Self-confidence
Usually people who don’t have much self-confidence are shy, maybe an introvert, possibly fearful of putting ourselves forward which could open up the possibilities of people laughing at us and we end up with feeling being ashamed or embarrassed. When this happens, it is doubly hard the next time around to step out in front of someone, or even a group or a crowd. If you just want to be a braver, bolder person then people would advise you to attend drama or acting classes so that you can learn to be bold in the presence of others. They may suggest going to self-assertion courses, or other things that would help your confidence.
Confidence in Christ
If you want to boost your confidence in Christ, in the Christian life and in living as a Christian, then whilst the things of the secular world may help, the deep problem is from within, and cannot be corrected by learning new skills.
Forgiven
As a Christian, the first thing we must be confident about is that our sins are forgiven. 1 John 1:9 says “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” If you confess your sins, you can be confident that it has been dealt with. If the Holy Spirit through your conscience causes you to feel guilty about something different later on, then just confess your sin or fault to God and He will deal with those sins too.
Child of God
The next thing you can be confident about is that you have become a child of God. John 1:12 says “to all who believe in his name, He gave the right to become children of God.” If you are a child of God you can have confidence that you have the privilege that goes with being a child of God.
Never alone
The next thing you can be confident about is that God is concerned for you and will never leave you. Deuteronomy 31:8 says “the lord Himself goes before you and will be with you, He will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged.”
There are many things you can be confident of as a Christian
- God has a perfect plan for your life (Jeremiah 29:11)
- God will give us everything that we need in order to live (2 Peter 1:3, Matthew 6:25 – 28)
- He is preparing a place in heaven for us (John 14:1 – 6)
- You can be confident of this that “He who began a good work in you will carry it on to the completion until the day of Christ Jesus” (Philippians 1:6)
- God is working in our lives to change us to be more like Jesus Christ (Romans 8:29)
- When we become Christians, all that we knew in the past will begin to change because Christ has started a new work in us (2 Corinthians 5:17)
The secret
The secret of gaining confidence for a Christian is not to try and change yourself. Instead, let God change you, control you, and transform you. This way, gradually, you and those around you will begin to see the change. Do not try to make every effort on your own to boost your confidence. Rather, make every effort to get to know God more.