Things Jesus Never Said
"Let not your heart be troubled; you believe in God, believe also in Me." John 14:1
“Believe in yourself” is a commonly used phrase. Most of the time this phrase is used to encourage others. It is used to build confidence and self-respect. But should we believe in ourselves? I like Martin Luther’s thoughts in his explanation to the Third Article: “I believe that I cannot by my own reason or strength believe in Jesus Christ, my Lord, or come to Him.” (Luther’s Small Catechism, Sydow edition)
When it comes to believing start with the truth. Romans 7:18 says, “For I know that in me (that is, in my flesh) nothing good dwells; for to will is present with me, but how to perform what is good I do not find.” Thankfully, the source of my beliefs is not from within me. Luther goes on, “But the Holy Spirit has called me by the Gospel, enlightened me with His gifts, sanctified, and kept me in true faith.”
Belief in self is overrated. At the end of the day it matters little how much self confidence I have in myself. Rather, my confidence is to be placed in my Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. I can have confidence that He loves me and died for me. I can be confident that where He is, there I shall be also. I have confidence that He can accomplish in me and through me what He wills.
Do you believe in yourself? It doesn’t matter! Believe in Jesus! That is faith. Jesus is the One you need to believe in, not yourself. Jesus gives you the gift of faith to be able to do this. Praise be to Jesus Christ, the One worth believing in!
This I believe, yea, rather, Of this I make my boast,
That God is my dear Father,The Friend who loves me most,
And that, whate'er betide me, My Savior is at hand
Through stormy seas to guide me And bring me safe to land.
The Lutheran Hymnal 528:2