 tells us that God has given us POWER to overcome our fears! We are not slaves to the devil’s lies!
We Should Be Courageous
Psalm 27:14 ~ Wait on the LORD: be of good courage, and he shall strengthen thine heart: wait, I say, on the LORD.
Joshua 1:9 ~ Have not I commanded thee? Be strong and of a good courage; be not afraid, neither be thou dismayed: for the LORD thy God is with thee whithersoever thou goest.
Those verses from Psalms and Joshua remind us that not only SHOULD we be courageous, but God COMMANDS it! That may seem impossible when faced with a situation that brings about discomfort, maybe even to the point of physical illness. But these next two verses tell us why we can obey God in any situation.
God is With Us
Romans 8:31 ~ What shall we then say to these things? If God be for us, who can be against us?
Romans 8:31 makes me think of the account of Elisha and the invisible army in
2 Kings 6:16-17. When the young man was afraid of defeat, Elisha prayed that his eyes would be opened. When this prayer was answered, the young man saw that the “mountain was FULL of horses and chariots of fire round about Elisha.” With an army like that on our side, how can we possibly still be afraid?
Hebrews 13:6 ~ So that we may boldly say, The Lord is my helper, and I will not fear what man shall do unto me.
We can step out of our comfort zones, knowing that God is not only for us, He is also with us; we don’t have to be afraid of any situation!
We All (Including Introverts) Have a Mission
Regardless of whether we consider ourselves introverts or extroverts, God does give us all the same mission, and the same instructions as to how to carry out that mission.
Mark 16:15 ~ And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature.
Acts 1:8 ~ But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth.
1 Peter 3:15 ~ But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and [be] ready always to [give] an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear:
As introverts, we need to be careful not to use our shy tendencies as excuses not to witness to others or to serve God. Of course, there are many different ways to approach people with the Gospel message, and many different ways to serve that suit our very individual personalities.
Redefining “Introvert”
One description of introvert that I find very interesting is “one who needs time alone to recharge and re-energize”. This makes me think of Jesus, who often went off alone to pray and spend time with God. I think this definition for introverts is the one that fits me the most. Now, instead of considering myself shy, I realize that I do need to give myself some time to recharge. I try to plan that time into my weekly schedule.
Admittedly, my natural inclination is to lean towards solitary (or family) activities. Reading, writing, and spending time with my family are my favorite things to do. But knowing that I have this downtime planned in the near future helps me to be able to really embrace the time that I spend with others. In addition, knowing that God is right there with me gives me the courage to step out of my comfort zone when I have the opportunity!
