Last month, being September, I became aware of something that I was lacking and that was-confidence. Now for my friends and those who appear to know me, they may think that I have confidence. Honestly as of September, I thought I was confident because I've had to do a lot of public speaking and other related things but deep down summin was going on. So let's talk about it....(Before we go on, I was opportune to share my thoughts and lessons with the youth at my local church and I asked them for some input so they'll be embedded).
What is the meaning of confidence?
1.
full trust; belief in the powers, trustworthiness, or reliability of a person or thing: We have every confidence in their ability to succeed.
2.
belief in oneself and one's powers or abilities; self-confidence; self-reliance; assurance: His lack of confidence defeated him.
3.
certitude; assurance: He described the situation with such confidence that the audience believed him completely.
'What other things are associated with confidence?' (This was a question I asked the teens I was with and their response)
- Brave
- Self consciousness- if they're not confident they watch or think what other people are saying
- Self belief- gives you an edge to go and do something
- Persistence- when you're confident, something knocks you down but you pick yourself up
- Complacency- negative confidence: ignorance
I couldn't help but notice that confidence was/is intertwined with trust so here's the dictionary definition:
Trust
Trust
1.
reliance on the integrity, strength, ability, surety, etc., of a person or thing; confidence.
2.
confident expectation of something; hope.
4.
a person on whom or thing on which one relies: God is my trust.
Definition 4 deserves a fkldfhvnkdvsfdfvsdfjnvsd moment!! If the dictionary could define trust as such then HELLO!! 'Ruth, what is yer problem?' lol.
Some of the definitions given by my lovely teenagers include:
- Lack of doubt
- To put faith in something
- To be able to count on
- To have belief
- Relying on someone
You may ask me why I asked them these questions especially when the dictionary could have provided me with answers but I really wanted to know and understand their views. This topic for them, believe it or not, is so sensitive. I'm sure if you try and remember your days in secondary school, there were many things you weren't confident in which prevented you from doing certain things.
Back to what I was saying. I became aware of what this lack of confidence was doing to me as a person..it was holding me back. Holding me back from being a Christian who evangelises, holding me back from saying the truth when it needed to be said, holding me back from helping others...holding me back from being me. When I decided to take account of what was going on I couldn't believe the scope of things I wasn't doing. HA the devil is liaar (Christianese alert). As a result, I had to refocus...
I understood that as a Christian my confidence was from God and originates in Him. He's the author and finisher of my faith (Hebrews 12:2). Let me explain with this analogy. Think of a building. You build the foundation first and keep layering it with the remaining structure of the building. It's a construction over time which is based on previous experience, most times. If you experience good things, it automatically boosts your confidence level. But if it's the opposite, it reduces your levels right? This is what was happening to me, however, I didn't take account until I reached the foundation again.
'How does the society we live in portray confidence?' (Teenagers response)
- Bad behaviour is a way of confidence
- Make people seem that they have more confidence than they really do and everyone tries to emulate that
- Someone that they're not
- Try to fit in with trends and what they think it's meant to be
- 'Image is confidence'
- Guys getting girls
- All talk no show
After prayer and the talk I had with the teens, I have a better view and I'm working towards it. I know some people struggle with this and it spills over to low self esteem but be rest assured, God's got ya!
Points to consider about confidence:
It's a thing of trust. Where we place our trust determines the level of our confidence
Psalm 20:7 says
'Some nations boast of their chariots and horses, but we boast in the name of the Lord our God.' The supposed strength of chariots and horses will fail as it is not certain BUT God is sure!!!
Another scripture I came across is Hebrews 10:35,
Another scripture I came across is Hebrews 10:35,
'Therefore do not cast away your confidence, which has great reward.' What confidence is here, in my opinion, is the confidence we have in Christ and that surely has a great reward.
fear not, for I am with you;
be not dismayed, for I am your God;
I will strengthen you, I will help you,
I will uphold you with my righteous right hand. (Isaiah 41:10ESV)
Be sure and confident in GOD guys..I sure am
fear not, for I am with you;
be not dismayed, for I am your God;
I will strengthen you, I will help you,
I will uphold you with my righteous right hand. (Isaiah 41:10ESV)
Be sure and confident in GOD guys..I sure am
