“See how the flowers of the field grow. They do not labor or spin. Yet I tell you that not even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like one of these. If that is how God clothes the grass of the field … will he not much more clothe you?”
Matthew 6:28-30
It’s difficult to find confidence in these days. Confidence implies knowing – certainty – peace of mind – but God reminds us that our confidence should be in Him – not in ourselves and not in the world.
We find encouragement (courage) when we remember that we have a God who is above all of creation, yet He chooses to step down into creation using His power and authority to act on our behalf – serving us in His love.
God often encourages us to remember how He serves us.
“I will remember the deeds of the LORD; yes, I will remember your wonders of old.”
Psalm 77:11
“Blessed is the one who trusts in the LORD, whose confidence is in him.”
Jeremiah 17:7
We can have confidence in Him when we:
Remember that He provides for us.
It’s easy in the good times to acknowledge God’s provision, but when difficulty comes we must choose to remember. Look back at the ways He has provided for his people throughout history as well as the ways He has provided personally for you. We can trust that God will provide because we have seen him do it! Make a list of the times in your life that God has provided – post it where you can see and read it often.
“He provides you with plenty of food and fills your heart with joy.”
Acts 14:17
“Seek first his kingdom and his righteousness and all these things will be given to you as well.”
Matthew 6:37
Remember that He protects us.
We may not always see God’s hand of protection, but we can trust that He does protect us, both from other people and from the evil one. Think back to the times in the past when you have recognized God’s protection – spend some time praising and thanking Him for his protection.
“So we say with confidence, ‘The Lord is my helper; I will not be afraid. What can mere mortals do to me?'”
Hebrews 13:6
“The Lord is faithful and he will strengthen you and protect you from the evil one.”
2 Thessalonians 3:3
Remember that He heals us.
God heals us in so many ways – physically, emotionally, spiritually. Ultimately, God’s healing will be eternal as we join Him in heaven with perfect bodies and unending rest. Here on earth, acknowledge the ways God has healed and is healing you.
“He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds.”
Psalm 147:3
“LORD, my God, I called to you for help, and you healed me.”
Psalm 30:2
Remember that He comforts us.
It is one thing to have a God who provides practical things for us like food and clothes – but we have a God who does more than just provide – He cares and comforts us. God is not cold and distant – He is compassionate and loving. Spend some time asking God for his comfort and allow him to hold you close to his heart (Isaiah 40:11).
“Now may our Lord Jesus Christ Himself, and our God and Father, who has loved us and given us everlasting consolation and good hope by grace, comfort your hearts and establish you in every good word and work.”
2 Thessalonians 2:16-17
“Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort.”
2 Corinthians 1:3
Remember that He sustains us.
We can rest in the fact that it is not all up to us. We don’t need to keep up a brave front – we only need to trust in Him to sustain us. We can rest, we can sleep, we can tend to our work, we can do the things God is calling us to because He is the one who makes the sun rise and set. How can you rest today, remembering that God sustains you?
“My God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus.”
Philippians 4:19
“He himself gives everyone life and breath and everything else.”
Acts 17:25
Remember that He forgives us.
In the ultimate act of service, God made a way to cover the price of our sins. His love gave all to save us. I can have confidence in the future because of that gift – no matter what else happens in the world. Forgiven. Saved. Secure. Forever.
“I am writing to you, dear children, because your sins have been forgiven on account of his name.”
1 John 2:12
“God made you alive with Christ. He forgave us all our sins.”
Colossians 2:13
When we think about the Encouragement of Action, our thoughts should immediately rest upon God. He is the King of Service. God doesn’t just say He loves us – He shows us His love by serving us – and He models what love should look like for us.
“Praise the LORD, my soul, and forget not all his benefits – who forgives all your sins and heals all your diseases, who redeems your life from the pit and crowns you with love and compassion, who satisfies your desires with good things so that your youth is renewed like the eagle’s.”
Psalm 103:2-4
We can have confidence when we remember that God serves us because His serving us never depends upon us. He serves us for two reasons – because He loves us and for His glory. And we can serve others for the same reason – because God loves us and for His glory!
God serves us and we serve others – and in that serving we become a reflection of God who serves and blesses infinitely (2 corinthians 12:15)
“Stand at the crossroads and look