Did you know that the Bible never mentions self-esteem? We are never told to boost our self esteem or even protect and encourage the self esteem of our children.
I find that interesting. In our culture, those two words are used quite frequently. We assess one’s actions and often wonder how it correlates with his/her lack of or large amount of self-esteem.
There is, however, one thing we are reminded of over and over in scriptures: put our confidence in the Lord.
Confidence in ourselves —or other human beings–will always fail us in one way or another. But confidence in Him? We can completely trust His plan: even when in the world’s eyes it may seem in the moment that He’s failed you.
Scripture tells us that trials will come–it’s not a maybe thing. (James 1:2-4) But through our confidence in Him, we are able to learn from, and even find joy in these times.
As this chapter tells us: we will be like Mount Zion. Cannot be shaken and endures forever. (Psalm 125:1, NIV) I know that in my life when I put my confidence in myself I am often shaken. I am knocked off of my mountain, because I’m looking to others for constant affirmation. I’m looking for confidence in others instead finding of my confidence in Him.
In our world of social media, retweets, likes, tags, and comments let us not put our confidence in man. Let us put our confidence in the one who died for us. For you.
My creator.
My heavenly Father.
My Lord. My Savior.
Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go. (Joshua 1:9, ESV)
Is there a place that brings up fear and doubt? He is with you, sister.
I can do all things through him who strengthens me. (Philippians 4:13)
Are you fearing possible failure or embarrassment? When you are weakest, He is strong.
Let us encourage one another today with additional verses of His promise: our confidence comes from Him alone.
You ladies are beautiful and inspiring! I usually get to my devotionals in the evening and don’t get a chance to get to the community. So glad I was able to tonight!
There are two areas God has been speaking to me to take a leap. Tonight’s devotion was so timely. Confidence! God confidence! Be strong and courageous he says! Trust his plan! Pray about everything and he will supply all my needs!
Loving the perspective from you beautiful ladies of God. Such a blessing to me!
Feeling so blessed to be a part of this online community.
GraceandPeace, thank you for those verses in the Amplified. I, too, find the daily little things are what really steal my peace.
I was reading today in Psalm 16. We did a "not" psalm today in our group prayer time. By seeing what the word of God is not saying. we can more clearly see what it is saying! For example, Psalm 16:7-8 says, "I will praise the Lord, who counsels me;even at night my heart instructs me. I have set the Lord always before me. Because He is at my right hand, I will not be shaken." Now imagine if God was not in that; what is the opposite? The "NOT" Psalm 16:7-8 is this, "I praise my job, my family, (fill in the blank), I don't really have a true counselor, no one instructs or guides me. I see many possibilities and opportunities in from of me, but they won't last. The fear of the unknown shakes me to the core." Seeing the contrast of these helps me realize what I DO HAVE in God. He is my counselor, and instructor, He guides my steps, He is always there; and unlike human counselors and guides He will never fail me. He knows what's right.
As I was thinking about that I see how it ties in with my current life and choices. I am applying for school, to only one school, at this time, because I believe it's where God is leading me to next. I would normally be nervous as all else about this, BUT since I have confidence in Christ (who is perfect and completely in control and wants the best for me as His dearly loved chosen child) the fear and nervousness is gone. If I get accepted then it was because of God, if I don't it's because of God. There's no way I CAN'T do His will if He is in control and I am following His prompting, His commands and His word.
"We can completely trust His plan: even when in the world’s eyes it may seem in the moment that He’s failed you."
Wow! A "not" psalm. Really impacted me. Thanks for sharing, Miranda.
I subscribe to K-LOVE's encouraging word for the day, here is today's: "But those who trust in the Lord will find new strength. They will soar high on wings like eagles. They will run and not grow weary. They will walk and not faint." Isaiah 40:31 NLT
How appropriate.
"And the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast." 1 Peter 5:10 NIV
"But blessed is the man who trusts in the Lord, whose confidence is in him. He will be like a tree planted by the water that sends out its roots by the stream. It does not fear when heat comes; its leaves are always green. It has no worries in a year of drought and never fails to bear fruit." Jeremiah 17:7 NIV
" 'For I know the plans I have for you,' declares the Lord, 'plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart. I will be found by you,' declares the Lord, 'and will bring you back from captivity. I will gather you from all the nations and places where I have banished you,' declares the Lord, 'and will bring you back to the place from which I carried you into exile.' " Jeremiah 29:11-14 NIV
I cannot express how much I enjoy starting my morning with you ladies and reading all of your honest, truthful and loving posts. Thank you. I pray you are all filled with his peace and confidence today and always.
Ladybug1016 I’m so glad you posted today! Your words and perspective are so encouraging. God bless you :)
Because I have fibromyalgia, it takes me awhile to get up and get moving, and living on Arizona time, I always feel like if I comment or post that most people won't even see it anyway because it would be too late. But I am posting today. I love this! Yes, the world tells us to build up our self-esteem, but God tells us to exalt HIM, praise HIM, and extol HIS NAME forever!! (Ps. 145:1-2) I just love that Psalm! Ps. 145:3 – Great is the LORD and most worthy of praise; his greatness no one can fathom! Nothing in there about our self-worth. He alone is great!! He alone is awesome!!! and He alone is to be praised!! And my confidence can be in HIM because His Word tells me time and time again! And when I get knocked off my mountain or the rug gets pulled out from under me?? "The Lord upholds all those who fall and lifts up all who are bowed down." Ps. 145:14. The Lord is near to all who call on him – vs. 18. Can you tell I love this Psalm?! Sometimes I think God allows us to get knocked off our mountain or have the rug pulled out from under us simply so we can bow down before HIM!! He wants to lift us up, ladies!! And if HE lifts us up in these kind of situations, then we can't claim that it was our own doing! because ultimately HE wants the praise!! Do we extol Him enough? Do we praise HIM enough? THEN I will be like Mt. Zion, unable to be shaken because my confidence, my whole being is in HIM!
Ladybug surprise, I usually post early n the morn but I go back and ready during the day. I enjoyed your post. God bless.
I, too, am very late today, but I wouldn’t miss these comments from all of you. They are always so full of wisdom, and I learn so much!
Ladybug, us night owls are here to see it. And I loved it! "His greatness no one can fathom…" In a society that tries to figure everything out and have a "reasonable explanation", we have a God that will not be "figured out"!