Blessed are those who trust the Lord and place their hope in him. — Jeremiah 17:7 The Discussion Bible
Confidence is more than a momentary boost of courage or a fleeting sense of certainty. It’s a posture of the heart and mind that influences every decision we make. Often linked to faith or expectation, confidence can lead us forward—or hold us back—depending on where it’s rooted.
Misplaced Confidence
Not all confidence is good. Some people are confident they’ll fail, simply because that’s what life has taught them to expect. Others may plunge ahead with unshakable self-confidence, only to fall because their foundation was pride, not truth. Overconfidence in our own strength or intellect can lead to failure. Likewise, putting confidence in the wrong people, systems, or dreams can end in disappointment.
Faith and confidence are closely connected. Faith believes in God’s promises, and confidence acts on them. When our confidence flows from God’s truth rather than our emotions or past wounds, it becomes a life-giving force.
Think of Peter stepping out of the boat to walk on water. His confidence was rightly placed in Jesus, but the moment he focused on the wind and waves, fear took over—and he sank. The apostle Paul reminds us to be careful when we think we’re standing firm (1 Corinthians 10:12). We might fall. Confidence must be grounded in reality—specifically, in God’s reality. Anything less will eventually collapse under pressure.
A Solid Foundation
The apostle Paul was sure he could do anything through Christ who gave him strength (Philippians 4:13). Really? Notice the key: through Christ. Paul wasn’t claiming to be invincible. He was acknowledging that God would give him the ability to do his will. That kind of confidence isn’t wishful thinking. It’s rooted in relationship, submission, and purpose.
Paul endured beatings, imprisonment, shipwrecks, and constant danger, yet his confidence remained because he knew he was doing what God had called him to do.
Obedience and Experience
Like muscles, confidence grows through use. Every time we obey God in the little things, our trust in him deepens. When we see him come through—whether in answered prayer, unexpected provision, or inner peace during chaos—our confidence matures.
If we keep pressing on, even failure can grow confidence. The difference is in our response. When failure leads us back to God rather than away from him, we have a stepping stone, not a stumbling block.
The Role of Surrender
Sometimes we don’t feel confident, even when we’re doing what’s right. That’s when surrender becomes essential. Rather than striving in our own strength, we humbly trust God to do what we can’t do.
Jesus modeled this in Gethsemane when he prayed for the Father’s will to be done. “The spirit is willing,” he said, “but the flesh is weak.” An angel came to strengthen him, preparing him for the ridicule, flogging, and crucifixion that he was about to face (Luke 22:43).
Anchored in Truth
Confidence built on fantasy or self-delusion is dangerous. It might give a temporary high but will ultimately lead to a fall. On the other hand, confidence in God’s truth stands firm because it’s not based on what we see. It’s based on who God is.
When we meditate on God’s Word, pray without ceasing, and walk in obedience, we develop the kind of confidence that lasts—even through storms.
Moving Forward in Faith
Joshua and Caleb were confident they could take the Promised Land—not because they were strong, but because God had promised. The other spies looked at the giants and faltered. Joshua and Caleb trusted God’s Word.
Confidence in God empowers action. It helps us overcome procrastination, silence fear, and keep going when the path is uncertain. It doesn’t require seeing the full picture—only trusting the One who does.
To move forward in confidence that is rooted in Christ:
- Saturate your heart with Scripture. Know what God says so you can trust his voice.
- Pray without ceasing. Confidence grows in the quiet moments of surrender.
- Take small steps of obedience. Each faithful step builds spiritual muscle.
- Reflect on God’s faithfulness. Remembering past victories fuels confidence for the future.
- Surround yourself with faith-filled believers. Encouragement is contagious.
When our confidence is in God, we are steady in storms, hopeful in uncertainty, and bold in obedience. Let’s live that way, not just feeling confident, but living confidently—because we trust the One who holds the outcome.
Anchored Assurance
I once had a feeling, a tingle, a spark,
That all would go well on my pathway so dark.
But feelings, I learned, can be tricky and sly.
They rise like a kite, then fall from the sky.
I thought I was strong. I was certain, you see,
That nothing could go wrong—not with me.
But then I discovered, with one giant thud,
That pride built on me was just boots made of mud.
A stranger said, “Friend, there’s a much better way.
Put trust in the Lord and not what people say.”
That was it. I tried it out, but just a little at first.
I found that God’s Word could quench every thirst.
I stumbled and slipped, but God helped me stand.
He gave me a grip with his strong, mighty hand.
The things I could in my own strength and might,
I could accomplish as I walked in God’s light.
I don’t have to fake it or puff up my chest,
For Jesus, not I, knows what’s really best.
My confidence grows when I live out his plan,
And I don’t chase the dreams of an ordinary man.
I once thought success was all up to me,
But now I have faith in what I can’t see.
For confidence isn’t just go-go-go.
It’s knowing the One who knows what I don’t know.
So if you feel small or unsure of what to do,
Know there’s a God who will walk with you.
Don’t place your trust in a castle of sand.
Put your confidence in him. Then you will stand.
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