…do not throw away your confidence; it will be richly rewarded – Hebrews 10:35
Confidence:
1. The feeling or belief that one can have faith in or rely on someone or something.
2. The state of feeling certain about the truth of something.
3. A feeling of self-assurance arising from an appreciation of one’s own abilities or qualities.
Confidence is powerful tool. It is also a valuable commodity. Without it, it is very difficult to achieve anything of significance or go beyond the norm. As vital as this quality is in life, it appears to be terribly fragile in many instances.
When you need it the most
It’s easy to be confident when everything is going your way. When you’re flying high and everything you touch is a rousing success. It’s much harder to be bold when your back is against the wall and if feels like everything is against you. It’s at those times though, when life has turned into a raging storm that you need your confidence the most.
Protect it
The first thing you notice about people who are lacking in confidence is that they are easily swayed by the opinions of those around them. You can’t live life avoiding people who reduce your confidence levels. To balance out the times when your confidence is challenged by others build a support network around you of people who will remind you how capable you really are.
Build it
Confidence is about being able to trust your own capabilities. If you feel like you’re lacking in a certain area look for ways you can improve or learn to be better at that particular thing. By becoming better at something you build your confidence because you know you are able to do what is necessary. Look for ways to build your confidence so when you need it, it’s there.
Use it
Being confident is great but what’s the use in being confident if you don’t make use of it. Don’t be afraid to live outside of the ‘safe zone’. Self-assurance is very often something that has been hard-won, so don’t waste it. Put it to good use because the more you use it the more secure your confidence will become.
The bible talks about confidence and tells us not to throw it away. It talks about being sure of the important things when you’re facing hard times and building your foundation on something that is enduring. When our confidence is based on who God is, on how he see us and not just our own strength and ability, whatever life throws at you, you will be able to stand firm.