CONCERT OF PRAYER

Pray Week 682

“Confidence”

Psa 27:1-3 The LORD is my light and my salvation– whom shall I fear? … Though an army besiege me, my heart will not fear; though war break out against me, even then will I be confident.

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Confidence has been described as the character exhibited by those who would go after Moby Dick with a rowboat, a harpoon and a jar of tartar sauce.

How many of us fail to have this ‘tartar sauce confidence’ as we approach the challenges of life each day? How many of us worry about all the ‘what if…’ scenarios that could happen tomorrow or the next day? Jesus exposes the utter futility of worry when He asks, “Who … by worrying can add a single hour to his life?”

Prov 3:25-26 Have no fear of sudden disaster or of the ruin that overtakes the wicked, for the LORD will be your confidence and will keep your foot from being snared.

It is important that we be honest with ourselves and reflect upon the basis for our confidence. Is your confidence in your giftedness and abilities? Are you confident in your financial portfolio? Is your confidence solidly and completely based upon the Lord?

Jer 17:7 But blessed is the man who trusts in the LORD, whose confidence is in him…

Our journeys may begin with the utmost confidence but given a few setbacks our confidence becomes shaken and we begin to worry. If this is true of you then all or a portion of the basis for your confidence was on something other than the Lord Jesus Christ. If you find yourself in a shaken confidence, worrisome pattern then you need to F.E.E.L. your way back.

Fundamentals of faith. Get back to the basic fundamental truths of your faith in God. Just as an athlete who is ‘off their game’ recalibrates themselves by getting back to working on the fundamental basics of their sport so we too need to read and meditate on the truth of the Word of God.

Psalm 46:10 Be still, and know that I am God.

Eliminate idols between you and the Lord. Whatever it is that you have placed your confidence in other than the Lord has become an idol to you. It is in between you and God and it must be put into proper perspective and place in your life.

Exodus 20:3 You shall have no other gods before me.

Encourage yourself in the Lord. Keep a periodic journal of your prayer life and see the faithfulness of God in your life over time. This will build your courage.

1 Sam 30:6 …David was greatly distressed… but David encouraged himself in the LORD his God.

Lean on Jesus. Get to know Him and His character through His Word. Seek first His kingdom and His righteousness and through His abiding presence you will find the strength and courage to persevere.

Philippians 4:13 I can do all things through him who strengthens me.

May you FEEL your way back to full confidence in Jesus. Pass the tartar sauce, please.

Close in prayer, thanksgiving & rededication of your work to the glory of God