“Confidence is not about what you have but Who you follow.”
Thoughts from daily Bible reading for today – May 12, 2026
But blessed is the one who trusts in the Lord, whose confidence is in him. Jeremiah 17:7
Who doesn’t desire confidence? We admire it in others and wish for more of it ourselves. It is a hallmark of strong leadership. We want to raise our children into confident young adults, able to reach their full potential without timidity. Of course, the best way to instill confidence in our children is to model it. But what do we do if we lack confidence? Can we acquire it with self-help hacks? And is self-confidence even a quality that the Christian ought to pursue, or is it the antithesis to humility?
The Bible is clear that God wants his children to be confident, for he did not give us a spirit of timidity, but of power, love, and a sound mind (2 Timothy 1:7). However, it’s also clear that building one’s confidence upon the self is as foolish as building a house upon the sandy shore. Collapse is inevitable. So, what does godly confidence look like?
We can find numerous examples of confident characters in Scripture who lived powerful, fearless lives in service to the Lord. But two of the greatest leaders in all Scripture stand out because of their contrasting characters when it comes to confidence: Moses and David. Moses was not a naturally confident man, but rather a notorious second guesser. When God called him to challenge Pharaoh, Moses was ready with all his reasons that God should choose another (Exodus 3-4). And yet, God was not deterred by Moses’ negative self-esteem, but assured him that all he needed to do the job would be provided. We know that Moses became known as the greatest leader in Israel’s history, but even at the very border of the Promised Land, after decades of leading God’s people, he continued to seek God’s reassurance, and God gave it in full measure: “My Presence will go with you, and I will give you rest” (Exodus 33:14).
David, on the other hand, seems to have been born with a double dose of charisma. And yet, when he faced off Goliath, he declared that his confidence was placed in the power of God alone (1 Samuel 17:45-47). His God-centered confidence became the theme of his triumphant reign as Israel’s greatest King. Though famous for his mighty deeds, his confidence was not in his skill or achievements but in God’s faithfulness to equip him for his calling, as he attested in his most famous Psalm: “The Lord is my shepherd. I have everything I need” (Psalm 23:1).
It should come as no surprise that both Moses and David once had humble careers keeping sheep. They must have understood that confidence is simply a matter of following a Good Shepherd who feeds, guides and fights his sheep’s battles. After all, confidence merely means “with faith”; those whose faith is placed in the Faithful One can live and move and rest in perfect confidence.
Prayer
Lord, help me to place my confidence entirely in you, trusting that you have called me your own and equip me with all I need to do the work you have prepared for me. Amen.
Application
If you’ve placed confidence in your own abilities or qualities, humbly seek the Lord’s help to restore right confidence in the one who made you. If you struggle to have confidence, remember that He who called you will also equip you. Take comfort in belonging to the Good Shepherd who walks beside you.
Related Reading
Proverbs 16:9; Philippians 1:6; 1 Thessalonians 5:4
Worship Resource
Keith and Kristyn Getty: In Christ Alone
Donate
If you are blessed by these daily devotionals please prayerfully consider a donation to support Wisdom Hunters Resources. We are trusting the Lord for His provision.
Download our app!
