Proverbs 3:21-26 

My son, do not lose sight of these— keep sound wisdom and discretion,
and they will be life for your soul and adornment for your neck.
Then you will walk on your way securely, and your foot will not stumble. 

If you lie down, you will not be afraid; when you lie down, your sleep will be sweet.
Do not be afraid of sudden terror or of the ruin of the wicked, when it comes,
for the Lord will be your confidence and will keep your foot from being caught.

I’m a confident person…I think

Yep, most people would consider me a confident person. I’m loud, bubble and generally cheerful (except when I’m not). I am relatively quick on my feet and handle my self well in most situations. What people don’t see (except my husband) is that when I get home, I can replay the entire evening in my head. I know exactly what I said and the ten ways I think the other person may have misunderstood me. I’m certain at the time that they’re going to never want to speak to me again. My husband has named this condition post social anxiety. I am getting better, but sometimes I lack confidence.

No Matter Who You Are…Trust God

This week I’m helping out at our church’s VBS. I’m leading the video section for the preschoolers with one of my sons (they switch off) and my husband and the other son are running the video for the elementary children. It’s fun to spend time with your family serving. This year we’re using Group’s Sky VBS. Each day they have a different theme”People judge by outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.” (1 Samuel 16:7). So whether I look confident or am actually falling apart inside, I need to trust God.

No matter how you feel…trust God!

The second day’s theme was “No matter how you feel…trust God!” Do you get the feeling I may be getting more out of VBS than the pre-school children to whom I’m showing the videos? Lacking confidence, needing encouragement, being depressed, even in those times I need to trust God. The verse they used for that day was “Don’t let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God.” (John 14:1) In our women’s Bible study last night, the woman on the video said that keeping our focus on God is a discipline. I think that trusting God is a similar thing. It’s something we have to work at, and even sometimes flies in the face of all we think is true in our human world.

No matter what people do…trust God!

Sometimes people are not nice. Sometimes they’re actually out to get you. They lie, cheat and steal. On day three of VBS (today) we learned that  those who trust in the Lord will find new strength. They will soar high on wings like eagles. (Isaiah 40:31). What wonderful promises the Lord gives us in regards to trusting Him. Trusting God will give us new strength. This makes me think about all the kids in middle school and high school who face a sea of unkindness every time they enter school. These verse are such a blessing and encouragement, and I hope to keep them handy when my boys may face difficulties. I guess not just the boys, but when I face difficulties too.

No matter what happens…trust God!

Sometimes when things go wrong, we think God has abandoned us. We think He’s left us to flap in the breeze. But that’s not the case. He’s still there, and He will give us that new strength and get us through the toughest times. “And I am convinced that nothing can ever separate us from God’s love.” (Romans 8:38)

No matter where you are…trust God!

Whether I’m at church, a party full of people or in my home having an argument with my children, no matter where I am I need to trust God. He promises to be with me wherever I go. “Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or discouraged. For the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.” (Joshua 1:9) I love that this verse says that I shouldn’t be afraid or discouraged. I think discouraged is one of the places I hang out a lot. I let words, thoughts and untruths fill my head and I let them get in the way of trusting in God for the results.

If you lie down, you will not be afraid; when you lie down, your sleep will be sweet.

This part of the verse above is amazing, and so applicable to my life. So many nights I have laid in bed wide awake. I think about the day I’ve just had. I think about all the things I have to do tomorrow. I get overwhelmed. My head starts to spin, and soon I realize I’ve been awake for hours. But God promises that if I put my trust in Him, my sleep will be sweet. Woo Hoo! That’s so wonderful.

The Lord will be your confidence and will keep your foot from being caught

The Lord will be my confidence. When I lack confidence in myself, I’m no longer out of luck. I have some reserves. I have confidence that comes from the Lord. He has an unending supply of confidence to give me. I know that I have never been disappointed when I have put my trust and confidence in Him. I maybe haven’t always understood, but I haven’t been disappointed. God is good. I need to trust Him more and get some of that sweet sleep!

Are you confident?