Have you ever felt like you aren’t good enough for the online world?

You know, like your normal day isn’t as interesting as those of others, your content isn’t nearly as fascinating, and your opinions aren’t as deep as theirs. 

Have you ever felt pressured to meet people’s standards or fit into others’ expectations so you can be as likeable as the people you follow online?

As the world of the internet takes over our lives, we see tons of ideal lifestyles, desirable people, and dramatic contents that lure us. Celebrities promote helpful products that can change your life. Content creators express themselves freely online, getting hundreds of thousands of followers each day. But you? Pressured to purchase what was promoted or pressured to live the way others do. 

The feeling of longing for the good stuff is not bad. I can even remember after getting married last year, my husband and I were praying and believing God for stuff at home. We spent lots of hours browsing the internet, only to realize that we were just pressured to purchase all we “need” even though our means were not enough for those needs. 

I think it’s not selfish to long or dream, but the feeling of being inadequate can blind us to the perfect plan God has in store for us. 

The Bible tells us to believe God for our daily needs. But the longing and dreaming could either stretch our faith or trigger our insecurities. 

We all believe as Christians that God has big and better plans for us than what we have for ourselves and that each of our stories is uniquely crafted. But how can we process our feelings and emotions when the longing and dreaming make us feel inadequate already?

1. Acknowledge your current reality.

Acknowledging our current reality shouldn’t keep us from dreaming, but it should help us see where we are or what we have so that we will know where to go and what to believe for. Sometimes, this could make us sad and hopeless, but my prayer is that we will learn to be grateful for what we currently have and to look to God to meet your longing and dreams.

As the apostle Paul said: 

I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do all this through him who gives me strength.

Philippians 4:11–13 (NIV)

2. Declare the truth.

Declaring the truth doesn’t just mean positive thinking or using some supernatural powers to attract what we’re praying for. Instead, we declare the truth of God’s word over our current reality. Sometimes when we feel inadequate, we also fail to see the big things God has in store for us.

Our assurance is hinged on the faithfulness of God and on the finished work of Christ. Because God had promised, we know that He will fulfill. And because Jesus has made us co-heirs with Him of these promises, we know that we will receive these promises.

For no matter how many promises God has made, they are “Yes” in Christ. And so through him the “Amen” is spoken by us to the glory of God.

2 Corinthians 1:20 (NIV)

3. Dream big dreams.

Our relationship with God gives us a deep feeling of contentment in life. At the same time, it inspires us to believe for great and impossible things. The more we know who God is—His power, abilities, and sovereignty—the more we trust that He can do all things. And the more we know His character—His love and faithfulness toward us—the more confident we become that He hears and is willing to bless us.

We can dream because we don’t only have a God who is able to provide, but a Father who is more than willing to provide for us. He wants us to look not at the demands of the world but to Him who willingly lavished His love for us.

Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us . . .

Ephesians 3:20 (NIV)

4. Inspire others to put their faith and security in God.

There is a great opportunity for us to point people to God in a world that highlights our shortcomings and inadequacies.

Every dream, frustration, heartache, and insecurity is a signpost that points toward Jesus, the only one who can satisfy our longings and desires. We have Jesus, who is more than enough for us. He freely gives His all for us. 

For every student out there who feels pressured, I want to let you know that you don’t have to be enough for the world. The truth is we will never be enough. But in God’s eyes, you are precious, made for something great, and loved fully. You don’t need to think about being good enough, because God says you are loved and complete in Him.

The LORD appeared to us in the past, saying: “I have loved you with an everlasting love; I have drawn you with unfailing kindness.” 

Jeremiah 31:3 (NIV)