noun con·fi·dence
the feeling or belief that one can rely on someone or something; firm trust.

The Bible says we as Christians are to have our confidence in Jesus. (Proverbs 3:26) Often times we can mistake confidence as relying on our own abilities and self-assurance rather than Christ-assurance. The central part of the definition of confidence is the “firm trust of relying on someone.” That someone is Jesus.

Confidence is built upon trust. Once we begin to trust that Christ is sufficient, our confidence increases. We no longer need have confidence in ourselves and rely on our abilities alone. Trust in the God in you that He is able to do all. Once we put our confidence in Him, all the stress, worry, and disappointment disappears. It is through Him that we are able to stand strong and confident. Not by our own works but by His.

We begin to lose confidence when life doesn’t work out the way we want it to. But we need to realize our life is not ours. We did not design it and we did not create it. So why do we try to control where it goes? Placing confidence in a life you think you can control will lead to disappointment at every turn. Philippians 1:6 states that God began the good work in us and He will carry it to completion. This is where our confidence lies: in Christ – the Creator of all.

• In him and through faith in him we may approach God with freedom and confidence Ephesians 3:12
• For the Lord will be your confidence and will keep your foot from being caught Proverbs 3:26
• Not that we are sufficient in ourselves to claim anything as coming from us, but our sufficiency is from God. 2 Corinthians 3:5
• Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand. Isaiah 41:10
• So we can confidently say, “The Lord is my helper; I will not fear; what can man do to me?” Hebrews 13:6
• Therefore do not throw away your confidence, which has a great reward. For you have need of endurance, so that when you have done the will of God you may receive what is promised. Hebrews 10:35-36
• The fruit of that righteousness will be peace; its effect will be quietness and confidence forever. Isaiah 32:17
• “But blessed is the one who trusts in the LORD, whose confidence is in him. Jeremiah 17:7
• 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. Philippians 1:6
• for the LORD will be at your side and will keep your foot from being snared. Proverbs 3:26
• In the fear of the Lord one has strong confidence, and his children will have a refuge. Proverbs 14:26