Confidence in Doing

Confidence defined in the Merriam-Webster dictionary is a belief that one can rely on someone, something, or oneself. Minimal confidence can prevent people from taking risks. We can learn to improve our confidence throughout life by capturing negative thoughts and replacing them with positive ones.

An overdose of confidence can come off as arrogant. Projecting just enough confidence helps people gain credibility and tackle challenges.

The Bible mentions another type of confidence: confidence in the Lord.

I joined a women’s Bible study on the book of Jeremiah. The leader asked me to read chapter seventeen. As I read-aloud verse seven, “But blessed is the one who trust in the Lord whose confidence is in Him,” my heart pounded. While the meeting closed with silent prayer I asked God why the word confidence bothered me. I waited and waited…

Later that evening, the neighborhood association president called and asked if I would give thanks over the annual potluck dinner the following Sunday. I agreed and went into my office to write the words for the upcoming prayer. I tuned into a Christian radio station for inspiration. “Do it Again” by Elevation worship began to play. As they sang the lyrics, “The Lord’s faithfulness, still in your hands, this is my confidence,” my chests tighten. Lord, is there something you are trying to tell me?

The next day, I drove to the mall and shopped for the perfect outfit for Sunday’s dinner. I tried on a cute outfit and walked over to the three-way mirror. The sales clerk said, “You look stunning in that outfit.” I smiled and turned toward the dressing room. As I closed the door, I realized my confidence was in an outfit, a rehearsed prayer, and myself. God’s Word reveals our heart’s condition; that’s why the verse in Jeremiah regarding confidence bothered me. Ouch!

As I hurried to change, another scripture came to mind. “Let us then approach God’s throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need” (Hebrews 4:16). Inside the dressing room, I asked God for forgiveness.

I’m thankful God knows us better than we know ourselves. His corrections are sweet. No matter what we say or do for the kingdom, the Lord goes before us and prepares the way. He is the true source of our confidence. Let me ask a question. Where does your confidence lie?