Three Things to Know About Confidence

It is elusive. It is something others have. It is something we all want but secretly fear we will never obtain. 

Confidence. 

That ten letter word has eluded many people and been the bane to even more. 

Just search the word “confidence” on Amazon and you will get over 1300 results. But what does the Word say about confidence? 

Let’s look. 

Job 4:5-7

But now when trouble strikes, you lose heart. You are terrified when it touches you.

Doesn't your reverence for God give you confidence? Doesn't your life of integrity give you hope?

“Stop and think! Do the innocent die? When have the upright been destroyed?

Confidence by definition is “full trust, assurance and certitude”. 

So when we read Job we can see three things about confidence that we may not have seen before. 

1. Confidence comes from our reverence of God.

This is not as easy as it sounds. Real reverence is giving respect and honor, but more than that it is giving a PLACE of honor and respect in our lives. God isn’t just God on Sundays. He wants to be revered and honored every day in your life. When we think something is important we give that thing priority. How would you rank God in your life? Is He number one or are you? Maybe your spouse has slipped into that spot. Maybe your kids have usurped Him in your life. If we really honor God as the most important part of our lives, then this will give us confidence.

2. Confidence can overcome fear.

When trials come, and they will (James 1:1-6) we all face that moment of panic. If left unchecked, that little jump in the pit of our stomach can turn into debilitating fear. Crippling us from reacting, and strangling us with its talons fear can literally choke the life out of us.

I know a 50-something woman, let’s call her Andrea (name changed to protect her privacy) who recently found out she has breast cancer. After a biopsy, they found that the cancer has not reached her lymph nodes yet, (good news!) but they are waiting on pathology to find out if the cancer is aggressive or not. She has experienced tremendous pain from the biopsy, and fear has made her conclude that if the cancer is aggressive she will not take chemo-therapy. She is giving up before she ever begins the fight. FEAR IS DEADLY!

Confidence in God, in His ability to perform His word, in His purpose for you will strengthen your resolve in life. You will no longer be steamrolled by the trials of life, but will count them all joy instead. You will be prepared to stand and fight, knowing that the Great I Am is behind you and no enemy can prosper against you. That is what confidence can do: it makes you more than a conqueror.

3. Confidence renews your hope and gives you heart.

“The Lord is my rock, and my fortress, and my deliverer; my God, my strength, in whom I will trust; my buckler, and the horn of my salvation, and my high tower.” Psalms 18:2

“Now I know that Adonai gives victory to his anointed one — he will answer him from his holy heaven with mighty victories by his right hand.” Psalms 20:7

“The Lord redeemeth the soul of his servants: and none of them that trust in him shall be desolate.” Psalms 34:22

“In the fear of the Lord is strong confidence: and his children shall have a place of refuge.” Proverbs 14:26

 Our hope gets misplaced at times. We think our jobs are what sustain us, or our purpose is only found in the work place or as a wife and mom. These things hold value, but they alone mean nothing. God is our hope. He is our confidence. Trust in Him and the rest will come.

The Bible says faith comes by hearing, but so does confidence. Hear what God is saying to you right now. You are fearfully and wonderfully made. God has plans for you. He will never leave you or forsake you. With Him all things are possible. Build up your TRUST and confidence will come. 

What are your struggles with confidence?

This tandem series on CONFIDENCE is a joint effort between Dana Pittman and Dayna Bickham. Both Dana and Dayna blog about life, grace, and God's love and plan for you. To follow this series, visit here to learn more.

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