For most of my life I’ve struggled with self-confidence. I was a very insecure child and teenager, though my roles in serving the Lord often called for me to be in front of people. I’ve been on stage since the child, as a performing magician, and then began public speaking nationally at the age of fifteen years old. Even to this day as I serve as a lead preaching pastor and I still struggle with confidence. There are many times I get nervous before embarking upon the stage. In fact, I pray often, “Lord give me the power of your Holy Spirit… And help me not wet my pants” (seriously).
As a certified biblical counselor, I often say that I am not fan of the phrase “self-confidence.” It’s a false premise for Christians. Why would you want to have confidence in yourself? We know as Christians there’s nothing good in us. Anything that is good in us comes from Christ’s work in our life. I don’t want confidence in myself, I’d rather have confidence in Jesus Christ. Therefore, I teach those I counsel that we should not long for self-confidence but for Christ-confidence.
The following is a list of my top ten favorite verses related to confidence— not in self— but in Christ. If you’re struggling with self-confidence, I’m sure these verses will be a great help to you. I encourage you to think about them, meditate upon them, memorize them, and study them further. As you do, I will trust the Holy Spirit will increase your confidence in Christ.
My Top 10 Bible Verses for Self-Confidence:
2 Timothy 1:7, “For God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control.”
Psalm 27:3, “Though an army encamp against me, my heart shall not fear; though war arise against me, yet I will be confident.”
Joshua 1:9, “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.”
Jeremiah 17:7, “But blessed is the one who trusts in the Lord, whose confidence is in him.”
Proverbs 3:25-26, “Have no fear of sudden disaster or of the ruin that overtakes the wicked, for the Lord will be at your side and will keep your foot from being snared.”
Philippians 1:6, “being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.”
Ephesians 3:12, “In him and through faith in him we may approach God with freedom and confidence.”
2 Corinthians 12:9, “But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me.”
Hebrews 13:6, “So we say with confidence, ‘The Lord is my helper; I will not be afraid.
What can mere mortals do to me?'”
Psalm 27:3, “Though an army encamp against me, my heart shall not fear; though war arise against me, yet I will be confident.”
I have been struggling with being confident to pray out loud.
God will help you and see you through. Be encouraged, you are not alone!