Confidence

In the biblical context, confidence is often associated with trust and faith in God. It is a steadfast assurance that God is faithful and His promises are true. The Bible encourages believers to place their confidence not in worldly things or human strength, but in God alone. Proverbs 3:26 states, "For the LORD will be your confidence and will keep your foot from the snare." This verse highlights the protective and sustaining nature of divine confidence.

The New Testament further emphasizes confidence in the context of faith in Jesus Christ. Hebrews 10:35-36 exhorts believers, "So do not throw away your confidence; it holds a great reward. You need to persevere, so that after you have done the will of God, you will receive what He has promised." Here, confidence is linked to perseverance and the fulfillment of God's promises, underscoring the importance of maintaining faith through trials.

The Apostle Paul often speaks of confidence in his epistles, particularly in relation to the work of the Holy Spirit and the assurance of salvation. In Philippians 1:6 , Paul expresses his confidence in God's ongoing work in believers: "being confident of this, that He who began a good work in you will continue to perfect it until the day of Christ Jesus." This confidence is rooted in the belief that God is actively involved in the lives of His people, guiding them toward spiritual maturity.

The Desire to Please God

The desire to please God is a central theme in the Christian life, reflecting a heart aligned with God's will and purposes. This desire is born out of love and reverence for God, as well as a recognition of His sovereignty and holiness. Colossians 1:10 encourages believers to "walk in a manner worthy of the Lord and please Him in every way: bearing fruit in every good work, growing in the knowledge of God."

Pleasing God involves obedience to His commandments and living a life that reflects His character. Hebrews 11:6 states, "And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who approaches Him must believe that He exists and that He rewards those who earnestly seek Him." Faith is foundational to pleasing God, as it demonstrates trust in His nature and His promises.

The desire to please God is also evident in the pursuit of holiness and righteousness. Romans 12:1-2 urges believers to offer their bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God, and to be transformed by the renewing of their minds. This transformation is a continual process of aligning one's thoughts and actions with God's will.

Furthermore, the desire to please God is often expressed through worship and service. Ephesians 5:10 advises believers to "test and prove what pleases the Lord," indicating that discerning God's will is an active and ongoing endeavor. Worship, both corporate and personal, is a means of expressing devotion and adoration to God, while service to others reflects His love and compassion.

In summary, confidence and the desire to please God are intertwined aspects of the Christian faith. Confidence in God provides the foundation for a life that seeks to honor Him, while the desire to please God motivates believers to live in accordance with His will, resulting in spiritual growth and fulfillment.