Have Confidence

In thinking about what is the most important factor in making decisions, handling relationships and also responsibilities I have come to the conclusion that it is having confidence in your thoughts, actions and behaviors. Where does this confidence come from if it is really real and valid? In Proverbs, Chapter 14:26-27 we find that we need to have "Fear of the Lord" which brings about confidence:

"In the fear of the Lord is strong confidence; and hs children shall have a place of refuge. The fear of the Lord is a fountain of life, to depart from the snares of death."

Many years ago, I had difficulty understanding "How can we love Jesus, have a close relationship with him and be afraid of him?" Those who were a bit more well schooled in the Greek and in bible knowledge explained that "fear" means "to have a healthy respect and a reverence for God". This basic attitude should be at the core of our relationship to him and will influence all that we think, say or do. When we have a reverence and a respect for God, we will be gifted with strong confidence, the bible tells us, and we will also have a place of refuge. This is two wonderful promises of God. When we have confidence, we can live out our faith not only in relationship to God but also in our relationships with others. We can be more assured that what we think and do will receive the blessing and the approval of God because we have the right heart attitude.

In a recent conversation, my husband and I were talking about all of the crazy things that are going on in the world - the instability of the political race for President - the things candidates are saying and doing and just last night, being affected by the resignation of Elliot Spitzer. While it is true that we don't have any control over much of this, we can trust God that he will guide our steps and that He is in control in spite of the follies of men. Therein lies our confidence and our place of refuge.

The fear of the Lord being described also as a fountain of life tells us that our heart attitude, not the circumstances of the world will be the determining factor in deciding our destiny and our quality of life. So often we forget that circumstances alone without the components of right heart and thinking do not guarantee anything in this life.

I want to keep reading and praying, and discovering more of the blessings and promises of God, because if I can think on those things, I know I will be healthier and happier, and more confident and effective in my daily walk.

May God bless you today!

Lady of Light