Confidence is an important concept that appears many times throughout the Bible. As Christians, understanding biblical confidence can help us grow and strengthen our faith. In this comprehensive blog post, we will explore the meaning of confidence from a biblical perspective and see how it applies to our lives today.
Introduction
The word “confidence” stems from the Latin words “con” (with) and “fidere” (faith or trust). In the Bible, the original Hebrew and Greek words translated as “confidence” convey a sense of trust, boldness, and assurance.
Confidence is closely linked to faith. When we have confidence in God, we are demonstrating complete trust and reliance on Him. As Evangelical and Charismatic Christians, we know that our confidence does not come from ourselves – it is rooted in our faith in Christ.
Here are three key takeaways about the meaning of confidence in the Bible:
- Confidence comes from faith in God, not ourselves
- Confidence leads to boldness in sharing our faith
- Confidence brings assurance of God’s promises
In this comprehensive guide, we will explore bible verses about confidence, examine biblical stories that demonstrate confidence, and discuss how we can grow in spiritual confidence in our daily lives.
What Does the Bible Say About Confidence?
Many verses throughout the Old and New Testament address the concept of confidence and provide insight into its true meaning. Here are some key bible verses about confidence:
Psalms 27:3 (NKJV)
Though an army may encamp against me, My heart shall not fear; Though war may rise against me, In this I will be confident.
This verse from David expresses unshakeable confidence in God’s protection despite being surrounded by enemies. Our confidence comes from trusting in God’s mighty power.
Proverbs 3:26 (NKJV)
For the Lord will be your confidence, And will keep your foot from being caught.
This verse teaches that when we rely on God rather than ourselves, He will give us stability and confidence in Him.
Proverbs 14:26 (NKJV)
In the fear of the Lord there is strong confidence, And His children will have a place of refuge.
This verse connects reverent fear of the Lord with strong confidence. When we have proper awe and respect for God, it leads to confidence.
2 Corinthians 3:4-6 (NKJV)
And we have such trust through Christ toward God. Not that we are sufficient of ourselves to think of anything as being from ourselves, but our sufficiency is from God, who also made us sufficient as ministers of the new covenant, not of the letter but of the Spirit; for the letter kills, but the Spirit gives life.
Paul explains that our confidence and competence comes from Christ alone, not ourselves. This truth gives us confidence to serve God without relying on our own abilities.
Philippians 1:6 (NKJV)
Being confident of this very thing, that He who has begun a good work in you will complete it until the day of Jesus Christ.
This often-quoted verse expresses confidence in God completing His work in our lives from beginning to salvation. Our confidence rests on His faithfulness.
Hebrews 3:6 (NKJV)
But Christ as a Son over His own house, whose house we are if we hold fast the confidence and the rejoicing of the hope firm to the end.
This verse connects confidence with firm hope in Christ that endures until the end. True biblical confidence perseveres during trials.
1 John 5:14 (NKJV)
Now this is the confidence that we have in Him, that if we ask anything according to His will, He hears us.
John teaches we can have confidence that God hears our prayers aligned to His will. Intimate relationship with God through prayer grows our confidence.
These powerful verses demonstrate that biblical confidence comes from complete reliance and hope in God’s character and promises. Next, we will look at biblical stories that illustrate confidence.
Stories of Confidence in the Bible
Many narrative passages in the Bible provide inspiring examples of different characters demonstrating deep faith and confidence in God. Here are some key stories that show confidence in action:
David and Goliath (1 Samuel 17)
This famous story epitomizes courageous confidence grounded in faith. As a young shepherd, David confidently took on the giant warrior Goliath with nothing but a sling. His boldness stemmed from belief that God would deliver the threatening Philistine into his hands. David’s confidence in God’s power allowed him to overcome his fear and accomplish the impossible.
Shadrach, Meshach and Abed-Nego (Daniel 3)
These three young Jewish men adamantly refused to worship King Nebuchadnezzar’s golden statue, even under the death threat of being thrown into a fiery furnace. They confidently declared that God was able to deliver them, but even if He didn’t, they would not bow down to false idols. Their resilient confidence allowed them to stay true to God, resulting in Him miraculously rescuing them from the furnace.
