For the Lord will be your confidence. – Proverbs 3:26
People put their confidence in many different things: money, health, education, and appearance, to name a few. Confidence is generally considered a positive character trait. However, confidence can lead people astray, such as confident leaders who are not aligned with God. Teachings of self-esteem and self-confidence abound, but they too often promote pride and egotism. True humility is seeing yourself and others through the eyes of God, both in strengths and weaknesses. This comes through studying the Bible, prayer, and wise counsel.
The only healthy self-confidence comes from putting your confidence in God. You can become the person God wants you to be and accomplish what He wants you to do. It is not necessary to be bogged down or discouraged by goals you have not reached or dreams you have not realized. Putting your confidence in the Lord allows you to surpass your own abilities.
Jesus compared adhering to His teachings to building a house upon a rock, which will survive through life’s storms. Likewise, He compared not listening to His words to building a house upon the sand, which will be destroyed when trouble comes (Matthew 7: 24-27). Proverbs 3:5-6 says, “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths.”
Today, renew your commitment to esteem God and place your confidence in Him. Pray for citizens and governing officials of the United States to see their need to trust in the Lord and to build their lives and this country on His principles.
Today’s Verse: Proverbs 3:26
for the Lord will be your confidence
and will keep your foot from being caught.
All Scripture quotations and audio are from the ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
Recommended for further reading: 2 Samuel 22:1-7, 47-51
22 And David spoke to the Lord the words of this song on the day when the Lord delivered him from the hand of all his enemies, and from the hand of Saul. 2 He said,
“The Lord is my rock and my fortress and my deliverer,
3 my God, my rock, in whom I take refuge,
my shield, and the horn of my salvation,
my stronghold and my refuge,
my savior; you save me from violence.
4 I call upon the Lord, who is worthy to be praised,
and I am saved from my enemies.
5 “For the waves of death encompassed me,
the torrents of destruction assailed me;
6 the cords of Sheol entangled me;
the snares of death confronted me.
7 “In my distress I called upon the Lord;
to my God I called.
From his temple he heard my voice,
and my cry came to his ears.
47“The Lord lives, and blessed be my rock,
and exalted be my God, the rock of my salvation,
48 the God who gave me vengeance
and brought down peoples under me,
49 who brought me out from my enemies;
you exalted me above those who rose against me;
you delivered me from men of violence.
50 “For this I will praise you, O Lord, among the nations,
and sing praises to your name.
51 Great salvation he brings to his king,
and shows steadfast love to his anointed,
to David and his offspring forever.”
All Scripture quotations and audio are from the ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
