02/11/2020
The dictionary shows us that the word confidence means "faith or belief that one will act in a right, proper, or effective way." This definition helps us to see the importance of having confidence as a follower of Jesus Christ. The question the Bible asks us is, "In what/whom is my confidence?"
Is my confidence in the Lord, in myself, or in something in the World? When my confidence is based on myself, it puts me on the religious roller coaster of Pride and Despair. If I have a "good" day, checking off my list, my confidence soars (Pride). If I have a "bad" day, failing in some aspect of the expectations I have set for myself, my confidence sinks (Despair). When my confidence is in something in the World, it pus me on the sinful roller coaster of delight and disappointment. When I experience the temporary delight the World offers, I get that counterfeit confidence boost. But, when that temporary satisfaction runs its course, I find my confidence lower than ever because I'm left disappointed with the World and with myself.
Only when my confidence is placed properly in Jesus Christ and what He has done for me, am I freed from the roller coasters of Pride-Despair or Pleasure-Disappointment. Trusting Christ gives me confidence and humility at the same time - I am humbled by the fact that it took the death of the Son of God to save me from my sin, yet I am encouraged by the fact that the Son of God loved me enough to die for me. Trusting Christ awakens me to the fact that nothing in this world can ever satisfy my deepest desire, yet my deepest desire will find its fulfillment in the end in God Himself!
Where is your confidence?
Philippians 1:6 being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.
Ephesians 3:12 In Christ Jesus our Lord we have boldness and access with confidence through our faith in him.
