Self-confidence: Relying on God’s Enabling, Not Our Own Ability

Confidence becomes a blessing when it rests in God, and a trap when it rests only in ourselves. This article looks at the difference between a healthy, humble assurance of what we can do with the Lord’s help — and the self-reliance that quietly pushes Him aside.

Understanding Self-confidence

Self-confidence is having courage and boldness in our own ability and resources through knowledge and skill. It differs from self-esteem, which is the overall valuing of self. Regular practice develops an increased ability and belief in your expertise, so when you have done a good job, affirm yourself. Keep a good, healthy, yet humble, appreciation of what you can do with the Lord’s enabling, for it is He who gives the ability (Deut 8:18; Jn 5:30; 1 Cor 10:12; Eph 6:10-11; Phil 4:13).

At the same time, we should not boast in our own power. Instead, acknowledge and affirm that we know the Lord and that our achievements are His doing (Jdg 7:2; Ps 118:23; Jer 9:23-24; Lk 18:11-13; 1 Cor 1:31; Gal 6:14). It is only by the grace and mercy of God that we are what we are (Eph 2:8-9).

There is a godly balance to be found here. It is right and healthy to be secure in our own abilities — settled and assured in the skills we have trained and practised, neither paralysed by insecurity nor inflated by pride. The opposite extremes both do harm: a timid uncertainty that refuses to act, and a self-sufficiency that acts as though God were unnecessary. True confidence holds the two together — a calm assurance of what we can do in the Lord’s strength, joined with a humble dependence on Him for wisdom, timing and success (Prov 3:5-6; Rom 12:3; 1 Cor 15:10; Phil 4:13).

The Danger of Self-reliance

If we display this arrogant behaviour, God will leave us too. As we come out from under divine protection, we discover we cannot withstand the enemy on our own. This was the downfall of Adam and Eve — thinking they could be independent of God.

Living with God-centred Confidence

It is better to trust God than to put our confidence in humans — especially ourselves (Ps 118:8; Phil 3:3-6). The enemies who opposed the rebuilding of the walls of Jerusalem lost their self-confidence when they realised the mammoth task “had been done with the help of our God” (Neh 6:16). Even they had to acknowledge that a power greater than human effort was operating.

Reflection and Application:

• Thank God daily for your abilities, acknowledging that they come from Him.
• When you succeed, give God the glory rather than quietly taking the credit yourself.
• Where pride or self-reliance has crept in, deal with it through repentance — and restitution where appropriate — then move on.
• Before major decisions, deliberately seek God’s help instead of leaning on your own strength.

See also: confidence, self-esteem, self-image.