Relying on the power of the Holy Spirit…gives me confidence. In most situations, we do well when we are confident instead of unsure. I am a music minister, and I always make sure soloists or song leaders are confident in their understanding of the music and their voice parts. Because if they’re not, you can always tell on the day of the
performance that they lacked the focus necessary to convey the message because they had no confidence in their delivery. I believe God also understands the importance of every believer having confidence. However, our songbook is His Word. That is why Paul tells Timothy to study to show thyself approved [to God], a workman that doesn’t
need to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth (see 2 Timothy 2:15) Knowing what God says about you and what he will do for you brings confidence to the life of the believer. Verse 4 of Psalm 23 says, even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil. Why is there no fear? Why is the psalmist not afraid? Is
it possible that he understands that the fear he has is under the authority of His Shepherd? I think so. I remark on how my children are no longer afraid of “something in their closet” after I walk them upstairs to their bedroom and tuck them in. The fear that they have of the thing is not greater than the confidence they have in Daddy and the
authority I possess over it. That is because they are able to trust me. We have to do the same with our God my brother and my sister. I will fear no evil…why? For you are with me, your rod, and your staff they comfort me. God’s word should continually abide in our hearts and our reliance upon his Holy Spirit to guide us along the paths of
righteousness should be ever so present in our lives. Not only does this give me confidence but also it gives me comfort in knowing that I am not on this journey alone. I am not doing this with my own power. I do not sustain my world. He does! He is in control! Glory be to God! His presence alone makes the thing(s) I fear seem like a shadow
[of death]. When I am walking through the darkest valley, he is with me. Although we may have plenty of valleys in our lives, he is right there all the time. He is imminent! He has numbered the hairs on our heads to show his loving care for all of our problems, no matter their size. This gives me confidence and comfort.
Relying on the power of the Holy Spirit…gives me command over my circumstance.
(To be continued)