Confidence.
We all seek it when we don’t have it.
When we have it, we forget what it’s like to need it.
It’s a quiet song beating in our ears and whispering, “You are not enough.”
It’s lure is so great, that many latch on to the first thing that gives them the impression that they have things under control.
For some, confidence is found in sports or grades.
Some trust in their popularity in High School, so much so that they never fully leave that season of life.
Others throw themselves into their careers because they feel “confident” while ignoring every other part of their lives.
Young marriages mistakenly believe they have all the answers and draw confidence in one another instead of seeking out the wisdom of those who have gone the distance before them.
And, in some extreme cases, some will turn to “liquid encouragement” and submit themselves to any number of addictions as they try to find their own confidence or give up to escape everything.
The seductive need for confidence is the reason that many people fail to have their own opinion of current events, politics, or even where to eat out at with friends, instead choosing to go along with the crowd because there is “confidence in numbers”.
(Even if the group is wrong)
Business minded people often equate their confidence with the amount of money they make or the recognition they get from their peers. As soon as the money dips, so does their confidence.
In scripture, much is said about our confidence and where it should be placed.
26 In the fear of the Lord one has strong confidence, and his children will have a refuge. Proverbs 14:26 (ESV)
This is the one and only place that transcendent confidence lies. Not in people or prowess or recognition, but in the fear of the Lord.
Fear, mind you, of being on the wrong side of the Lord, not of the Lord, Himself.
When we are committed to following Him, our confidence grows because God knows no bounds.
We can even go to Him when we lack confidence instead of clamoring for some meaningless alternative.
16 Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need. Hebrews 4:16 (ESV)
Additionally, our confidence comes from a very uncomfortable place…outside of ourselves. This is perhaps the greatest lure of false confidence…that we want to be confident in and of ourselves.
Instead, God wants our confidence to be in Him and His will instead of our own.
14 And this is the confidence that we have toward him, that if we ask anything according to his will he hears us.1 John 5:14 (ESV)
Finding this place isn’t all that difficult, but changing our own will definitely can be.
5 Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. 6 In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths. Proverbs 3:5–6 (ESV)
As you journey in this life and, perhaps, struggle with your own confidence, know that God is still calling you, still at work in you, and will not give up on you finding your true confidence in Him.
6 For I am confident of this very thing, that He who began a good work in you will perfect it until the day of Christ Jesus. Philippians 1:6 (NASB95)
Mark Love
Lead Pastor