Bible Study About Confidence: Trust, Boldness, and Assurance for Believers

Confidence is something we all desire. In our everyday life, we often hear messages about “believing in yourself” or projecting confidence. Yet for Christians walking out their faith, biblical confidence is a different kind of strength.

It isn’t a self-made bravado or arrogance – it’s a deep trust in God.

Throughout the Bible (especially in the King James Version), we find the word “confidence” alongside related terms like trust, boldness, and assurance.

These words paint a picture of a confidence rooted in who God is and who we are in Him.

Perhaps you’ve had moments of wavering confidence – I know I have. But time and again, Scripture gently redirects us: true confidence comes from knowing God’s character, His promises, and our relationship with Him.

In this study, we’ll look into the Old and New Testaments to discover what “confidence” really means in a biblical sense. We’ll see how boldness, trust, and assurance weave together to form a courageous faith.

We’ll also explore how God encourages us to live confidently in practical ways, and the blessings that follow. By the end, my hope is that you’ll feel your heart encouraged – not with a shallow self-confidence, but with a warm, unshakeable confidence in the Lord that carries you through everyday life.

What Is Biblical Confidence?

Biblical confidence is multifaceted. It’s not just one trait, but a combination of faith, trust, assurance, and boldness grounded in God.

According to one biblical theology dictionary, confidence encompasses certainty in God’s faithfulness, assurance of our relationship with Him, boldness that comes from knowing we’re accepted by Him, and conviction that our future is secure in His hands biblestudytools.com, biblestudytools.com.

In other words, it’s believing God so deeply that we live openly and fearlessly in light of that trust.

To understand this better, let’s look at some key biblical terms related to confidence:

Trust

In the Old Testament, the main Hebrew word for “confidence” is bāṭaḥ. It literally means to trust, to feel secure, or even “to be bold” without fear. The idea comes from feeling so safe that you’re carefree.

Think of a child who confidently leans back into their father’s arms – that’s bāṭaḥ. The Bible often translates this as “trust.”

• For example, “It is better to trust in the LORD than to put confidence in man” (Psalm 118:8).

Here “trust” and “confidence” go hand in hand, showing that biblical confidence is essentially secure trust in God.

Boldness

The New Testament Greek word parrhesia is frequently translated as “boldness” or “confidence.” It literally means freedom of speech or openness.

It’s the courage to speak or act without fear. When the apostles spoke openly about Jesus, despite threats, they showed parrhesia.

• Ephesians 3:12 says, “In [Christ] we have boldness and access with confidence by the faith of him.”

The boldness (parrhesia) comes from faith in Christ – we can approach God freely like children who aren’t afraid to speak to their Father. This boldness is not brashness; it’s an unashamed confidence born from knowing we are loved and welcomed by God.

Assurance

The Bible also talks about assurance, a word overlapping with confidence.

• For instance, “the full assurance of understanding” (Colossians 2:2) or “full assurance of faith” (Hebrews 10:22).

The Greek term behind “full assurance” (plērophoria) implies complete certainty. God wants us to have full assurance in things like our salvation and His promises. This is a heart-level confidence – being fully convinced of the truth of God’s Word.

• A believer with assurance can say, “I know whom I have believed, and am persuaded that He is able” (2 Timothy 1:12). That’s deep confidence speaking.

Hope

Biblical hope is another related concept. In modern use, “hope” can sound unsure (“I hope so…”), but in Scripture, hope (elpis in Greek) means confident expectation.

• Hebrews 11:1 famously defines faith as “the substance of things hoped for” – some translations say “the assurance (or confidence) of things hoped for.”

Hope is looking forward with confidence because God has promised good to us.

• It’s like an anchor for our souls that keeps us steady (Hebrews 6:19).

So, hope, faith, and confidence are intertwined: we trust God’s promise, therefore we hope with confidence.

In summary, biblical confidence is a secure belief and bold trust in God. It’s anchored not in ourselves but in His nature.

When we talk about having confidence as Christians, it means we rely on God with certainty. This confidence makes us bold but also keeps us humble, because it depends on God, not on human pride.

Old Testament Foundations of Confidence

In the Old Testament, God laid a strong foundation for what true confidence looks like. Over and over, the message is clear: put your confidence in the Lord.

The people of Israel were taught through law, wisdom literature, and prophecy that security comes from trusting God, not from human strength or idols.

• One vivid proverb states, “In the fear of the LORD is strong confidence: and His children shall have a place of refuge.” (Proverbs 14:26).

Here “fear of the Lord” means a reverent trust in God. That humble trust produces “strong confidence” – a courage and stability – and God responds by being a refuge for His children.

Imagine a sturdy shelter in a storm; that’s God for those who trust Him. Their confidence is strong because its source is unshakeable.

• Another proverb reinforces the source of our security: “For the LORD shall be thy confidence, and shall keep thy foot from being taken.” (Proverbs 3:26).

Instead of saying merely that we have confidence, it says God Himself is our confidence. He supports us and guards our steps. I find that so comforting – when I feel unsure, I can remember that God is the steady ground under my feet. My footing won’t slip because He’s holding me up.

The Old Testament also gives warnings about misplaced confidence.

It paints stark contrasts between trusting God and trusting anything else.

• “It is better to trust in the LORD than to put confidence in man. It is better to trust in the LORD than to put confidence in princes.” (Psalm 118:8–9).

