Confidence!

It is good to have a sense of confidence. Confidence provides a feeling of assurance. Confidence can provide a sense of stability. On the other hand, the lack of confidence can create a climate for hesitation or indecisiveness and perhaps even lead to inaction in life. However, confidence does need to be properly placed because there can be such a thing as “foolish confidence”.

In one of the psalms of the sons of Korah, there is a reference to those who put their “trust in their wealth” and “boast of the abundance of their riches.” ( Psalm 49:6) Any of that was of no significant value for rescuing from death so as to enable one to live forever. ( Psalm 49:7-9) Even when lands are named after individuals ( Psalm 49:11) -- though the name be immortalized, the individual is not -- all eventually go the way of all life. ( Psalm 49:12)

We read. . .
“This is THE PATH OF THOSE WHO HAVE FOOLISH CONFIDENCE; yet after them people approve of their boasts.” ( Psalm 49:13 ESV)

Though life spans may not be equal, death is a reality of our existence in this realm. It is “foolish confidence” to think we have the means to buy more years. Since whatever time we have in this realm is such a precious commodity, we ought to be wise in how we spend it. Remember Jesus referred to the rich farmer as a “fool” ( Luke 12:20) because, though he had worldly wealth, he was “not rich toward God.” ( Luke 12:21)

Paul pointed toward wise confidence where he stated. . .
“(11) for which I was appointed a preacher and apostle and teacher, (12) which is why I suffer as I do. But I am not ashamed, for I KNOW whom I have believed, and I AM CONVINCED that he is able to guard until that Day what has been entrusted to me [(or) what I have entrust to him].” ( 2 Timothy 1:11-12 ESV)

It is wise confidence when it is PLACED IN GOD. In reading Paul’s words I do not detect any wavering. His life was supported by the certainty of a confident conviction IN GOD Who had and would continue to sustain Him and ultimately usher him into eternal glory. That confidence IN GOD, rather than in himself, had the power to persuade Paul to press on even when he was challenged by others. May we also develop a sense of the same confidence in the God Who does have the power to draw us through death’s door into a glorious eternity.

Have a great day CERTAIN OF THE POWER OUR GOD RETAINS!
Carl

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