Abraham (Genesis 22)
Abraham demonstrated remarkable trust in God’s promises when he obediently followed through on the difficult command to sacrifice his long-awaited son Isaac. Despite not understanding God’s plan, Abraham’s confidence in God’s faithfulness enabled him to surrender Isaac and believe God could restore him even from the dead (Hebrews 11:17-19).
Joshua (Joshua 1)
When Joshua assumed leadership after Moses’ death, God commanded him to be strong and courageous as he led the Israelites into the promised land. God told Joshua to meditate on His word to gain confidence. Joshua’s godly confidence led the nation to victory in claiming their inheritance.
Esther (Esther 4)
Queen Esther boldly risked her life approaching King Xerxes unsummoned to expose Haman’s genocidal plot against the Jews. Despite dangers, Esther’s confidence in God delivering and using her gave her courage to say, “if I perish, I perish.” As a result, the Jews were saved and Esther fulfilled her purpose.
These examples reveal how confidence in God empowers His people to face challenges, claim victory, and fulfill their destiny with boldness. When our confidence stems from Him, we can courageously advance His kingdom.
Now that we’ve explored the meaning of confidence in the Bible, let’s discuss practical ways we can apply these truths to grow in confidence as Christians today.
Growing in Confidence Today
Though we live in a different time and culture than the ancient world of the Bible, the principles and examples of biblical confidence remain highly relevant for us as modern Christ followers. Reflecting on God’s word teaches us that confidence flows out from trusting Him completely, not relying on ourselves. Here are some impactful ways we can grow in spiritual confidence:
Renew your mind with scripture daily
Filling your mind with bible verses about confidence in God is a powerful way to boost your faith. Internalize passages like Proverbs 3:26, Hebrews 11:6, and Isaiah 41:10 that remind you of God’s trustworthiness.
Pray confidently according to God’s will
Prayers offered in Jesus’ name that align with God’s will express confidence that He hears and answers us. Allow scriptures to guide your prayers beyond self-focused desires to requests like “your kingdom come”.
Trust God’s strength in your weakness
Rather than trying to fix all our flaws first, we can have confidence that “God’s power is perfected in weakness” (2 Corinthians 12:9). Surrendering our limits allows His strength to shine brighter.
Take courageous faith-inspired action
Confidence without action is empty. Be bold and step out like David to tackle the “giants” in your life. Trust God will equip you beyond your abilities.
Face trials with resilient assurance
When challenges shake our confidence, we can ask God to renew our persevering assurance like Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego. Our confidence remains steadfast through the storm.
Walk in your God-given purpose
Have confidence that God wants to powerfully use you to share the gospel and advance His Kingdom just as he empowered Esther. Say “yes” to His call.
As we can see, the meaning of confidence in the Bible is so much more than just believing in ourselves. True confidence comes from complete trust in our faithful God and relying on His strength. By applying these biblical principles, we can grow in confidence that brings breakthrough, victory and transformation in our lives.
Conclusion
In summary, biblical confidence is a cornerstone of faith for Evangelical and Charismatic Christians. As shown throughout scripture and stories in the Bible, godly confidence enables believers to overcome challenges, boldly advance God’s Kingdom, and stay anchored in hope-filled assurance even amid trials.
When our confidence is rooted solely in Christ rather than ourselves, we gain an unshakable foundation that cannot be undermined by any circumstance. Our confidence flows from deep reverent awe of who God is, combined with intimate relationship with Him through prayer and studying the Bible.
Developing biblical confidence requires actively renewing our minds to trust in God’s power and grace at work within us. We can have complete assurance that He who began a good work in us will carry it through to completion (Philippians 1:6). Confidence in our sovereign loving Creator allows us to walk boldly in the purposes He has for each of our lives. By standing firm in our faith, we can share the hope of Christ with courage that impacts the world around us.
