7 Ways To Gain Confidence In Yourself and In The Bible

Self-confidence is when you believe that your own abilities, capacities, and judgments are reliable. 

Self-confidence isn't quite the same as self-esteem. Self-esteem is how we measure our personal worth. 

Self-confidence is when we know that we can complete a goal competently and that our beliefs and worldview are correct. 

Both self-confidence and self-esteem are different from the idea of self-efficacy, which is believing that we can succeed in a given situation or complete a task. 

A confident person will do what they believe to be right, even if it's unpopular. Many Christians are in this position when they are insisting upon their faith in a world of unbelievers. 

In this article, we’ll show you how you can call on different parts of scripture to help you grow in self-confidence, which has enormous benefits for your mental health and overall well-being.

What does the Bible teach us about self-confidence?

A self-confident person doesn’t need validation from others.

For those of us who have faith in God, we know that we're made in God’s image. Confidence in this belief is particularly important for people suffering from low self-esteem.

The Bible has much to teach us about self-confidence. Joshua 1:9 tells us that God has commanded us to be “strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.” 

This is an important reminder that God is always present on our life’s journey. 

Remember the words in Galatians 6:9, which tells us to “not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.” Here, the scriptures are suggesting that if we want to build self-confidence, we must first remove self-doubt.

What does the Bible say about trusting God? 

Psalm 37:4-6 instructs us: 

“Delight yourself in the Lord, and He will give you the desires of your heart. Commit your way to the Lord; trust in Him, and He will act. He will bring forth your righteousness as the light, and your justice as the noonday.”

Jeremiah 17:7-8 tells us:

“Blessed is the man who trusts in the Lord, whose trust is the Lord. He is like a tree planted by water, that sends out its roots by the stream, and does not fear when heat comes, for its leaves remain green, and is not anxious in the year of drought, for it does not cease to bear fruit.”

Building self-confidence starts by knowing yourself and your place in God’s world. This means trusting God and His plan.

7 strategies to help you build confidence

Let’s walk through seven strategies for building self-confidence:

1. Know God and His promises to us

The scriptures tell us that we “are a new creation in Christ” (2 Corinthians 5:17). 

Themes of renewal and rebirth repeatedly appear throughout scriptures, and they remind us of God’s special design for us. When we believe that we are all made in God’s image, this can help us reframe our lives and self-image. 

God promises us eternal life and salvation if we follow His word. Philippians 3:8-10 instructs us that we “may gain Christ and be found in Him.” 

Your self-worth will grow as you grow and come to learn more of Christ.

2. Let God empower and inspire you

You can improve your confidence through empowerment and inspiration from God found in the scriptures. In turn, this can help you improve your frame of mind and become better at goal-setting.

Remember, only God provides true empowerment.

3. Know that God is on your side

God didn't create us and give us redemption without the ability to carry out good works on Earth. God promises that the Holy Spirit lives within us and will be our advocate.

The scriptures also promise that God will help us “walk in victory as we share the gospel and the word of God.” (John 14:16-17). There's power in these simple messages of hope.

4. Practice positive thinking

Practice positive thinking in your daily life and use Bible verses that lift your spirit, such as Philippians 4:13:

“I can do all things through Him who strengthens me.”

Use this as your daily mantra. Remember the words of Romans 12:12, which tells us to "rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer." Increasing your positivity is one of many small steps that will boost your self-confidence.

5. Be patient and kind with yourself

Be patient and kind, and avoid judging yourself too harshly. 

Understand that you'll make mistakes. You are only human. Ask God for help if necessary, and take hope from the Bible. Isaiah 40:31 tells us: 

“Those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.”

6. Stop comparing yourself with others

Stop comparing yourself with others and instead remember that we are all equal in God’s eyes. We have all been saved through faith. 

Remember what Paul said to the Corinthians: 

“We do not dare to classify or compare ourselves with some who commend themselves. When they measure themselves by themselves and compare themselves with themselves, they are not wise” (2 Corinthians 10:12).

Instead, focus on being the best version of you — in the way that God intended.

7. Learn how to develop motivation

Motivated people live courageously and unapologetically and without fear of failure. 

Whenever you feel overwhelmed, you can Psalm 27:3, which says: “Though an army besieges me, my heart will not fear; though war breaks out against me, even then I will be confident.” 

Isaiah 32:17 also promises us that one of the “fruits of righteousness” will include “quietness and confidence forever.” 

The benefits of self-confidence gained through faith in scripture

Self-confident people generally have more positivity even when life is challenging. 

When you develop greater self-confidence, you’re less fearful and anxious about your journey in life. As your confidence levels grow, you'll also have more energy and motivation in your daily life. 

People with high self-confidence levels generally experience:

• Better performance at work and in life
• Healthier relationships and better boundaries, choosing to confidently walk away from unhealthy or dysfunctional relationships without hesitation
• Openness to new experiences and beliefs
• Greater resilience and better coping skills, particularly when times are tough 
• Greater self-actualization
  

You can increase your self-confidence by asking God for help when times are tough. Trust in Jesus can help you banish negative thoughts. 

Self-confidence starts with faith

Building self-confidence starts with building faith and learning to love yourself. 

Confident people usually like themselves and approach life courageously. They expect positive outcomes as they strive to reach their personal and professional goals. 

Remind yourself that God made you in His image. You can start by letting go of your self-doubts and negative self-talk. 

When you rely on your faith to lift you up, you'll grow in self-confidence. Some of the Bible passages cited in this article were designed to remind you of your special place in God. Consider your reading of the Bible as part of your essential self-care.

If you want to learn more about living your best life, download the pray.com app — for daily prayer, bedtime Bible stories, and more — in the Google Play and Apple store.