Have you ever lost your confidence? Maybe it’s hiding in the middle of a stack of bills, under that pile of files that you just can’t seem to get to, or in the middle of your ‘to do’ list. Or just maybe, it walked away with your children, husband or friend, like mine did.
A couple years ago a friend of mine was going through some severe difficulties. I felt at a loss to know how to help her. In all our talks, could I have said more? Would it of changed the situation? Guilt came crashing through the door and confidence walked out.
At the same time, another friend lost her husband suddenly to a heart attack. Confidence gone, I didn’t know what to do. Stay or go? What could I handle? What would be most helpful? Anxiety walked in the door guilt has crashed down.
I discovered that as I lost confidence in myself, I also lost my confidence in God. Ouch. Twins so to speak; the two seem to walk hand in hand in my life.
Merriam-Webster Online Dictionary states that . . .“confidence stresses faith in oneself and one's powers without any suggestion of conceit or arrogance” Could we as Christians also say .. . Confidence stresses faith in God and His power?
Hebrews 10:32-39
“Remember those earlier days after you had received the light, when you stood your ground in a great contest in the face of suffering...insult and persecution...in prison...confiscation of your property...So do not throw away your confidence; it will be richly rewarded. You need to persevere so that when you have done the will of God, you will receive what he has promised... But we are not of those who shrink back and are destroyed, but of those who believe and are saved.”
What will it take for me to find my confidence again? Is it under the pile of garbage from the enemy? According to the verse above - Persevere. Don’t shrink back. Remember. Remember those earlier days. God reminded his people to remember what had been accomplished. .. from altars of remembrances, to festivals, sacrifices and covenants. He set the example, saying that he would remember his covenant with them. Time and time again he said it. He would remember his covenant.
So how do I persevere and stand my ground? What should I remember? The things God has accomplished in my life; the times that God spoke through me, the times that he supplied exactly what I needed, the times that people were pleased with my work, my friends, the times that ... All those promises of God are still available.
More importantly, the firm foundation:
Pr 14:26 In the fear of Jehovah is strong confidence; And his children shall have a place of refuge.
Pr 3:25 Be not afraid of sudden fear, Neither of the desolation of the wicked, when it cometh:
Pr 3:26 For Jehovah will be thy confidence, And will keep thy foot from being taken.
“On Christ the solid rock I stand all other ground is sinking sand.” Edward Mote
When life gets shaky you are my rock, my refuge, and my confidence in whom I can trust. Whether or not I feel it or see it - it is truth! Whether the sky is gray or blue, it is the truth. I reclaim my confidence, in myself and in you my Lord.