Human beings – even powerful “princes” – will disappoint or fail us. At times we learn this the hard way. The Bible doesn’t sugarcoat it: relying on people or earthly leaders for ultimate security is shaky.

• Similarly, “Cursed be the man that trusteth in man, and maketh flesh his arm” (Jeremiah 17:5) – a strong way of saying do not stake your soul’s hope on mortal strength.

This isn’t to make us distrust everyone, but to keep our ultimate confidence in God alone, who never fails.

There are many stories of faith that illustrate confidence in God.

Think of young David facing Goliath. David’s boldness wasn’t cockiness; it came from confidence in the Lord.

• He told the giant, “You come to me with a sword and spear… but I come to you in the name of the LORD of hosts” (1 Samuel 17:45).

David fully believed God would guide that single stone from his sling. And God did! David’s triumph teaches us that confidence in God can overcome even giant obstacles.

It wasn’t David’s skill that saved him (he even refused King Saul’s armor); it was his trust in God’s power.

Another example is Daniel’s three friends (Shadrach, Meshach, Abednego) in Babylon. Ordered to bow to an idol or burn in a furnace, they confidently replied that their God was able to deliver them

• “and He will deliver us out of thy hand, O king. But if not, be it known unto thee, O king, that we will not serve thy gods” (Daniel 3:17–18).

That is remarkable confidence! They basically said: We know God can save us. Even if He allows us to die, we still trust Him over your idol. Their faith was vindicated – God indeed delivered them from the fire.

Their story shows that biblical confidence sometimes means trusting God in the face of death, knowing His will is best. Such faith shines brightest in trials.

The Old Testament also uses metaphors to describe confidence.

• One striking image: “Confidence in an unfaithful man in time of trouble is like a broken tooth, and a foot out of joint.” (Proverbs 25:19).

Anyone who’s had a broken tooth or a sprained ankle knows how painful and disabling that is! The proverb warns that if we lean on someone unreliable (or by extension, on anything untrustworthy), our confidence will give way and hurt us. It’s a vivid reminder that misplaced confidence leads to pain.

• On the flip side, those who trust the Lord are compared to “a tree planted by the waters…not anxious in drought” (Jeremiah 17:7–8).

They stay green and fruitful even in heat. That image of a deeply rooted tree tells us the outcome of godly confidence: stability, nourishment, and life even when circumstances are harsh.

Throughout the Old Testament, the pattern is consistent. When God’s people trusted Him, they found courage and help; when they trusted idols or human solutions, they fell.

• The Psalms often declare personal trust: “The LORD is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? … though an host should encamp against me… in this will I be confident.” (Psalm 27:1,3).

Here the psalmist’s relationship with God banishes fear – even if an army surrounds him, he remains confident in God’s protection.

• Even in prophecy, God invited Israel to find strength in quiet trust: “In returning and rest shall ye be saved; in quietness and in confidence shall be your strength” (Isaiah 30:15).

Unfortunately, that verse ends with, “and ye would not,” because the people often refused God’s way. Yet the principle stands: Our strength grows when we quietly trust God’s plan instead of our own striving.

Before we move to the New Testament, consider one more thing: some Old Testament heroes were types (foreshadowings) of Christ in their confident trust.

For example, Abraham trusted God against all odds, believing he’d have a son in old age. His faith (confidence in God’s promise) foreshadowed the kind of faith we’d later place in Jesus, the promised descendant.

• Abraham’s confidence was counted as righteousness, pointing to how our faith in Christ makes us right with God.
• Likewise, Joshua, whose name means “Yahweh saves” (essentially the same meaning as “Jesus”), was told “Be strong and of a good courage; be not afraid… for the LORD thy God is with thee” (Joshua 1:9).

Joshua’s courage to lead Israel into the Promised Land with God’s presence hints at Jesus leading us into salvation, urging us to trust God’s presence with us always.

These connections between Old and New remind us that the call to confidence in God is one grand story, fulfilled ultimately in Christ.

Confidence and Boldness in the New Testament

With the coming of Jesus and the outpouring of the Holy Spirit, the theme of confidence blossoms even more. The New Testament reveals the fulfillment of those Old Testament hopes – we now see clearly why we can be so confident: Jesus Christ.

In Him, God’s faithfulness and love are on full display, giving believers a solid rock on which to stand.

One major aspect of New Testament confidence is our bold access to God.

Under the old covenant, people approached God with reverence through priests and sacrifices, and there was a veil in the temple symbolizing separation. But through Jesus’ sacrifice, that veil was torn.

• Hebrews 10:19 encourages us: “Having therefore, brethren, boldness to enter into the holiest by the blood of Jesus…”, let us draw near with full assurance of faith.

In plain terms, Jesus’ death opened the way for intimate fellowship with God, so we can come to God boldly in prayer.

• Hebrews 4:16 likewise urges, “Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.”

Think about that: we can approach the all-powerful, holy God’s throne with confidence – not cowering, but as dearly loved children. This is only possible because Jesus is our High Priest and advocate.

Our boldness is rooted in His work, not our merit. Every time you pray, you have an open invitation to come confidently, knowing God’s door is open.

The early Christians demonstrated remarkable boldness.

After Jesus ascended and the Holy Spirit came, ordinary people became “bold as lions”.

In the book of Acts, chapter 4, Peter and John, who were once fearful (remember Peter denied Jesus three times), now stood before the same council that killed Jesus and “spake boldly” about Christ.

