Definition and Overview:
Living with confidence, from a biblical perspective, refers to a life characterized by trust and assurance in God's promises, presence, and power. It involves a steadfast faith that transcends circumstances and is rooted in the knowledge of God's sovereignty and love. Confidence in the biblical sense is not self-reliance but a reliance on God, who is faithful and unchanging.

Biblical Foundation:
The Bible provides numerous examples and teachings that encourage believers to live with confidence. This confidence is not based on human ability or understanding but on the character and promises of God.

1. Trust in God:
· Proverbs 3:5-6 states, "Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight." This passage emphasizes the importance of trusting God completely, which is foundational to living with confidence.

2. God's Faithfulness:
· Hebrews 10:23 encourages believers to "hold resolutely to the hope we profess, for He who promised is faithful." Confidence is bolstered by the assurance of God's faithfulness to His promises.

3. Strength in Christ:
· Philippians 4:13 declares, "I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength." This verse highlights the source of a believer's confidence—Christ's strength working within them.

4. Absence of Fear:
· 2 Timothy 1:7 reminds us, "For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power, love, and self-discipline." Confidence in God dispels fear and empowers believers to live boldly.

Examples from Scripture:

1. David and Goliath:
· In 1 Samuel 17, David's confidence in God enabled him to face Goliath, a giant warrior, with courage. David's declaration in verse 37 , "The LORD who delivered me from the paw of the lion and the paw of the bear will deliver me from the hand of this Philistine," exemplifies confidence rooted in past experiences of God's deliverance.

2. Daniel in the Lions' Den:
· Daniel 6 recounts how Daniel's unwavering faith and confidence in God led to his miraculous preservation in the lions' den. His trust in God was evident in his consistent prayer life and refusal to compromise his beliefs.

3. Paul's Ministry:
· The Apostle Paul, in 2 Corinthians 3:4-5 , writes, "Such confidence we have through Christ before God. Not that we are competent in ourselves to claim anything for ourselves, but our competence comes from God." Paul's ministry was marked by confidence in God's calling and empowerment.

Practical Application:

1. Prayer and Communion with God:
· Regular prayer and communion with God strengthen a believer's confidence. Philippians 4:6-7 advises, "Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus."

2. Meditation on Scripture:
· Immersing oneself in God's Word builds confidence. Romans 10:17 states, "So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of Christ." Scripture provides the foundation and assurance needed to live confidently.

3. Community and Fellowship:
· Engaging with a community of believers encourages confidence. Hebrews 10:24-25 urges, "And let us consider how to spur one another on to love and good deeds. Let us not neglect meeting together, as some have made a habit, but let us encourage one another, and all the more as you see the Day approaching."

Conclusion:
Living with confidence is a hallmark of a mature Christian faith. It is cultivated through trust in God, reliance on His Word, and the support of a faith community. This confidence enables believers to face life's challenges with assurance and hope, knowing that God is with them and for them.