Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight. Proverbs 3:5-6

Self-reliance and a growth mindset are super popular right now—and for good reason. There are lots of issues that these mindsets can help address. We are encouraged to love ourselves, believe in ourselves, and have faith in ourselves. And while these sentiments are beneficial, ultimately, they just aren’t enough. In fact, these sentiments can even be counterproductive at times if we rely on ourselves too much—especially if we don’t rely on God.

We were all created with a deep need for God. And when we try to fill that need with our own self-reliance, we feel empty. But when we bring God into the equation, it changes things. Our confidence no longer stems from our own abilities and self-worth. Instead, it comes from a firm belief that God is faithful and that His strength is enough to carry us through our weaknesses. As believers in Christ, we are loved, redeemed, sanctified, holy, and righteous. We are enabled by His Holy Spirit every day; we are His children. And this is a sure and firm foundation!

Instead of putting our faith in our own strength, we can have faith that our loving, heavenly Father holds us in His perfectly capable and sovereign hands, He will be with us through every trial, and He will redeem even our deepest pain and use it for good. That is a deep well of assurance that we can rest in, even when chaos is happening around us.

Father, help us trust in You through good times and bad. Thank you that You are always with us, and please give us firm confidence in You today. Amen.

Copyright Linda Kardamis.

Linda is the founder of Teach 4 the Heart, a website that provides practical help and biblical encouragement for Christian teachers. She’s also one of the co-creators of the annual Rise Up Summit.