• The council “saw the boldness of Peter and John” and marveled (Acts 4:13).

They even noted these men were uneducated fishermen – proof that this bold confidence was from being with Jesus, not from human training.

• Later, when threatened, the believers prayed, “grant unto thy servants, that with all boldness they may speak thy word” (Acts 4:29).
• God answered by filling them with the Spirit, and “they spake the word of God with boldness” (Acts 4:31).

Boldness in witness was a hallmark of the early church.

They knew Jesus was alive and with them, so they couldn’t be silenced. This encourages us today: we too can ask God for boldness to live and speak for Him, especially when we feel timid.

The same Spirit is in us, giving confidence to share our faith or stand up for what’s right.

New Testament letters frequently speak of confidence in relation to faith and love.

The Apostle John, for example, dearly wanted believers to live in confident relationship with God.

• He writes, “Beloved, if our heart condemn us not, then have we confidence toward God” (1 John 3:21).

This means when we live with a clear conscience – not perfect, but sincerely following God’s ways – we naturally feel more confident in God’s presence. Sin and guilt erode our confidence, but repentance and obedience restore it.

• John continues, “And whatsoever we ask, we receive of Him, because we keep His commandments and do those things that are pleasing in His sight.”

There’s a practical tip: obedience leads to confidence in prayer. When we align with God’s will, we pray boldly and expectantly.

• In the same letter, John also says, “This is the confidence that we have in Him, that if we ask anything according to His will, He heareth us” (1 John 5:14).

Knowing God hears us (when we ask in line with His will) gives peace and boldness in prayer.

I’ve experienced this: when I’m praying for something I know God promises in Scripture (like wisdom or spiritual growth), I find I can pray without doubting God’s response. That’s a calm confidence that our Father is listening and will answer rightly.

The New Testament also ties our confidence to the day of judgment and Christ’s return.

• 1 John 2:28 urges, “And now, little children, abide in Him; that, when He shall appear, we may have confidence, and not be ashamed before Him at His coming.”

This tells us two things: First, Jesus will appear again. Second, we can either meet Him with confidence or with shame. The difference is whether we “abide in Him” now – staying close to Jesus, living in His grace.

God doesn’t want us to live in constant fear of judgment; He wants us to have confidence before Christ when He comes, like a child who’s happy to see their parent return.

• Similarly, in 1 John 4:17, John says that if God’s love is perfected in us, “we may have boldness in the day of judgment.”
• Perfect love casts out fear (1 John 4:18), including the fear of condemnation.

For believers in Christ, judgment is not a terror, because Christ has taken our punishment. We can look to the future with hopeful confidence – not a cocky attitude, but a grateful assurance that Jesus’ righteousness covers us.

This eschatological (end-times) confidence motivated the early Christians to endure persecution with hope. They knew that even if earthly life was hard, they had a secure future in Christ.

Let’s not miss the Apostle Paul’s perspective on confidence.

Paul uses the word often in his letters. Importantly, he rejects self-confidence in salvation:

• “We… rejoice in Christ Jesus, and have no confidence in the flesh” (Philippians 3:3).

He explains that if anyone could have confidence in their own credentials, it was him – a devout Jew, blameless in the law.

• “Though I might also have confidence in the flesh. If any other man thinketh that he hath whereof he might trust in the flesh, I more” (Phil. 3:4).

But he then writes that he considers all that “gain” as loss compared to knowing Christ. Paul’s confidence shifted from himself to Jesus. This is a huge lesson: if we place confidence in our achievements, morality, or religious performance, we’ll either become prideful or despairing.

Paul chose instead to count everything as rubbish so that he could stand in the righteousness of Christ by faith. True Christian confidence means boasting in Jesus, not in ourselves.

• As Paul says in 2 Corinthians 3:5, “Not that we are sufficient of ourselves… but our sufficiency is of God.”

Yet Paul was also very confident in God’s work through others.

• For instance, he tells the Philippians, “Being confident of this very thing, that He which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ” (Philippians 1:6).

Here we see a beautiful aspect of biblical confidence: confidence in God’s faithfulness over time. Paul knew that since God started the work of salvation in the Philippian believers, God would be faithful to complete it.

I often cling to this verse personally, especially when I feel like a work-in-progress (or even a mess-in-progress!). It reminds me to be confident that God won’t give up on me – He’s still shaping me, and He will finish what He started.

You too can have that confidence about your own growth, or about loved ones who belong to Christ. It’s not over – God is at work, and He finishes what He begins.

Another area Paul expresses confidence is in the church’s obedience and growth – but always “through the Lord.”

• He tells the Galatians, who were struggling with false teaching, “I have confidence in you through the Lord, that ye will be none otherwise minded” (Galatians 5:10).
• And to the Thessalonians, “We have confidence in the Lord touching you, that ye both do and will do the things which we command you” (2 Thessalonians 3:4).

Notice he’s not just saying “I believe in you” the way a motivational speaker might. He’s essentially saying, “I trust the Lord in you that you will follow through.”

This is a great principle: we can be positively confident in fellow believers, not because they’re perfect, but because we trust God is working in them.

It’s like saying, “I’m confident God will enable you to do the right thing.” This kind of encouragement can really build others up in the faith.

