I’m a small group kind of person. When gathered with one or two people, I typically feel confident and self-assured. But when I’m one of many, all bets are off—and I typically retreat into a quiet, introverted version of myself.

In these moments, I can’t help but wonder what life is like for people who crave the spotlight. Do they ever feel uncomfortable in their own skin? Do they ever question their actions or decisions? Do they ever feel self-conscious about anything?

Of course, everybody lacks confidence at some point. But when I’m the one feeling uneasy, I assume everyone else feels confident and coolheaded. Have you ever felt this way?

Maybe your boss likes to criticize you in front of your co-workers. You know you’re a hard worker, but his actions leave you feeling inadequate. Maybe you’ve struggled to support your family for years. When your kids spend time with your neighbors, you feel like the biggest failure on the block. Maybe you don’t like the way you look. You’ve tried everything—new clothes, new hairstyles, new jewelry—but you still feel self-conscious.

When you long for more confidence, you can turn to God’s Word for reminders of his love and assurance. These four Bible verses will get you started:

Psalm 139:113-14 (GNTD)

You created every part of me; you put me together in my mother's womb. I praise you because you are to be feared; all you do is strange and wonderful. I know it with all my heart.

Hebrews 4:16 (GNTD)

Let us have confidence, then, and approach God's throne, where there is grace. There we will receive mercy and find grace to help us just when we need it.

2 Timothy 1:7 (GNTD)

For the Spirit that God has given us does not make us timid; instead, his Spirit fills us with power, love, and self-control.

2 Corinthians 12:9

But his answer was: “My grace is all you need, for my power is greatest when you are weak.” I am most happy, then, to be proud of my weaknesses, in order to feel the protection of Christ's power over me.