First published on 5th January 2007. Updated edition
Sure confidence v 4- -Confidence is the opposite of fear. It is opposed to disquiet ness, dread, anxious concern and trepidation. It is a state of feeling sure; a mind that is free from doubt and misgivings. How did the Psalmist come to this point in his own life, and can we also attain it? Let me quickly say that confidence does not mean absence of Mr. Fear and his activities, but an inner strength that is derived… So how did David come to becoming confident in the face of all the fearful experiences he confronted?
“One thing I have desired of the Lord, that will I seek: that I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life, to behold the beauty of the Lord and to inquire in His temple.”
I observed a few things about this man of God and the source of His confidence. The first is that He had one desire and prayer. This desire or prayer was not just passive but was backed up by a strong pursuit. What was his prayer? To dwell in the house of the Lord? ‘To dwell in the house of the Lord’ is another way of saying ‘dwelling in God’s presence.’ Brothers and sisters, what is your strong prayer and pursuit? What is your earnest desire and passion? Whereas many of us will pursue things that will not help to solve our problems, the Psalmist had another pursuit. Where does your confidence lie? Is it in wealth, parents, friends, company, investments, potential etc.? David would not rely on any of those things. His secret of confidence is in the secret place of the Most High. Do you have such a place? Who is your first consultant? Is it in worthless vanities? Scripture says those who observe such things forsake the strength that should have been theirs. Jonah2:8. Worthless vanities, like idols, are things that cannot offer sure help- the kind that gives rest to the soul.
The reason some are ‘in the belly of the fish’, afraid of those things that have come upon them is that because they are looking and seeking in the wrong direction.
What are we talking about? Having the presence of God, not as a theological phenomenon is the very deep desire of Brother David. Whereas many of us are content to know that God is present everywhere, that is, He is Omnipresent. Whether He is present particularly with you or not is not the point. God is present in the world and working but think of this, ‘is He present and fully working with you?’ Beloved do not be deceived to think there is nothing more you can do to have the presence of God in your life. The more of Him you seek, the more of Him you experience.
I am glad the psalmist did not give the impression that the presence of God, which is active and participatory, is automatic. He said, “…that will I seek after.” What is the result of such seeking- sure confidence, not in what self can accomplish on its own, but in the Lord who can never fail.
This man was not going to dwell in the house of the Lord for a few minutes or while his troubles last, but all the days of his life. Some of us will seek the Lord for as long as we have reasons to be afraid but will almost immediately abandon Him as soon as that phase is over. Not so David! He must continue to seek and carry the presence of God all his life.
I also noticed two things that made this man strong; he continued to behold the beauty of the Lord and to inquire at his temple. What is the beauty of the Lord that David wanted to behold? The word also refers to the goodness of God (GNB). Moses was the one who asked to see the glory of God and what did he get? The Lord said He would make all His goodness to pass before Him (Ex 33:18-19). When the Lord passed before him what happened, The Lord proclaimed His name; ”the Lord, the Lord, the compassionate and gracious God, slow to anger, abounding in love and faithfulness… and all. So, what is the beauty of God? It is the character of God as revealed by His name. To look at the mercy of God is the secret of strength for David. To contemplate His graciousness is salvation and to meditate on His love is light. Amen.
Beloved, there is a secret place where men before us have dwelt and obtained strength to face the fearful confrontations of their days.
Yet, there is one more thing I must highlight before I conclude. David was also going to inquire in the presence of God. It would not be enough to behold the beauty of the Lord. The psalmist was to ensure that he received directions and instructions for his life from the presence of the Lord. The reason David had successes in battles is here. How will a man be confident of success that does not have the Lord as his help? Once the Lord has spoken, no matter what is faced on the journey, we know it is the way of the Lord, God is there together with us and it will be well. There won’t be any need to be afraid because the Lord is near. Hallelujah!!!
Beloved, I must stop here. But I want to ask you, do you carry God’s presence in such a way that you are confident that the things that are coming upon men will not sink you? Do you even make attempts to seek His presence? You will not enjoy the benefits alone. Many will also come under your shade to find refuge.
Remember, God is present and working all around, but especially with those who co-operate with Him. Will you want to co-operate with the Lord by bringing Him into every situation that confronts you and others around you? God is willing to reveal Himself and to help in the time of our urgent needs. But who do you turn to?
May the Lord renew our minds and help our understanding of Him, so that we may engage Him in all things that affect us. This is the way in this end of days. May you not be a prey? Amen.