Finally, the New Testament shows us that our ultimate confidence is Christ Himself

He is the fulfillment of everything the Old Testament saints hoped for. They trusted God’s word often without seeing the final outcome; we have the privilege of knowing about Jesus’ life, death, and resurrection.

This gives us an even firmer foundation. We might say the object of our confidence has come into full view.

• The Book of Hebrews ties this together by pointing out that while Moses was faithful as a servant, Jesus is faithful as a Son over God’s house, “whose house are we, if we hold fast the confidence and the rejoicing of the hope firm unto the end” (Hebrews 3:6).

It encourages believers to hold onto our bold faith right to the finish line.

• We’re even warned not to cast away our confidence: “Cast not away therefore your confidence, which hath great recompence of reward” (Hebrews 10:35).

Apparently, God sees our steadfast confidence in Him as something precious that He will richly reward. It pleases Him when we trust Him unwaveringly.

• By contrast, shrinking back in unbelief displeases Him (see Hebrews 10:38).

That’s a challenge to all of us: when trials or delays come, we might be tempted to toss aside our confidence. But God urges us to endure, because on the other side of testing, confidence in Him yields a great reward – not only in this life (peace, stability, joy), but in eternity.

Living Out Confidence in Daily Life

Knowing all this, how do we apply biblical confidence practically? It’s inspiring to read about David or the apostles, but what about when we wake up facing an anxious day, or we’re worried about a decision, or we feel insecure about a task or calling? How is confidence instructed or encouraged for us as Christians in everyday life?

The Bible gives both commands and encouragements for us to practice confidence:

Be strong and courageous

This refrain, first given to Joshua (Joshua 1:9) as he stepped into big shoes, echoes to every believer. While “be confident” is not usually phrased as a direct command in Scripture, “be of good courage” appears often, which is very similar.

• For example, “Wait on the LORD: be of good courage, and He shall strengthen thine heart” (Psalm 27:14).

God doesn’t expect us to muster courage alone; as we choose to trust and wait on Him, He strengthens our heart and builds our confidence. It’s a cooperative process: we take a step of faith, and God meets us with empowering grace.

• In the New Testament, Paul tells the Corinthians “Be on your guard; stand firm in the faith; be courageous; be strong” (1 Corinthians 16:13, NIV).

Our part is to stand firm in faith – not in fear – and God’s part is to infuse strength.

Pray with confidence

Perhaps one of the most practical areas for confidence is our prayer life. Hebrews 4:16, as mentioned, invites us to pray boldly to receive mercy and help.

Sometimes when I pray, I remind myself of this verse to push past feelings of unworthiness or doubt. God wants us to approach Him confidently because we are His children through Christ.

Imagine a child bursting into their dad’s home office with a request – a loving father welcomes that. God is an even more loving Father.

So in your daily prayers, practice boldness: pray specifically, ask for big things that align with God’s will, and do so expecting your Father to hear.

1 John 5:14 gave us the guideline that praying according to His will gives us confidence. We learn His will through Scripture, so a Scripture-informed prayer is a confident prayer. (For example, you can confidently ask for wisdom – God promises to give it in James 1:5.)

Face challenges with faith, not fear

Life will certainly hand us trials and scary moments. It could be a health crisis, a job loss, a strained relationship, or a calling that seems beyond us. In those moments, we have a choice: succumb to fear, or stand in faith.

The Bible often says “fear not”. Why? Not because situations aren’t frightening, but because God is with us.

• “The LORD is my helper, and I will not fear what man shall do unto me” (Hebrews 13:6).

That verse itself is an encouragement to speak confidence out loud: “We may boldly say: The Lord is my helper!” Sometimes verbally affirming our trust in God bolsters our confidence.

When you’re nervous, try quietly declaring a promise like that to yourself. It shifts focus from the threat to God’s presence.

• Another example: 2 Timothy 1:7 says, “For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.”

If I sense fear or timidity creeping in, I recall that verse – such fear is not from God. He gives a spirit of power and sound mind, which instills confidence to move forward.

Cultivate assurance of salvation

Many Christians struggle with doubt about where they stand with God. But Scripture urges us toward assurance in Christ. When we truly grasp that Jesus’ blood has cleansed us and that we are forgiven and adopted by God, an enormous weight lifts.

• “These things have I written unto you… that ye may know that ye have eternal life” (1 John 5:13).

God wants us to know, not just wish or wonder. That knowing is not based on our perfection, but on Jesus’ finished work and God’s promise.

• If you lack confidence in your salvation, spend time reading passages like Romans 8 (which triumphantly asks, “If God is for us, who can be against us? … Who shall separate us from the love of Christ?”).

Let the truth of God’s unbreakable love sink in. As it does, you’ll find a steady confidence replacing the old anxieties. This assurance then frees you to live joyfully and boldly for God, rather than constantly fearing His rejection.

Act on God’s promises

Confidence grows when exercised. Just as physical muscles strengthen with use, our spiritual confidence strengthens each time we trust God in real life. Is God prompting you to do something outside your comfort zone – maybe serve in a new way, give generously, or share your testimony with someone?

Remembering God’s faithfulness in Scripture and in your past can give you the push to obey confidently. One personal example: I once felt led to volunteer in a ministry role I felt unqualified for.

I was nervous, but verses about God equipping the called (rather than calling the equipped) kept coming to mind. I stepped out in faith, clinging to the promise that God’s grace is sufficient.

