I've been thinking about this lately, self confidence. Of course I want my kids to be confident, be willing to go out into the world and talk to new friends, try new things, work hard and do their best. And be confident that they'll be ok, no matter how well (or not well) they do. But the whole thing is too tied up in something. Self.
Do you think our culture, our entire world, is too tied up in SELF? Perhaps? Probably. Definitely. Self. Take care of yourSELF. Look out for yourSELF. And of course, be confident in YOURSELF.
What about God? What about confidence in Christ, the one who saved us from ourselves?
I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do everything through him who gives me strength.
~Philippians 4:12-13
I let myself down way too often to have much confidence in my very own self and my ability to do anything. Christ is really the one I should be relying upon. Through Him, I can do all things. Through Him, my children should be learning to do all things. And in Him, they should be living each and every day. When they're challenged, I want them to say, "The Lord brought me to this situation, He will bring me through it." Or "I got myself into this mess, but the Lord will lead me out." I know from my own experience that I get myself into too many messes that I can't necessarily solve on my own. And so I lean on Jesus. And I want them to know that too. Confidence in Him. Not in themselves.
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.”
~Joshua 1:9
1 comment:
So odd that I should stumble on this post.
My father passed away earier this year. I've never had a relationship with God, and neither had my Dad, but we had a church funeral - and I did a great deal of thinking.
I had been reading some work by Ekhart Tolle - about 'self'. Particularly about the parts of 'self' and the many competing voices in a person's head, suggesting they should 'do this', 'do that', 'feel pain', 'be kind', etc.
Tolle was talking about addiction in the book I was reading, but I thought; 'what if God is simply one of those voices? Not just any voice - but the very best voice. The very best part of me? The kind, patient, loving, brave, honest, decent, generous, diligent, forgiving part of me?
Suddenly, being encourged to 'talk to God', 'love your God', 'obey your God' didn't sound mad at all.
Now, when people say 'Jesus loves you', and 'God knows your inner most thoughts' ... I think 'well - obviously!'.
I'm sure you get my point. Perhaps God IS the self ... just the very best part of it.
Anyhow - whichever way you want to define God - I'll bet he wants the best for us.
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