Confidence is a fairly popular topic today. We are encouraged to feel self-assured and to think confidently. Some will go so far as to say that if we are confident enough, we can achieve everything we think of and anything that we attempt to do.
The Bible isn't silent on the topic. The Old Testament word for confidence appears 118 times and can be defined as placing trust in someone or something, to have full confidence, or to experience a feeling of safety. In the New Testament, the primary word for confidence is used 31 times and suggests assurance coupled with and characterized by courage or boldness.
There is a subtle, but significant difference between the secular and scriptural approaches to the acquisition of confidence. There seems to be a lot about self in much of what is presented in secular resources, while the Bible clearly identifies God as the principal and primary source for confidence.
There are some things that Christians should not have confidence in. Interestingly, it is self that tops the list. In fact, many times Christians fail because of their self-confidence. Our achievements and strength are temporary and frail. Human achievements fade and our strength weakens over time. Our resources are limited and temporary! The prophet Jeremiah blatantly stated, "Thus says the Lord, cursed is the man who trusts in man..." (Jeremiah 17:5).
For some, wealth has become their source of confidence. However, it does not really matter how many zeros precede the decimal point in your bank balance. Proverbs 11:28 says, "He who trusts in his riches shall fall..."
Confidence in others is also quite tenuous. Even good people falter, exhibit inconsistencies and fail. We are currently inundated with political promises inviting us to place our confidence in a certain political party or a particular candidate. May I respectfully submit, that while I know many of them to be genuine, their ability to deliver is as limited as our own resources. "Put not your trust in princes, nor in a son of man, in whom there is no help" (Psalm 146:3).
The ultimate and reliable source for confidence is Christ. In Philippians 4:13, believers find that they "can do all things through Christ who strengthens them." This is not through self, but in remarkable cooperation with the Savior. And His resources are inexhaustible, His love is enduring, His strength is unlimited and His power is eternal. In Philippians 1:6, it says, "I am confident of this, that He who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ."
"The Lord will be your confidence, He will keep your foot from being caught in a trap" (Proverbs 3:26).
Pastor Ross Helgeton Lead Pastor – Erskine Evangelical Free Church Phone: 403 – 742 – 5020 Email: revrh@telus.net