And you know, He proved Himself faithful; not only was I able to do it, but my confidence in Him grew for next time.

In daily practice, biblical confidence often looks like quiet steady faith rather than loud boastfulness. It might be as simple as staying calm in a crisis because you trust God’s in control, or making an ethical choice at work that could cost you, because you’re confident God honors integrity.

It could be encouraging a friend that God will come through for them, lending them your confidence in God when theirs is weak. And yes, it can also be speaking about Jesus when opportunities arise, trusting God more than fearing people’s opinions.

Blessings and Promises of Confidence in God

God doesn’t ask us to trust Him in vain – there are wonderful blessings and outcomes associated with confidence in the Lord. Both testaments highlight the positive fruit that grows from a life of God-centered confidence:

Peace and stability:

When our confidence is in God, we enjoy a special peace.

• Isaiah 32:17 says, “the work of righteousness shall be peace; and the effect of righteousness, quietness and assurance for ever.”

Living rightly with God produces “quietness and assurance” – what a beautiful phrase! It’s that inner calm and security that can last “forever,” unaffected by temporary chaos.

• Those who trust Him are described as Mount Zion, “which cannot be moved, but abideth for ever” (Psalm 125:1).

We all long for that unmovable feeling in a storm. Trusting God makes us anchored, not easily shaken by life’s quakes.

Guidance and safety:

• “The LORD shall be thy confidence, and shall keep thy foot from being taken” (Prov. 3:26, as we saw).

This implies a promise of God’s guidance and protection. When we rely on Him, He actively shields our steps from traps.

I believe many times we’re spared from harm or costly mistakes simply because we prayed and trusted God’s leading. Even if we’re unaware of it, His hand is over those who place confidence in Him.

• Another promise: “In all thy ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct thy paths” (Prov. 3:6).

Trusting God with our decisions invites Him to make the way clear (often in hindsight we see how He directed us).

A refuge for our children:

• That Proverbs 14:26 verse carries a touching promise – “his children shall have a place of refuge.”

There is a generational blessing when a parent fears the Lord and has strong confidence in Him. It creates a spiritual covering, a “refuge,” for their children. Our faith can positively influence our family’s sense of security.

I’ve met people who say, “My mother’s or grandmother’s prayers give me confidence that God is watching over me.” Even if you don’t have believing parents, you can be that person for your family or spiritual children, demonstrating trust and providing a godly safe place.

Answered prayers and fruitful life:

Confidence in God opens the door to answered prayers.

• As 1 John 5:14-15 assures, when we pray confidently according to God’s will, we know He hears and will answer. Jesus said something similar: “Whatever things you ask when you pray, believe that you receive them, and you will have them” (Mark 11:24, NKJV).

Of course, this belief is not in a specific outcome we imagine, but in God’s faithfulness to respond in the best way.

• Additionally, Jeremiah 17:7-8 (though not using the word “confidence” in KJV) describes the one who trusts the Lord as a flourishing tree, not anxious in drought, never failing to bear fruit.

A confident Christian life tends to be productive for God’s kingdom – not necessarily in flashy ways, but in consistent good fruit (love, good works, influence on others) even in hard seasons. That is a blessing in itself, to live a fruitful life for God.

Strength and courage:

• Confidence in God imparts strength. “In quietness and confidence shall be your strength” (Isaiah 30:15).

When we stop frantic worrying and quietly trust, we find an unexpected strength to go on. Conversely, when I’ve been filled with self-doubt or doubted God’s care, I feel weakened and paralyzed. Strength flows when we trust.

• The famous line “The joy of the LORD is your strength” (Nehemiah 8:10) also connects – joy comes from trusting God’s goodness, and that joy empowers us.

• Those who wait on the Lord (confidently expect Him) will “renew their strength” and “mount up with wings like eagles” (Isaiah 40:31).

All these verses show a clear link: trust = strength, faith = energy and courage to rise above circumstances.

Reward from God:

• We’ve touched on Hebrews 10:35 which says our confidence has “great recompence of reward.”

God sees your quiet trust in Him, your bold faith in His promises, and He promises a reward. Some of that reward may be experienced now (as inner peace, answered prayer, etc.), but some is surely eternal.

Jesus spoke of rewards for faithfulness, and trusting God in this broken world is indeed an act of faithfulness.

When Christ returns, those who held fast their confidence in Him will not regret it – every sacrifice or risk made in faith will be richly repaid by our gracious Lord.

Fearlessness:

• “The wicked flee when no man pursueth: but the righteous are bold as a lion.” (Proverbs 28:1).

A lion is often called “king of the jungle” because it fears no other animal. When we know we’re right with God (“righteous” in Christ) and we’re standing in His strength, there’s a holy boldness that makes us fearless in the face of spiritual battles.

This doesn’t mean we never feel afraid, but that we don’t have to run away from challenges. By God’s grace, we can stand firm.

Many Christian martyrs in history, for example, exhibited an otherworldly courage in the face of death, astonishing onlookers.

That courage came from confidence that heaven was secure for them. Even in daily situations, God can give us a measure of that lion-hearted boldness.

In short, the promises to those who trust God are incredibly encouraging. God promises His nearness, His help, spiritual security, and ultimately eternal life.

• One of my favorite promises Jesus gave is, “Peace I leave with you, My peace I give unto you… Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.” (John 14:27).

