Welcome back to the Health for the Spirit, Soul, and Body blog! Today, we gather again on this platform of faith and fellowship to explore a critical aspect of our spiritual walk – self-confidence. Often, we may misconstrue self-confidence as a form of arrogance or pride. However, in its truest form, it's a healthy and realistic appreciation of who we are in God’s eyes. This essential trait equips us to overcome fear, anxiety, and self-doubt, propelling us towards realizing our full potential in Christ. In this blog post, we will look at the concept of self-confidence from a biblical perspective, drawing on the wisdom and examples found in Scripture.
David and Goliath: Confidence in God's Strength
One of the most vivid examples of biblical self-confidence is found in the story of David and Goliath from 1 Samuel 17. David, a young shepherd, faced Goliath, a seasoned warrior who was also a giant. The odds were heavily stacked against David, yet his confidence was unshaken. What is striking about David is that his confidence was not rooted in his own skill or experience – after all, he was but a young shepherd, not a warrior – but in the strength of the Lord. David declared boldly in 1 Samuel 17:45, “I come against you in the name of the Lord Almighty.” This encounter beautifully illustrates that true confidence comes from knowing and trusting in God’s power and presence in our lives, a reminder that with God, all things are possible, even overcoming giants in our lives.
Esther: Confidence in God's Plan
Another powerful example of self-confidence grounded in faith is seen in the Book of Esther. Esther, a Jewish woman who became queen in a foreign land, faced an extraordinary crisis. Her people were under threat of extermination, and she was in a unique position to intervene. Esther’s confidence was manifested in her courage to approach the king unbidden – a move that could have cost her life – and in her strategic planning to save her people. In Esther 4:16, she resolved to go to the king, despite the law, saying, “If I perish, I perish.” Her story is a testament to the confidence one can have in God’s plan, even when circumstances seem dire and the outcome uncertain. Esther’s faith and trust in God’s sovereignty gave her the courage to act, showcasing how our confidence in God can enable us to take bold, decisive actions.
My Own Story
In my life, I’ve encountered moments where my confidence was tested. These were times when I felt unsure of myself, questioned my abilities, and even doubted my worth. But in those moments, I found solace and strength in the Word of God.
One scripture that has been particularly impactful for me is 2 Corinthians 5:17, which states, "Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come."1 This verse reminds me that in Christ, I am not defined by my past mistakes, failures, or insecurities. Instead, I am a new creation, reborn and renewed by the grace of God.
Knowing that I am loved and valued by God has been a powerful source of confidence for me. It has helped me to overcome personal challenges and insecurities, and to face each new day with hope and courage. It has taught me that my worth is not determined by worldly standards, but by God’s love for me. This assurance has been a beacon of light in my journey, guiding me towards a path of self-confidence and self-love.
Boosting Self-Confidence: Three Biblical Steps
Remember Who You Are in Christ: As a believer, you are a new creation in Christ (2 Corinthians 5:17). This means that your old self, with its insecurities and doubts, has been replaced by a new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness (Ephesians 4:24). Embrace your identity in Him, as the Psalmist did when he declared, “I am fearfully and wonderfully made” (Psalm 139:14). This is not a mere self-affirmation, but a profound truth about your divine design and purpose.
Rely on God’s Strength: Self-confidence is not about self-reliance. It’s about relying on God’s strength. Remember Philippians 4:13, “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” His strength is perfect when our strength is weak (2 Corinthians 12:9). When we feel inadequate, we can find confidence in the fact that God equips us with strength for every challenge we face.
Speak Positive Words Over Yourself: Proverbs 18:21 teaches us, “Death and life are in the power of the tongue.” The words we speak have the power to build up or tear down. Speak life and truth over yourself, affirming your identity and value in God. Declare scriptures that affirm your worth in Christ, such as Ephesians 2:10, “For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.”
By practicing these steps, you can boost your self-confidence and live out your faith with boldness and assurance. Remember, your confidence comes from God, not from your own abilities or achievements. With God on your side, you can face any challenge with confidence.
In Conclusion: Confidence is Within Reach
True self-confidence is not inherent, nor can it be bought. It is cultivated through our relationship with God and His Word. Embrace your identity in Christ, depend on His strength, and affirm His truths over your life. These biblical steps can bolster your confidence, enabling you to step into the abundant life God has in store for you.
Remember, through Christ's love, we can face our giants and step into challenging situations with boldness and confidence.
What are your experiences of finding strength and confidence in God? Please share your stories and insights in the comments below. Let’s encourage one another as we grow in faith and confidence together. God bless you!