Lack of confidence is a common struggle that many people face. It can stem from negative experiences in the past, comparisons to others, or believing lies about oneself. For the Christian, the Bible contains great truths about where true confidence comes from and how to overcome a lack of assurance in oneself. God desires for His children to live boldly and confidently, relying on His strength. When people lack confidence, it hinders them from living in the fullness that God intends. Thankfully, God provides the cure for a lack of confidence in His unconditional love, empowering grace, and transforming truth found in Scripture.
Why Do People Struggle with a Lack of Confidence?
People struggle with a lack of confidence for a variety of reasons, including:
Negative Experiences
Past failures or traumatic events can shatter a person’s confidence. If someone tries and fails at something repeatedly or endures abuse, bullying, or rejection, it can deeply impact their self-assurance. These wounds infect a person’s mindset and choke out any boldness or belief in oneself.
Unhealthy Comparisons
It’s easy to compare oneself to others and feel deficient. Social media fuels these tendencies when people constantly see highlights of other’s lives. Comparing oneself breeds jealousy, insecurity, and poor self-image.
Believing Lies
Often people believe lies about themselves, such as “I’m worthless” or “I’ll never achieve anything”. These untruths corrode confidence. The enemy propagates these false beliefs to render people ineffective.
Therefore, painful experiences, comparisons, and lies devastate confidence. However, God provides the cure.
God’s Cure for Lack of Confidence
God cares deeply about His children’s confidence. Through Christ, God provides the cure for lack of assurance in the following ways:
Unconditional Love
God’s endless, unchanging love for His children sets the foundation for true confidence. The Bible says, “Neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.” (Romans 8:39). His love remains constant regardless of performance. Understanding God’s unconditional love banishes fear.
Empowering Grace
God also promises His grace and strength to overcome any obstacle. “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” (2 Corinthians 12:9). His Spirit empowers believers to do anything He calls them to with courage and sufficiency. His grace destroys inadequacy.
Transforming Truth
Finally, Scripture contains powerful truths that renew minds and restore confidence. God’s Word reveals people’s true identity, purpose, and abilities in Christ. As believers meditate on and apply God’s promises, His truths transform fragile mindsets.
God pours out unconditional love, empowering grace, and transforming truth to cure lack of confidence in His children’s lives.
What Does God Say About Confidence?
Since God wants His followers to live confidently, He provides wisdom in Scripture about gaining and maintaining self-assurance. Here are key things the Bible says about confidence:
True Confidence Comes from God
First, the Bible makes clear true confidence only comes from Him. “But the Lord said to me, ‘My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.’ Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me.” (2 Corinthians 12:9). People cannot manufacture lasting confidence in themselves. It flows from God’s power and grace at work within.
Gain Confidence Through Renewing Your Mind
Scripture also reveals that changing negative thinking patterns with God’s truth develops confidence. Romans 12:2 says, “Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.” As believers replace lies with God’s promises, transformation follows.
Be Confident in Your Identity and Abilities in Christ
Furthermore, the Bible highlights how Christ gives believers a new, bold identity and purpose. “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!” (2 Corinthians 5:17). Confidence springs from knowing Christ makes believers completely new. They can have self-assurance in who God designed them to be.
Confidence Grows Through Stepping Out in Faith
Scripture also reveals that confidence grows as believers take courageous steps of faith. When people attempt things beyond their comfort zone while relying on God’s strength, boldness increases. “Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance.” (James 1:2-3). Each faith venture with God builds more confidence.
Bible Stories about Overcoming Lack of Confidence
Biblical figures struggled with insecurity and timidity just like people today. Yet time after time, God empowered them to overcome fear and act courageously when they trusted in Him. Here are some Bible stories featuring God building confidence:
Gideon
Gideon expressed intense doubts about his abilities, but God saw Gideon’s potential for greatness. The Lord encouraged him, “Go in the strength you have and save Israel out of Midian’s hand. Am I not sending you?” (Judges 6:14). God then gave Gideon supernatural signs of deliverance as he obediently confronted Israel’s enemies in the Lord’s power.
Jeremiah
God appointed Jeremiah as a prophet to the nations when he felt unqualified as a young man. Yet the Lord promised, “Do not be afraid of them, for I am with you and will rescue you.” (Jeremiah 1:8). Empowered by God, Jeremiah gained the confidence to share God’s messages of repentance.
Peter
Simon Peter often stumbled, doubting whether he could live out Jesus’ call on his life. After Peter denied knowing Jesus, he felt crushed. Yet Jesus later restored Peter, affirming his love three times and commissioning him to, “Feed my sheep.” (John 21:17). With Christ’s encouragement, Peter went from hiding in fear to leading the early church in preaching the gospel boldly.
Esther
Esther courageously risked her life to save her people, the Jews, by approaching the Persian king uninvited. This prospect terrified her, yet her uncle Mordecai prodded, “And who knows but that you have come to your royal position for such a time as this?” (Esther 4:14). She gained confidence that God placed her in the kingdom for a purpose, prompting her to boldly guide the deliverance of her people.
Bible Verses to Overcome Lack of Confidence
Many Bible verses equip Christians to overcome insecurity and live confidently in who God created them to be. Here are some key Scripture passages about confidence:
2 Timothy 1:7 –
“For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and self-discipline.”
Philippians 4:13 –
“I can do all this through him who gives me strength.”
Psalm 27:1 –
“The Lord is my light and my salvation—whom shall I fear? The Lord is the stronghold of my life—of whom shall I be afraid?”
Proverbs 3:26 –
“For the Lord will be at your side and will keep your foot from being snared.”
Isaiah 41:10 –
“So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.”
Joshua 1:9 –
“Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.”
Steps to Overcome Lack of Confidence with God
For anyone struggling with lack of confidence, here are some practical tips to find boldness in Christ:
Renew Your Mind in Scripture Daily
Combat negative thinking by reading encouraging Bible verses about your identity and meditating on God’s promises for you. Replace lies with His empowering truths.
Pray and Seek the Holy Spirit’s Help
Ask God to fill you with courage, peace, and confidence through His Spirit working within you. Yield control to Him.
Change Your Self-Talk
Monitor self-critical inner dialogues. When negative thoughts arise about yourself, reject them, and intentionally affirm your God-given strengths and purpose.
Face Fears and Step Out in Faith
Lean on Christ to take courageous risks that build your faith muscles. Start small if needed, but push past comfort zones. Remember that God promises to be with you and uphold you.
Embrace Your True Identity in Christ
Remember that God has fully accepted you as His beloved child. Anchor your worth and abilities in who Christ made you to be, not in other’s opinions.
Conclusion
In summary, God provides incredible hope, healing, and strength to those struggling with lack of confidence. His unconditional love, empowering grace, and transforming truth cure fragile mindsets rooted in pain, comparisons, and lies. Scripture reveals how God wants to build lasting confidence as believers renew their thinking and find security in their identity in Christ. As Christians step out in faith while relying fully on the Lord’s ability, boldness displaces doubt, equipping them to live in the fullness God intended. God delights in taking weak and weary souls and infusing them with supernatural confidence through His Spirit at work within them. May all who lack self-assurance renounce fear and embrace the courage Christ offers.