I’ve found that the times I was happiest in my life were those times when I felt the most secure and confident. Because of that inner confidence, I felt I could take on anything and it showed on me physically as well. I even walked tall (and yes, that’s an oxymoron because of my (lack of) size, but it’s also possible to walk as if I’m taller or at least with more of a strut).

When I thought about how confidence colors my world, I realized it stems from the Lord. When everything in my spiritual life lines up, it positively affects my day-to-day living. There have been many times when I felt a total lack of confidence as well, but it took me many years to realize that feeling confident in the Lord’s love and care gives me added confidence in everything I do.

Psalm 36:7 delivers a message straight to the heart of this concept. “How priceless is your unfailing love, O God! People take refuge in the shadow of your wings.” Taking refuge in the Lord’s wings is incredibly reassuring.

Through the years, people have said they think that I’m brave. I’m really not! I’m merely assured that the Lord has my back, and while I might not succeed, He’s always there with me, to cheer when I accomplish something, and to brush off my knees when I fail. And it’s in knowing He’s there with and for me that allows me to smile and keep trying new or difficult things. My happiness lies in Him.

There are many Biblical references to how our Heavenly Father watches out for us. In the Psalm 55:22, we are told, “Cast your cares on the Lord and he will sustain you.” How extremely reassuring, especially in times of trouble!

Recently I’ve been extremely worried about our country and all of the horrible events unfolding in many parts of the world. It’s easy to get caught up in worldly cares, and I have a tendency to let the worries make me crazy. At times it feels as if  everything I’ve known is imploding, and that my values and morals have been disregarded or discarded by society in general.

We’ve been taught, “Love your neighbor as yourself.” This has been a cornerstone in my life. Yet, it often feels as if many people don’t fully understand what the meaning of neighbor is in this context. It doesn’t mean merely other Christians, or just those people you personally know or those who live nearby. It means neighbor in the greater sense of human being. Webster defines neighbor as “fellow man.” A neighbor is not just those with whom you agree or who are like you.

The good Lord provides us with the faith we need to love our fellow man. Lately I’ve lost some of my confidence in my ability to love wholeheartedly. I’ve broken out in anger more frequently than I ever have before. At times I’ve been especially  appalled at some people’s treatment of others. And I’ve been ashamed at my own reactions.

1 Peter 5:7 NIV: “Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.” Now, more than ever, I need to fall back on my faith in God and Jesus. I need the confidence instilled in me by their love. I need to release my worries and trust that they will see us through.

Yes, we’ve got this because He has our backs!