Last night, a few friends and I got together to start a discussion on Renee Swope's A Confident Heart. The tag line is "how to stop doubting yourself and live in the security of God's promises."
We tackled the first two chapters last night.
We were vulnerable and honest with each other.
We shared cupcakes!
Although I'm only two chapters in, I know this book is going to be hard for me to read.
The story she shares is my story.
The pleading she does for us to let go of our doubt and fear cuts right through to the whispers of my heart.
I have not been faithful to the Lord lately. He is always so faithful to me. And in a time when I need to rely on Him the most, put my absolute trust in His timing, I keep coming up short.
Why, oh why do I do this?
[I say the following not as someone who has this figured out, but who desperately needs a reminder and is currently giving herself a pep talk.]
A confident heart is hopeful. It not only thinks God's way is the best way, but knows, deep down, that it is the absolute only way.
"Then you will know that I am the Lord. Those who hope in me will not be disappointed." Isaiah 49:23
A confident heart trusts. As I have permanently etched into my mind (and my flesh),
"Trust in the Lord with all your heart; lean not on your own understanding." Proverbs 3:5
A confident heart worships. It knows the Truth and worships, hands held high, for it knows the Lord's promise will be fulfilled.
"So do not throw away your confidence; it will be richly rewarded. You need to persevere so that when you have done the will of God, you will receive what he has promised." Hebrews 10:35-36
A confident heart is known, is honest, is scarred, is broken, and is loved all the same.
"You created my inmost being; you knit me in my mother's womb. I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made."
My favorite part of the book is that the author writes a prayer at the end of each chapter. Like poetry, she weaves them with scripture to create what she calls "Praying God's Promise."
One prayer says "When I feel insecure, insignificant, or unloved, remind me of Your perfect love that has the power to cast out my fear."
Oh Lord, please keep that ever on my mind.
*The feelings and opinions expressed here are my own, however, they were inspired and directed by the first two chapters of A Confident Heart. The scripture above are all referenced by the author in these chapters. I'm not receiving any compensation from this post. I just like the book.*
Sounds like a wonderful book to me! I will check it out!
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing this Laura-- I absolutely love the prayer you shared. I've been praying something similar lately, but the word "insignificant" struck me. That's what I feel sometimes- not lonely, not sad, not unsatisfied, just insignificant. I will definitely add this to my "must reads" list!
ReplyDeleteThank you so much for this post. I tend to think of myself as confident, but usually not in the way I should be. Thanks for the reminder!
ReplyDeleteAllyson
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wow, this sounds like a perfect book for me. i think i'm going to get it on amazon. thanks for sharing!
ReplyDeleteI have not been faithful either. I am about to start a study on the book of James and I am so glad for a chance to focus my attention on HIM. I need it.
ReplyDeletethis sounds like a great book! I would love to read it eventually. :) We all need to be constantly reminded because we are soooo easily distracted!
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