The definition of the word, “CONFIDENCE,” includes a feeling or belief which allows for complete faith or trust. To some that means self. To others it might be an idea or philosophy. When you possess confidence, you are sure of what you believe. Nothing can stop you. At least not until you lose your confidence. Being self confident will only last as long as you continue to succeed at what you do. As soon as the bubble bursts, you can immediately fall into a pit of despair. When we place our confidence in others and what they do, we also can be setting ourselves up for failure.

How about the confidence we place in things of this world? When we depend on material items, what happens when those “things” are no longer available? Do we blame the object of our loss? Do we forget that tangible things are only transitory?

Placing our faith – trust – confidence in ourselves seems to be the way of the world. Be all that you can be! Make the most of yourself! Trust in what you can do! Those are all motivational and inspirational words, but they have no real substance. The human race is given to making wrong choices, blaming, shaming, one upping, bullying, not being trustworthy. We are all fallible and flawed. So where should we be placing our confidence?

The Bible has many examples of where our vision should be – where our hope is – where our confidence most surely is.

Romans 8:28 “And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good,for those who are called according to his purpose.“

Psalm 62:8 “Trust in him at all times, O people; pour out your heart before him; God is a refuge for us. Selah“

Isaiah 5:21 “Woe to those who are wise in their own eyes,
    and shrewd in their own sight!”

Phillippians 4:12-13  “ I know how to be brought low, and I know how to abound. In any and every circumstance, I have learned the secret of facing plenty and hunger, abundance and need. ¹³ I can do all things through him who strengthens me.”

I believe that if we keep it in perspective, knowing that God is our strength and confidence, we can face all kinds of obstacles.  When we put ourselves above Him, we’re placing the credit in the wrong place. He is the source of our abilities.  He has written a plan for our lives that will follow through until our death.  He also provides life eternal for those who place their faith, trust and confidence in HIM!