Confidence

People will always let you down. Even those who love you the most. Even those you consider a mentor. Even those who want what’s best for you. It’s in our DNA—we disappoint others. But there is One who never disappoints.

Reflect on your life. Think about the ways God has worked. Contemplate God’s protection and guidance. Sometimes he has protected you from others; sometimes he protected you from yourself. He is…and always will be…your refuge.

Some people like to trust in the tangible things they can see and touch, such as a strong showing of the Dow, a large well-equipped military, a secure retirement, and their political party running the government. This psalm reminds us that the world puts its hope in well-built, fortified chariots pulled by strong, speedy horses. Unfortunately, confidence in the things of the world will always end in failure. But trusting in our God allows us to “rise up and stand firm.”

The true believer has eternal security. No one can snatch us out of God’s hand (John 10:27-30). Nothing can separate us from his love (Romans 8:38-39). Our imperishable inheritance is kept in heaven for us “who through faith are shielded by God’s power” (1 Peter 1:3-5 NIV). But the assurance of our salvation does not allow us to live a sloppy spiritual life.

Today I got word that a friend’s wife passed away from surgery complications. It was so sudden and so unexpected for this young family. Words can’t express the devastation and grief. And through our tears, we anchor our hearts in the certain hope we have in Jesus. This confidence within every true believer is confirmed day by day as we read the Bible. Our confidence is built on the imperishable Word that “remains forever” (1 Peter 1:25).

Seven hundred years before Jesus came, the prophet Isaiah proclaimed the promise. A virgin would conceive. God’s Son would be born, and his name would be called “Immanuel (which means God with us)” (Matt 1:23). God would come to live among us, and he would never leave us. Immanuel is our great hope. 

Hope doesn’t just happen. It is brought about by spiritual discipline and growth. When your children speak at your funeral, I bet they won’t mention the expensive Christmas gifts. Let’s aspire for their focus to be on the gift of Jesus that you allowed them to see in you up close and personal. 

Leaders should inspire and encourage us about a better tomorrow. They must provide vision and hope—confidence in where we are heading. “The future doesn’t belong to the fainthearted. It belongs to the brave,” said Ronald Reagan running for president during a time of national malaise.

We will not always understand the way he works. Some things will not make sense, no matter how hard we try to find the answer. But Solomon teaches us that this life is a vapor, a passing breeze. God loves us so much that he sent his Son to die for our sins, and one day Jesus will escort us into the Father’s presence.