Photo by ALEKSEY KUPRIKOV on Unsplash
By Mike Chaffin
Let us then approach God’s throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need. Hebrews 4:16
Shame leaves us with our head hanging low and feeling unworthy. The cure is to put our confidence in the LORD. Through righteous living we have nothing to be ashamed of and this builds our confidence. As Job put it,
Should not your piety be your confidence and your blameless ways your hope? Job 4:6
There is a whole lot that comes with the blessings of righteous living. We are blessed and we can bless others. Even in hardship and persecution we can feel God’s presence and know He has us in the palm of His hand. Isaiah explains it this way,
The fruit of that righteousness will be peace; its effect will be quietness and confidence forever. Isaiah 32:17
Confidence is the belief that God’s promises will be fulfilled. It is knowledge that our identities are intertwined with Christ. It is different than worldly confidence which is usually based on accomplishments.
God’s promises, empowerment, and grace give us the confidence we need to live a faith filled life. He promised He will never leave us nor forsake us. He empowers us because, through Christ, we can do all things. His grace bestowed to us a way of salvation.
Christ came to earth and lived and died to show us we could trust Him. It is this trust in who He is, and the knowledge He is on the throne in Heaven that gives us confidence that no matter what, a Christian has eternity to look forward to.
So we say with confidence, “The Lord is my helper; I will not be afraid. What can mere mortals do to me?” Hebrews 13:6
This is the attitude every Christian should have. Confidence breeds courage, faith, peace, and many other attributes everyone longs for. This is the kind of confidence the song “It is Well with My Soul” is all about. The first two stanzas of the song lyrics, written by Audrey Assad say,
When peace like a river, attendeth my way
When sorrows like sea billows roll
Whatever my lot, thou hast taught me to say
It is well, it is well, with my soul
It is well
With my soul
It is well, it is well with my soul
Though Satan should buffet, though trials should come
Let this blest assurance control
That Christ has regarded my helpless estate
And hath shed His own blood for my soul
Prayer: Dear Lord, thank you for living in us to give us the confidence to always trust in you in peaceful times and in horrid times. We can come confidently to you for all our needs knowing you hear our prayers. In Jesus’ name, amen.
To hear the entire song “It is Well with My Soul” Click HERE
