I’m a bit obsessed right now with a song called “Do It Again” by Elevation Worship. I love to grab a cup of coffee and watch the live version before I sit down to write at my computer. The lyrics that caught my attention were “I’m still in your hands, this is my confidence”. What a great reminder that we don’t have to rely on our own abilities. The Lord is my true confidence! We can rest in the knowledge that we have a God who never, ever fails and always holds us in His hands.
God Confidence
The Oxford Dictionary definition of confidence is “the feeling or belief that one can rely on someone or something; firm trust.”
Self confidence is a changing feeling about the belief you have in yourself and abilities. Unfortunately, we all can have days of low self esteem and feel insecure.
We should, however, feel “God-confident” every day, placing our firm trust in Him- our unchanging, wise, and loving King. I want to rely on this kind of confidence regardless of my circumstances; trusting in God’s power, plan, and unfailing love.
The first verse I read on confidence was Hebrews 4:16: “Let us then approach the throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.”
The Greek word used is “boldly”, meaning a free and fearless confidence and cheerful courage. I believe it, but to step up and approach Him? Come boldly? To His throne?
How to Have Confidence in God
We need to back up just a couple verses for an explanation on why we can be so bold and confident.
Verse 14: “So then, since we have a great High Priest who has entered heaven, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold firmly to what we believe.”
The writer of Hebrews wanted to emphasize that our confidence rests squarely and completely on our Lord Jesus Christ.
The temple curtain was torn at His death, showing us there was no longer a need for a human High Priest to enter the Holy of Holies to atone for our sins. He gave His life for ours, ensuring forgiveness of sin and our eternal life with Him in heaven.
The devil wants to discourage us from coming to Him and will do all in his power to keep us away. Don’t let him sway you! Hold firmly to this invitation to come before Him without reservation.
The writer of Hebrews continues with this confidence booster:
Verse 15:“For we do not have a high priest who is unable to empathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are- yet He did not sin.”
Isn’t that comforting? Our confidence in Jesus comes from the fact He became fully human like us- except that we sin, and He did not. He can, however, sympathize with us.
His life wasn’t easy, He fought battles. He felt pain; emotional and physical. His friends and family weren’t always easy to get along with.
He confronted skeptics and haters. There is absolutely nothing we go through that he does not fully understand.
Be Confident in the Lord
Then we come back to verse 16. He waits patiently; ready and able to help us. He has unending mercy and grace to fill our lives, and He wants to give them to us!
Fear shouldn’t keep us from approaching Him. We should come reverently, but that’s different from fear. He tells us to come fearlessly, confidently, and boldly. He has every confidence in us!
One way to boost our confidence is to remind ourselves that Jesus has never failed us. We can fully trust in God’s Word and God’s character. He always keeps His promises, and He is always faithful.
An amazing way to build your confidence is to keep a prayer and/or gratitude journal.
My husband and I have been in a small group Bible study for over 30 years. We have kept notebooks of our prayer requests over the years.
All I need to do is go through a few pages and marvel at the wonderful way He has worked in our lives. It gives me confidence knowing He has been in every situation and circumstance.
He’s moved mountains and broken down walls. He has never strayed from my side. Whenever I fell, He carried me until I was strong enough to stand.
Our Confidence is in the Lord
What holds you back from boldly coming before Him? We can suffer from low self-esteem, lack of confidence, and fall back on our limited human wisdom.
“Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding.” Proverbs 3:5.
We can live with the unshakable truth that the Lord is our confidence! We are able to persevere in trials and bounce back from hurts and missteps with the help of our God.
Does fear hold you back?
“The Lord is the stronghold of my life- of whom shall I be afraid?” Psalm 27:1. The antidote to fear is an unwavering confidence in God!
“So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.” Isaiah 41:10.
“The name of the Lord is a strong tower; the righteous man runs into it and is safe.” Proverbs 18:10.
What beautiful promises to cling to and give us encouragement and confidence!
Does the fear of standing before God keep you away from Him? The steadfast love of God can quiet your fears. We can count on God’s love without fail. He has given everything He has for us, including His own Son.