This gift of peace is closely tied to confidence; when we truly take Jesus at His word, our hearts can be untroubled and unafraid.

Guarding Against False Confidence

While celebrating confidence, the Bible also wisely teaches us to avoid false or misplaced confidence. Not all confidence is good. Just as you can have counterfeit money, you can have counterfeit confidence – a false sense of security.

We’ve already discussed not putting confidence in other people or in our own flesh. Here are a few more cautionary insights Scripture gives:

Don’t trust in riches or material security:

Money is one of the most common false confidences. People think a healthy bank account or insurance policy guarantees their future.

• But the Bible warns, “If I have made gold my hope, or have said to the fine gold, Thou art my confidence…” (Job 31:24) – if so, Job says that would be iniquity, denying God (v.28).

• Riches are uncertain (1 Timothy 6:17 instructs the wealthy “not to trust in uncertain riches, but in the living God”).

We’ve seen even in modern times how quickly financial stability can collapse. It’s not that savings or preparation are wrong, but we must guard our hearts from shifting our trust to those things. Our true provider is God, who “richly gives us all things to enjoy” (same verse).

Beware of self-confidence that leads to pride:

The world often preaches self-confidence as the ultimate virtue. While it’s healthy to have a proper self-worth as God’s creation, the Bible consistently points us away from prideful self-reliance.

• “He that trusteth in his own heart is a fool” (Proverbs 28:26).

That’s strong language! Why is it foolish to trust your own heart?

• Because, as Jeremiah 17:9 says, the heart can be deceitful.

We need our confidence to be informed by God’s wisdom, not just our feelings or understanding.

• Proverbs 3:5 famously advises, “Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding.”

Even our smartest ideas should be held loosely under God’s guidance. Peter is a classic New Testament example: at the Last Supper, Peter was overconfident in himself, declaring he’d never deny Jesus.

But Jesus gently warned him that before dawn he’d deny Him three times – and it happened. Peter’s self-confident courage failed.

Later, chastened and humbled, Peter found a truer confidence at Pentecost when filled with the Spirit. So, humility is key. We can be boldly confident in God, yet personally humble, knowing our sufficiency comes from Him.

Religious credentials don’t equal confidence before God:

As discussed with Paul’s testimony, we learn not to base our confidence on belonging to the “right” group, doing certain rituals, or comparing ourselves to others.

• The Pharisee in Jesus’ parable (Luke 18:9-14) was confident in his own righteousness and looked down on the tax collector. But it was the broken, repentant tax collector who went home justified.

Our confidence to approach God must rest on His mercy, not our merit. This guards us from the subtle spiritual pride that can creep in when we start feeling “I’ve got it all together.”

In truth, every day we need God’s grace as much as ever. Keeping that in mind actually strengthens our confidence, because it keeps us clinging to Jesus.

Test the source of your confidence:

It’s a good practice to periodically ask ourselves, “What am I really depending on right now for security or happiness?”

If the honest answer is something like “my talent,” “my spouse,” “my reputation,” or anything other than God, we may need to realign. Those things can be blessings, but they shouldn’t be the foundation.

The solid rock is Christ; all other ground is sinking sand (to echo the old hymn). The Bible uses the imagery of foundations – building your house on rock vs. sand (Matthew 7:24-27).

When the storms come, only the house on the rock stands. Confidence built on Christ and His teachings is like that house on the rock.

In our journey, God may allow certain false confidences to fail us – not to be cruel, but to teach us to trust Him alone. I have had times where something I relied on was removed from my life; at the time it was painful and disorienting.

But looking back, I see God’s mercy in it. By stripping away a false security, He pushed me into deeper dependence on Him. And guess what? I found Him to be faithful and more than enough.

My faith grew, and ultimately my confidence became stronger but in the right place. So if you find yourself in a season where you feel like “the props have been kicked out” from under you, it could be God inviting you to discover a purer confidence in Him.

From Shadows to Substance: Old and New Testament Parallels

It’s amazing to see how the Old Testament themes of confidence find their fulfillment in the New Testament. God’s story has always been about calling people to trust Him, and in Jesus, the reasons for that trust are fully revealed. Let’s draw a few connections:

Promises and Fulfillment:

In the Old Testament, believers had confidence in promises not yet fulfilled – like the coming of a Messiah, or the salvation of the Lord.

• For instance, David spoke confidently of God not abandoning him to the grave (Psalm 16:10), which ultimately was fulfilled through Jesus’ resurrection.

Now, on this side of the resurrection, we have even more confidence because we see God kept that promise.

• The disciples went from hiding in fear after the crucifixion to boldly preaching, once they saw the risen Christ. The resurrection is the bedrock of our confidence (1 Corinthians 15).

Because Jesus lives, we trust every other promise God made will come true – including our resurrection and eternal life. The prophetic hopes became concrete in Christ, giving us a firm foundation to stand on.

God’s Presence:

• Moses had confidence to lead Israel only because God said, “Certainly I will be with thee” (Exodus 3:12).

God’s presence was with Israel in a pillar of cloud and fire, and later in the Ark and Temple. Those were shadows of what was to come.

In the New Testament, Jesus is called Immanuel, God with us. He physically came to be with us, and now the Holy Spirit dwells within believers. This is a greater fulfillment of God’s presence than the Old Testament saints experienced. No wonder we can be confident!

We don’t have a cloud by day – we have the Spirit in our hearts, a constant Companion.

