News from the front porch
Confidence is an English word that was derived in the 14th century and means a feeling or consciousness of one's powers, or of reliance on one's circumstances. This definition implies that confidence rises or falls with the state of one's affairs, status or position. According to this premise, if one's relationships, job, income status, health or standard of living changes, one can lose belief in both themselves and others. Then one can fall further into the black hole of lack of certainty in values they once stood firm in. With the ups and downs of the world we live in, we can see this perilous condition come upon many every day.
Imagine that we find ourselves in the middle of a war, and the heat of the battle is coming straight at us. Our commander says, "Come stand here in this circle, where you will be protected and the enemy's barrage cannot get to you. Just stay in this circle." Wouldn't we immediately run to that circle and plant our feet firmly where we would be protected? That is precisely what the life manufacturer's operation manual, the Holy Bible, points us to -- a circle of confidence that cannot be shaken or fluctuate with circumstances that come our way. "Plant your feet firmly therefore within the freedom that Christ has won for us." Galatians 5:1
The Bible tells us that the battle has been fought, and Christ has won it. In His own Words, "I've told you all this so that trusting Me, you will be unshakable and assured, deeply at peace. In this godless world, you will continue to experience difficulties. But take heart! I've conquered the world." John 16: 33 TMB
Therefore, if our confidence is in our own strength, abilities, relationships or circumstances, it is subject to fail. On the other hand, if our confidence is in the rock-solid circle of victory that Christ has won for us, then we can firmly plant our mental feet in that safe circle and keep our joy and peace in the middle of battle. "The Lord Himself will fight for you, just stay calm." Exodus 14: 14 NLT.
Dianne Brady is an author and speaker and can be reached at dbrady@a4isp.com.