“There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment.” 1 John 4:18.
If we didn’t know Jesus, then we would have a substantial reason to fear punishment. But we can be confident and at peace in His perfect love for us on judgment day.
“You are all children of light and children of the day. We do not belong to the night or to the darkness.” 1 Thessalonians 5:5. Paul reminded the church of the Thessalonians that they need not fear Jesus’ return. We are God’s children; valuable, cherished, and protected.
Pray With Confidence
Do you struggle with prayer? Let these 2 verses guide you-
“This is the confidence we have in approaching him: that if we ask anything according to the will of God, he hears us. And if we know that he hears us-whatever we ask-we know that we have what we asked of him. 1 John 5:14-15.
“I tell you the truth, if you have faith and do not doubt, not only can you do what was done to the fig tree, but also you can say to this mountain, ‘Go, throw yourself into the sea,’ and it will be done. If you believe, you will receive whatever you ask for in prayer.” Matthew 21:21-22.
Of course there is no guarantee we will receive everything we ask for in prayer and in our timing. God knows our entire life’s course and will only grant us those things that are good and pleasing to His will and would not cause us harm.
Jesus was speaking to the disciples (and us) about their doubt and lack of faith. Do we genuinely trust in God? Are we obedient to His will? Can we pray in earnest, “thy will be done?“
“The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective.” James 5:16.
Our most powerful resource is prayer! God’s power and infinite wisdom is far greater than ours. Go to Him first!
Bible Verses about Confidence in God
Here are some encouraging verses to build up your confidence in God-
“In the fear of the Lord one has strong confidence, and his children will have a refuge.” Proverbs 14:26 ESV.
The reverence and awe we feel in the His presence and this promise of safety gives us the confidence to trust Him completely.
“May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.” Romans 15:13.
Paul’s blessings and prayer asks for us to be filled with hope, which brings joy (anticipating what He will do), and peace (as we rest in the assurances of God’s promises.)
“You will keep in perfect peace him whose mind is steadfast, because he trusts in you.” Isaiah 26:3.
“But blessed is the one who trusts in the Lord, whose confidence is in Him.” Jeremiah 17:7
“For the Lord shall be thy confidence, and will keep your foot from being caught.” Proverbs 3:26 (NKJV)
“Being confident of this very thing, that He who has begun a good work in you will complete it until the day of Christ Jesus.” Philippians 1:6 (NKJV)
“Therefore do not throw away your confidence, which has a great reward.” Hebrews 10:35
Confidence in Christ
The writer of Hebrews was encouraging the believers to persevere in their faith, even through persecution and troubles. These are times where we can feel especially close to Jesus; drawing on His strength and receiving peace and rest.
“God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation he will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it.” 1 Corinthians 10:13
“And we know that for those who love God, all things work together for good, for those who are called to his purpose.” Romans 8:28.
God has promised to work in our lives. His Word gives us His wisdom and strength. Remember His character and abundant love. Live Confidently!
Blessings of Confidence!
AnnMarie
All Scripture is taken from the New International Version unless specified otherwise.
Photo Credit: Canva
Always blessed with peace and hope when I read Busy Blessed Women. Having a relationship with Christ is a gift, much more…fellowship by reading His word, makes it a personal experience. I’ve learned that I the Word is my foundation, and have also found other tools that have helped me learn to care for myself. I am a retired LPC, and part of our ethical code, is self care. Self-care goes for any aspect of our lives though, and so happy that I can connect with you and so many others online. I know the Holy Spirit works in love through you, and provides us the spiritual, Christ based nourishment every day. In gratitude, Diane:)
I couldn’t agree more! I know our good Father doesn’t want us to suffer needlessly- body, mind, or spirit. I often need reminders to take care of myself. Which reminds me… I wrote a post on soul care that I want to revisit!
Thank you for your kind encouragement 🙂 It is helpful in many ways. It is all through and by Him, who has been so faithful to me! God bless you, Diane!