Confidence is a matter of faith in what or whom we place our trust. It involves a high degree of certainty and requires that we act in accordance with our expectations or hopes. Although we may have confidence in others, we should have an even greater confidence in God, standing with Him as His people. Confusion causes anxiety and fear, undermining our sense of security if we allow it to take hold. Just as the Israelites wavered in their confidence when faced with the unknown after leaving Egypt, we too can falter when God's plans are unclear to us. Their fear grew when they could not see what God would do next, revealing a lack of true faith in His dependability. Moses demonstrated varying responses to the Israelites' provocations, showing both steadfast leadership and despair. Initially, he led with calm assurance, chastising their grumbling and promising provision, which inspired temporary confidence in the people. Later, overwhelmed by their continued complaints, Moses fell into despair, doubting even God's ability to provide, until supported by seventy elders whose united confidence in God's protection and provision became contagious, helping Moses overcome his despair. Confidence in God brings mental stability, discernment, and wisdom, enriching our lives and making them secure without fear. Trust placed in God will never disappoint, unlike confidence in oneself or others, which often leads to disappointment and ruin. Finite beings cannot bring the fulfillment that God does, as only He has control over life circumstances. Those who trust in God will not be brought down by deceit, lies, or confusion, for God is their firm foundation. A person with deeply-rooted faith in God's truth remains firm amid the world's distractions, governed by His eternal promises rather than worldly instability. Confidence in where we stand with God enables us to approach Him knowing we will be loved and heard because of our redemption. Faith in Him grants us access to His throne of grace, where we may come boldly for mercy without hesitation, assured that our prayers will be heard. God is always there, never leaving us, and whatever He decides is good. With God as our confidence, we need not worry about crises or disasters, for only good will come to us according to His will.

This world often promotes self-confidence as a sign of capability, encouraging individuals to manufacture it through self-affirmation and bold declarations. However, there exists a profound difference between self-confidence and godly confidence. Godly confidence, as exemplified by Saul after his transformation, is rooted in faith and the guidance of the Holy Spirit, maintaining boldness but aligning it with divine purpose. Similarly, David's confidence before Goliath was not mere self-promotion but a reflection of trust in God's anointing. Jesus Christ Himself displayed boldness when driving the money changers from the Temple, yet He also demonstrated the importance of silence during His trial, showing that there is a time for confidence and a time for restraint. Phillip, too, exhibited godly confidence when he boldly explained the Scriptures to the Ethiopian eunuch, fulfilling a divine opportunity with assurance grounded in faith. True confidence, therefore, is not self-derived but intertwined with belief and faith in God's will.

We all desire to have a strong confidence with God, a firm belief built over time within our faith, knowing that He is near as we work out our salvation. This confidence assures us that He will finish the good work He has begun in us, watching over us at all times to do us good and guiding events to build a life of faith that glorifies Him. It teaches us to rely on His promises, no matter the circumstances, confident that those He has called will be brought into His kingdom through the work of our Savior and High Priest, Jesus Christ. This confidence is a two-way affair, as God also seeks to have confidence in us through the trials and testing we endure, confirming our faith and obedience. Such testing, seen throughout history with His people, aims to make us more complete in faith and aligned with His purposes. When both parties in a covenant share complete confidence, it becomes a strong pillar in the relationship, fostering trust and faithfulness vital not only between God and His creation but also in human relationships. Our confidence in God grows as we see His active role in creation and His steadfast care for our every need, reflected in His mercy, righteousness, and loving kindness. His promises of help in times of temptation further build this confidence, assuring us of His strength and compassion. Even in moments of personal discouragement, we are encouraged to remain confident in His ability to lift us up, never limiting His love for His children. Examples of such confidence shine through in the lives of those tested by God, like Abraham, whose obedience under extreme trial settled any doubt, leading to God's renewed promises and blessings. Similarly, Daniel and his companions demonstrated unwavering confidence in God's providential care, standing united in faith against worldly pressures, boldly proclaiming their trust in Him above all earthly powers. Confidence, as an attribute of strong faith, supports the outward expression of our faith through good works, believing that God rewards those who act to please Him. It is a gift received through the working of His Spirit, enabling us to approach Him boldly yet with a contrite heart, distinct from worldly confidence rooted in pride. This godly confidence mirrors the humble yet assured approach we should take in prayer, seeking His grace and mercy with assurance. In contrast, the great lie spoken by satan to Eve was designed to strip her confidence in God's words, leading to fear and separation from Him. Let us not fall into such doubt but confidently seek Him at all times, in faith and for all reasons, boldly coming before the throne of grace.

There is a cheerful confidence that must not be cast away, for God has assured us that with His help, we can navigate these challenging times. This confidence, rooted in faith, supports and motivates us through the difficulties of our pilgrimage, guiding us to press forward with the reality of hope in God's spiritual Promised Land. It is this same confidence that enabled those great figures of the past to endure, living by faith despite the hardships they faced. Even in the midst of the worst of times, marked by unique and intense evil, we are called to maintain this positive, hope-filled attitude, trusting in the revelation and gifts God has provided to help us negotiate our path.