• Jesus promised, “I am with you always, even unto the end of the world” (Matthew 28:20).

Knowing God’s presence is here through Christ dispels fear and infuses confidence, just as God’s presence gave Moses and Joshua courage.

The High Priest and the Throne of Grace:

In the Old Testament, only the high priest could confidently (yet cautiously) enter the Holy of Holies, and that just once a year, with sacrificial blood. That system was a type of Christ’s work.

When Jesus died, He fulfilled the role of the ultimate High Priest, offering His own blood. Hebrews explains that now He ever lives to intercede for us. The result?

• We all can come to God’s throne with boldness anytime (Hebrews 4:14-16).

The veil’s torn – that’s a direct connection between the old and the new. What was a fearful prospect (entering God’s presence) is now an open invitation. It’s a night-and-day difference in terms of confidence.

Can you imagine an Old Testament Israelite hearing that anyone could stroll into the Holy of Holies by faith? That’s essentially what Jesus made possible spiritually. It shows how much more intimate our confidence in God can be under the new covenant.

Sacrificial Confidence vs. Blessed Assurance:

In the Old Testament, people could trust that God accepted them through the sacrificial system, yet Hebrews notes that those sacrifices didn’t make the worshiper perfect in conscience (Hebrews 9:9).

There was a lingering sense that sin was only covered, not erased – hence sacrifices repeated yearly.

• But Hebrews 10:14 joyfully declares, “By one offering [Christ] hath perfected for ever them that are sanctified.” This gives full assurance of faith (Heb. 10:22).

In practical terms, an Israelite might have hoped or had provisional confidence that their sins were dealt with for the time being; a Christian, however, can have complete assurance that Jesus paid it all, once for all.

We don’t have to wonder if we’re truly forgiven – we can know and thus draw near to God without a shadow of guilt. That is a huge leap in confidence, going from shadow to substance.

Continuity of the “Fear Not” theme:

God often told His people “Fear not, for I am with you” in the Old Testament (to Abraham, to Israel through Isaiah, etc.).

• When Jesus came, He also told His disciples, “Fear not,” and after He rose, “Do not be afraid.”

The message of God’s presence and help remains constant, but now it’s tied explicitly to Jesus.

• For example, Hebrews 13:5-6 combines a promise God gave Joshua (“I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee”) with our response, “So that we may boldly say, The Lord is my helper, I will not fear.”

It directly applies the old promise to believers now, on the basis of Jesus who established the new covenant.

This shows the harmony of Scripture: what God began teaching in the Old, He brings to fruition in the New, so that our confidence might be fully in Jesus as Lord.

Type of Christ – King David’s Confidence vs. Son of David’s Confidence:

King David often exemplified trust in God for victory and mercy.

• But David also faltered (like when he took a census out of misplaced security in numbers, 2 Samuel 24).

Jesus, the Son of David, perfectly trusted the Father at all times. Even on the cross, He yielded His spirit to the Father’s hands. Jesus is the ultimate righteous man whose confidence never wavered.

Because He succeeded where others failed, He can impart His righteousness and faithfulness to us. Now, our confidence toward God is as if Jesus’s own confidence were credited to us.

We stand in Him, so we’re accepted as if we had the same unwavering trust (even though we know we’re growing in it).

This is a more theological point, but it means we can pray and act “in Jesus’ name,” with His authority – an authority that comes from His perfect relationship with the Father.

By examining these connections, we see a beautiful continuity: the call to trust God echoes from Genesis to Revelation, but what was once more veiled is now clearly revealed in Christ.

The result is that we today have even greater reasons to be confident in our faith.

• Hebrews 11 lists heroes of faith who had strong confidence in God’s promises, yet verse 13 says “these all died in faith, not having received the promises, but having seen them afar off, and were persuaded of them.”

They were persuaded (confident) even without seeing the complete fulfillment.

• Then Hebrews 12:1-2 turns to us: “Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses… let us run with endurance the race set before us, looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith.”

Jesus started and finished the race of faith perfectly. We look to Him as we run our race. If they could be confident looking forward to Christ, how much more can we be confident looking at Christ who has come and finished His work!

This doesn’t mean we have no struggles with doubt – we do, just as they did. But it means the foundation on which we fight our doubts is strong and completed.

• We have “hope as an anchor of the soul” (Hebrews 6:19), anchored in the inner sanctuary where Jesus has gone.

The picture is of a rope securing us to Jesus in heaven, so we won’t drift. That’s ultimate security. The more we grasp these fulfilled truths, the more our everyday trust in God can grow.

Conclusion: Confidence in Christ for Everyday Faith

To sum it up, biblical confidence is about anchoring our heart in God’s character and promises. It’s a journey of learning, sometimes through trials and errors, that God truly is as faithful as He says.

• As we’ve seen, Scripture invites us over and over to “trust in the Lord”, to “fear not”, to “be of good courage”, to “come boldly”, to “hold fast our hope”.

It acknowledges the reality of our fears and the temptations to rely on lesser things, but it gently and firmly recenters us on the only solid ground: the Lord Himself.

Perhaps you are in a season where your confidence is wavering. Maybe you’re facing a situation that makes you feel small and insecure. Let me encourage you: you are not alone.

Even the heroes of faith had moments of wavering (think of Elijah running scared after great victory, or Thomas doubting). God understands our frailty. Yet He patiently works to build our confidence in Him.

