Read Luke 6:47-49
Jesus told a parable about choosing the foundation on
which we build our lives. What we choose to build our
lives on is a matter of where we choose to place our confidence. The dictionary
defines confidence as “the feeling or belief that one can rely on someone or
something; the state of feeling certain about the truth of something.” The
level of confidence anything or anyone can extend to us is determined by the
surety and trustworthiness of whatever or whomever that might be. In order to truly have unwavering confidence,
it needs to be something rock solid.
1 Samuel 2:2 says, “There is no
one holy like the LORD. Indeed, there is no one besides You, nor is there any
rock like our God.” He is rock solid because He is “the same yesterday and today and forever.”
(Hebrews 13:8) He cannot lie. (Numbers 23:19) He won’t suddenly change His mind. (1 Samuel 15:29) He
doesn’t flip-flop nor is He subject to overpowering influences to change His
position. (James 1:17) He is the
sure thing. Hebrews 6:19 tells us that “this
hope we have as an anchor of the soul, a hope both sure and steadfast.” Romans 5:5 promises that this is a hope that
will NOT disappoint.
When we put our confidence in the Lord and build our lives
upon Him, we have a solid foundation even when the inevitable storms of life
blow with unimaginable fury. Proverbs 14:26 tells us that “In the fear of the
Lord there is strong confidence.” Fear
of the Lord is giving Him authority over our lives. It is not being afraid of Him, but responding
with reverence and respect. It is recognizing that He knows and wants what is
best for us. It is a willingness to
partner with God and anchor our lives to Him.
Self-confidence is an attitude of “willing and able.” At
the first inkling of inadequacy or insufficiency that confidence wanes. A
partnering confidence in God is one of “willing and enabled.” It is a confidence that knows that (1) “my God will supply all your needs according
to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 4:19) (2) “His
divine power has granted to us everything pertaining to life and godliness.” (2 Peter 1:3) And (3) “I can do all things
through Him who strengthens me.”
(Philippians 4:13) (Or my preferred translation: All doing is by the enabling
of me by Christ.) This is just the
beginning. That kind of confidence can only come from God.
This was the same confidence that Shadrach, Meshach and
Abednego had facing the fiery furnace. (Daniel 3:14-18) It was also the confidence Peter and John had
when brought before the Jewish authorities. (Acts 4:1-13) This confidence in God shines most in the
darkest situations. It is an unwavering confidence in His
trustworthiness that buoys us even when we feel incredibly inadequate,
insufficient and weak. This confidence
grows as it is fed a consistent diet of God’s word, which tells us who He is,
all He has done, is doing and will do.
Psalm 78:1-8 pleads for us to listen to God’s Word and then
share it with our children. Confidence in the Lord is both taught and
caught. We need to immerse ourselves in
the truth of God’s word, then walk it, talk it and live it. “Then they would put their trust in
God.” The word translated “trust” is
the same word translated “confidence.” Confidence in the Lord is highly
contagious. We need to become “carriers” that “infect” our family, friends, and
world. The best way to become contagious
is to spend time with “infected” people who consistently expose us to their
confidence in God.
What we put our confidence in is always a choice. Reread
Jesus’ parable in Matthew 7:24-27. Upon
what you choose to build your life – your day – indicates where you choose to
place your confidence. Choose
wisely! Choose “The Rock!”
Making It Personal
What does it mean to you that God is “The Rock”?
(Deuteronomy 32:4; 2 Samuel 22:47; Psalm 62:7; 94:22)
What are some indications in your life that you are
truly placing your confidence in God and building on The Rock?
It is insecurity that causes us to build our lives on
shifting sands of other people or set conditions. How does each of the following verses address
our insecurities?
Hebrews 10:35 warns against
throwing away your confidence. How can
you do this? How can you keep from doing this?
Who in your life exposes you
to contagious confidence in God?
You are contagious! Are you spreading a confidence in God or a
lack of confidence?
