Where Does Real Confidence Come From?

 

Self-confidence is the antithesis of Christ-confidence. Where does your confidence flow from? Your fickle self, or the ever faithful Christ who never changes? 

Drawing confidence from our own well of flawed self worth will never sustain us, especially when life gets tough. We were not created for self-fulfillment, but to be fulfilled in Jesus Christ. 

Real confidence springs forth when we draw from the well-spring of Christ.

Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will direct your paths (Proverbs 3:5-6).

Throughout the Spirit-breathed Word of God, we're reminded of how we are nothing in and of ourselves. We're never commanded to trust in ourselves, believe in ourselves, or to seek anything other than the One who is above all things, in all things, and through all things. (Colossians 1:16-18)

The truth about Christ-confidence completely dismantles the lies of self-confidence many continue to teach today. 

Shops, online stores, feel-good movies, yoga classes, and books are all riddled with the falsehood of finding what you are longing for within yourself. You see it everywhere: the front of journals, coffee mugs, trinkets, jewelry, art, clothing, and it's even marketed in Christian outlets. 

Believe in yourself is a lie, just as trust your heart is. Be careful how you instill confidence in your children, your family, your friends, and your tribe. Satan's ultimate goal is to take our eyes off Christ and to refocus them on ourselves. Self-esteem, self-motivation, self-driven, self-confidence - all are rooted in the same lie. Not only has the world swallowed it hook, line, and sinker, but many claiming to be Christ-followers have also taken the bait, with good intentions. 

But even good intentions are not always rooted in truth.

Trusting in our abilities alone will only backfire and fill us with great disappointment. Depression, self-loathing, comparison, anxiety, and much more can be symptoms of placing our trust in our frail humanness. Paul wasn't just stating, "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me" (Phil. 4:13), but he was also proclaiming that without the strength of Christ, he cannot accomplish what Christ has called Him to do - imitate Christ.

We desperately need a Savior to navigate this life in all circumstances. We need Him to go before us and to fill us with His confidence, strength, boldness, and courage. There's nothing within us that will impact any situation for good and bring God glory other than the indwelling power of the Holy Spirit. From Him, our confidence flows. He is our portion and strength. The Holy Spirit provides what we need, when we need it, to accomplish God's designed purpose for our lives and His glory. We cannot do anything on our own. 

No matter what we think of ourselves, we can do nothing apart from Christ. 

• We cannot forgive one another without Christ.
• We cannot love one another without Christ.
• We cannot serve God and each other without Christ.
• We cannot battle against the enemy without Christ.
• We cannot worship without Christ.
• We cannot pray without Christ.
• We cannot live like Christ without Christ.

And the list goes on, and on, and on...

My help comes from the LORD (Psalm 121). 

Living the holy life we're called to is one of humility and God-confidence. Living holy lives is only possible through the indwelling power of the Holy Spirit. When our eyes are fixated on Jesus, we're not looking to self for what we need, we're acknowledging the fact that He is all we need... for today and forevermore.

From which well are you drawing confidence from today?