Sometimes that means reminding us of past deliverances, or sending a friend with a timely word, or bringing a Scripture to our attention right when we need it. Pay attention to those divine reminders – they are fuel for your faith.

One practical thing I do is keep a journal of answered prayers and instances where I’ve seen God come through. When my confidence starts to wobble, I read those entries and recall, “Yes, God was faithful then, and He will be again.”

It’s like David remembering how God helped him kill the lion and bear, which gave him confidence for Goliath. Memory can bolster confidence.

Another practice is speaking God’s promises aloud, as I mentioned. There’s something about hearing truth in your own voice that chases away the lies of fear. When anxiety whispers, “What if you fail?” you can respond with something like, “The Lord is my helper; I will not fear.”

It might feel awkward at first, but it’s essentially what the psalmists did, preaching to their own souls: “Why art thou cast down, O my soul? … hope thou in God” (Psalm 42:5).

This is a healthy kind of self-talk – it’s really Spirit-talk, agreeing with what the Holy Spirit says in Scripture rather than what our feelings say.

Importantly, confidence grows in community too. Surround yourself with fellow believers who encourage your faith. In Hebrews 3:13 we’re told to exhort one another daily so we won’t be hardened by unbelief.

When I hear a friend share how God provided for them or gave them courage, my own confidence gets a boost. We are “confidence boosters” for each other in the body of Christ!

On the flip side, be that encourager for someone else when you can. Sometimes just saying “I believe God will help you in this” can reignite someone’s trust.

Ultimately, our confidence is not a thing we muster; it’s a Person we trust – Jesus Christ. He is the faithful One. He is the same yesterday, today, and forever. He said, “Have faith in God” (Mark 11:22), and also, “Believe also in Me” (John 14:1).

When we keep our eyes on Him, like Peter stepping out of the boat, we can do the humanly impossible and walk above the waves. If we look away, we might start to sink – but even then, like Peter, we can cry “Lord, save me!” and His hand will catch us.

I want to leave you with this warm encouragement: God is for you. If you have put your trust in Christ, you belong to God’s family. You can approach today, tomorrow, and every challenge with a profound confidence that your Father in heaven is with you and will never forsake you.

That knowledge is like a cozy blanket for the soul – it brings comfort and the courage to step forward. The more you lean into God, the more you’ll find your fear giving way to faith, your timidity to boldness, and your uncertainty to blessed assurance.

So go ahead and walk boldly in your everyday life with the Lord. Be honest with Him about your worries, then cast them on Him and stand up straighter, knowing He’s got you.

Speak truth to that inner critic or the external naysayer. Take that next step that you’ve been afraid to take, doing it in dependence on God. Love others fearlessly, because God’s love is backing you up. And when the enemy tries to intimidate you, remember David’s words: “I will not be afraid: for the LORD is with me”.

Your confidence will not be in vain. As you practice this God-centered confidence, you’ll experience more of the freedom and joy God intends for His children. You’ll also become a beacon to others – in a world rattled by uncertainty, a humble, steady trust in God stands out like a lighthouse.

People may even ask how you stay so hopeful or calm, and you’ll get to share the reason: Jesus. In that way, your confidence can point others to Him, which is the greatest outcome of all.

May we all grow in confidence toward God, day by day, knowing that “faithful is He that promised” and He delights in those who trust in His unfailing love.

As the proverb says, “Whoso putteth his trust in the LORD shall be safe” (Proverbs 29:25). That safety, that peace, that boldness – it’s all ours in Christ. Let’s live it out, for His glory and our good.

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Citations

1. Baker’s Evangelical Dictionary of Biblical Theology – “Confidence” (1996). Definition and theological description of confidence encompassing faith, assurance, boldness, and security in God.​biblestudytools.com​biblestudytools.com
2. International Standard Bible Encyclopedia – “Confidence” (1915). Explains Hebrew and Greek terms for confidence, such as bāṭaḥ (trust, to be secure) and parrhesia (boldness), and notes that Scripture teaches confidence in God, not in self, man, or riches​biblestudytools.com​biblestudytools.com.
3. The Holy Bible, King James Version. Scriptural quotations are taken from the KJV (public domain). Key verses referenced include Proverbs 14:26, Proverbs 3:26, Psalm 118:8–9, Hebrews 4:16, 1 John 5:14, 1 John 2:28, Hebrews 10:35, Philippians 1:6, and many others as noted in the text.
4. Renner, Rick. “Praying With Boldness and Confidence.” Renner Ministries article. Provides insight into the Greek words parrhesia (boldness) and pepoithesis (confidence), describing confidence as being “doubly persuaded” or convinced to the core​renner.org. Contains a personal illustration of mistaking confidence for arrogance and learning that true boldness in prayer comes from knowing God’s promises.
5. Strong’s Concordance (Hebrew #982, #983). Definition of bāṭaḥ – to trust, be confident, bold, secure; carries the sense of seeking refuge. Highlights that trust in God allows one to be unafraid and carefree (BibleTruthPublishers.com reference)​bibletruthpublishers.com.
6. Webster’s 1828 Dictionary – “Boldness.” Classical definition aligning boldness with confidence and courageous trust. Notably cites Ephesians 3:12, “We have boldness and access with confidence,” showing the link between having confident trust in God and speaking/acting boldly​kingjamesbibledictionary.com.