Where is Your Confidence? by Martin Wiles

Confidence misplaced can quickly be shattered.

From the moment I entered the ministry, I—along with my denomination and the churches I pastored, placed a certain monetary amount into a retirement account. The sum grew, and the interest earned was tolerable. Periodically, I received statements showing my balance and also what the amount of my monthly check would be if I continued similar investments until I retired. Surely this amount—along with Social Security, would be enough to live comfortably. But circumstances beyond my control triggered an early withdrawal to tackle emergency situations—losing a significant portion of it in the process due to penalties. What I placed a great deal of confidence in suddenly evaporated in a matter of days. 

The psalmist warned against the very thing I had: misplaced confidence. Don’t put your confidence in powerful people; there is no help for you there. (Psalm 146:3 NLT)

There are numerous people I choose to place my confidence in. I’m confident my wife loves me. I’m also confident my brothers, children, and mom love me. And of course, I have many friends and co-workers who I place confidence in as well. But time has taught me never to place full confidence in any one person. People will disappoint me—sometimes intentionally, sometimes not. After all, they’re only human.

Though I’ve been guilty to some degree, I also choose not to place my confidence in things. Natural disasters can destroy them, people can steal them, and money can be lost in a sour economy. 

The only place my confidence is safe is in God. He’s the best friend I could ask for, the perfect parent we all wish for, the only One powerful enough to fulfill all my needs, and the One I can count on never to abandon me. 

Confidence misplaced leads to disappointment. Who or what are you placing yours in?

Prayer: Thank You Father that we can trust You for every need we have. Guide us to put our full confidence in You alone.

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