Today’s post is a continuation in our series on Confidence, in my last post I addressed the lack of confidence and the abundance of self-criticism we so often place upon ourselves. Our key verse was Ephesians 2:10, which reminds us that “we are God’s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus“, this verse also states we are to “walk in the good works that He prepared for us long ago.”

In my last post, I challenged you. I asked the next time you receive a compliment, that you would allow the words “thank you” to gracefully flow from your mouth and walk in the gifts, beauty, and the confidence that God ordained within you and prepared for you long ago.  However, I realize this is not enough. I realize it’s one thing to speak the words “thank you” and receive the compliment but another to actually believe it.

“For I am confident of this very thing, that He who began a good work in you will perfect it until the day of Christ Jesus.” Philippians 1:6 NASB

Confidence in the English dictionary is defined as: having a feeling or belief that you can do something well or succeed at something. Where we get tripped up is, believing that this strength depends on us.  We can deceive ourselves into thinking we’re strong and confident in all things but that mask is easily lifted when we come into uncomfortable circumstances or face conflict. As a Christian, we know true confidence doesn’t come from our own strength.

True confidence comes from Christ who, as Hebrew states, is the author and finisher of our faith. Having this kind of confidence means that we don’t fake it til’ we make it. It doesn’t mean we are to speak affirmations of how strong, beautiful or amazing we are — No, it means that we speak affirmations of how strong, beautiful and amazing God is! And because we are co-heirs with Christ we too are strong, beautiful and amazing and that’s the confidence that the Lord wants oozing, overflowing and abounding within us!

The bible says we are to think only about that which is true, pure, right, holy, friendly and proper and this applies to how we think about ourselves as followers of Christ and the handiwork of God. If we succumb to thoughts of all that is wrong, in comparison to the world’s standards, we will never realize the goodness according to God’s standards.

We are commanded in Romans 12:2 NKJV “not to be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.” I love the NLT version which states “don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God’s will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect.”

Walking in confidence begins with the renewing of our minds. It means we purge our old way of thinking, the negative thoughts about ourselves, the comparison lists, and all the other baggage that is lying around.  It means we take our thoughts captive to the obedience of Christ. (2 Corinthians 10:5b)

The only way to receive this inner confidence is not from any book or blog post, it’s not by attending a seminar or workshop or retreat; it’s obtained by spending time in God’s word, gleaning from his wisdom and knowledge and uncovering His will — which is good and pleasing and perfect.

Stop & Reflect: Do you find yourself struggling with this inner confidence? Do you find your mind constantly reverting your old way of thinking? If so, I would encourage you to meditate on Romans 12:2  and 2 Corinthians 10:5 and practice taking those thoughts captive. If someone gives you a compliment, pay attention to where your thoughts immediately go and if they are not true, pure, right or holy, take them under submission to Christ.  Continue to do this until you see yourself as God sees you.

As always, I’d love to hear your thoughts on today’s post.  If you have any additional scriptures to meditate on, please share in the comments below.

Thank you for visiting, God bless. 
 
Anita Marie