I believe confidence is hard-wired within each of us. Why? Because God created us in his own image and in his own likeness (Genesis 1:26-27). We see evidence of this truth in children. When my daughters were very young toddlers, I would rub their backs or gently pat them to sleep. (Don't judge--we did what worked for our family!) At any rate, one night I was about to pat our youngest daughter, Zoe', to sleep. But, before I could, she said, "I pat myshelf". Although it was a humorous moment in parenting, this little one's confidence in her own ability taught me something.
So, if confidence is hard-wired within us, why is it an area of struggle for so many? Why do we lack courage and boldness? Why are so many struggling with timidity, insecurity, fear, poor sense of self, and feelings of inferiority? Why are we emulating others rather than embracing our individuality and uniqueness? Why aren't we walking in our God-given identity--pursuing our dreams and fulfilling our destiny?
Often, childhood experiences, toxic people, bullying, abuse, rejection, mistreatment, failures, and various other circumstances can rattle our confidence and prompt us to live life from a place of deficit. This is why the Bible tells us to not throw away our confidence. It is a gift that brings rewards.
Is it possible to get your confidence back, one may ask? Of course, it is because it never left. It's all a matter of accessing it. How do we access it?
1. We renew our minds with the word of God:
"And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God."--Romans 12:2
2. We activate our faith to receive the truths and promises of God:
"So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God."--Romans 10:17
3. We don't allow ourselves to live imprisoned by our past. We make our pain profitable--using it to catapult us forward.
"Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus."--Philippians 3:13
4. We meditate on who God says we are until his words become our core beliefs, rooted in our hearts, enabling us to live life abundantly (John 10:10) and confidently:
* We are fearfully and wonderfully made. (Psalm 139:14)
* We are a chosen generation and a royal priesthood. (I Peter 2:9-10)
* We are more than conquerors. (Romans 8:37)
* We are righteous and bold as lions. (Proverbs 28:1)
* We are like green olive trees--flourishing in the house of God. (Psalm 52:8)
