Courage & Confidence

These two concepts are pretty closely related. If I have courage then I often have confidence. If I have confidence then I usually have courage. Courage is defined as “the ability to do something that frightens one”. It also means “strength in the face of pain or grief”. Confidence is the “feeling or belief that one can rely on something or someone”. It also means “self assurance arising from one’s appreciation of one’s own abilities or qualities”. I see these two characteristics in my life simply because I trust in the Lord. He has been with me through some pretty difficult circumstances and I have courage and confidence that He will never leave. Check this out….

23 Some went out on the sea in ships;


    they were merchants on the mighty waters.

24 They saw the works of the Lord,


    his wonderful deeds in the deep.

25 For he spoke and stirred up a tempest


    that lifted high the waves.

26 They mounted up to the heavens and went down to the depths;


    in their peril their courage melted away.

27 They reeled and staggered like drunkards;


    they were at their wits’ end.

28 Then they cried out to the Lord in their trouble,


    and he brought them out of their distress.

29 He stilled the storm to a whisper;


    the waves of the sea were hushed.

30 They were glad when it grew calm,


    and he guided them to their desired haven.

31 Let them give thanks to the Lord for his unfailing love


    and his wonderful deeds for mankind.

32 Let them exalt him in the assembly of the people


    and praise him in the council of the elders. (Psalm 107:23-32 NIV)

 

I’ve learned to not have too much confidence in my own abilities and gifts, but to put my confidence in the Lord. My confidence in Him also gives me courage to walk through difficulty. He has the power to change any circumstance I face. He often changes my view of my circumstances. He provides a godly perspective on my pain and struggle and this perspective delivers courage to press on.

I’m at the point in my journey that I can’t imagine doing life without the Lord. I need Him all day every day. I can function with great confidence and courage because of His Presence in my life!

Pressing On!

Dwayne