Confidence

Confidence—a powerful word. It brings strength to mind. Determination. Assurance.

There are two types of confidence: confidence in who we are and what abilities we have. This is a feel-good type of confidence. You aced the test you studied for. You lost those extra pounds that hounded you for months. Yes, having this confidence will make you strut your stuff!

And there’s the confidence in what’s around you. These are areas you have no control over but know they will always be the same. While on this planet, the sun will always come up in the east. And if you drop something it will land on the floor.

There’s a comfort that comes with both of these types of confidences. You know–without a doubt–if you study hard you will get better grades. And you also know if you don’t pick up that second donut, your waistline will thank you for it.

These confidences have been supported by past experiences. You know what you will get when you apply yourself. It’s the same with confidences outside of your influence. Can you imagine what this world would be like if we never knew what direction the sun would appear in the sky? Or, if we’d drop something, thinking it would fall to the ground instead it hit us in the face? There is comfort in the consistencies around us.

 

Confidence in Consistency

While comfort is found in consistencies, inconsistencies can destroy a person’s confidence. Many times our behaviors or the behaviors of others can impact how we see the world. Abusive or destructive actions destroy a person’s confidence in themselves or the world around them.

God’s word warns us:

[box] The heart is deceitful above all things and beyond cure. Who can understand it? Jeremiah 17:9.[/box]

We can be confident that our Heavenly Father is the same yesterday, today, and forever. If we keep our confidence focused on Him … on who has set a plan for each of our lives … we can wrap ourselves in the comfort that only God can give us. You can have confidence in scripture.

[box] So do not throw away this confident trust in the Lord. Remember the great reward it brings you! Hebrews 10:35 [/box]

 

What say you?

What do you wonder about?  Are you happy … or are you doing what you never thought you’d do? Do you see consistencies … or are you all over the place? Drop me a line. I’d love to chat.

Struggling to find good in your life? Check out my award-winning book, God’s Best During Your Worst, or check out any of my other books on my Book page.