A Prayer for Confidence
If you’re joining me today from my Proverbs 31 Ministries devotion, When Fear Works for You welcome!
If you desire a confidence like Shiphrah and Puah, the midwives who stood up to Pharaoh in Exodus 1, here’s a Prayer for Confidence for you. Click here to to enter your email and your free PDF will arrive in your inbox shortly.
The Giveaway
To enter to win a copy of my Bible study book, Make Your Move: Finding Unshakable Confidence Despite Your Fears and Failures, comment below. U.S. Addresses only please.
I’m in
I’m in
Thank you Lynn! I struggle myself being a people pleaser. I’m a work in progress! Thank you Lord!
Thank you for your devotional! I was not familiar with these two women by name. Their faith in God to handle their situation is remarkable! Being a senior citizen now makes it hard at times to keep my confidence among the younger workers. I lost my job in my late 50’s and had to seek out another job. It was not easy but God has been good and now I am back to work.
Donna – thank you so much for stopping by. Don’t let the enemy rub his lies into your heart. You have much to give to this world with your life experience. We need you!
Debbie Johnson
P.o. Box 583
Hinton, Oklahoma 73047
I’m in!
I’m in!!
When fear has kept me from saying things that could be hurtful without taking that to the Lord first. Fear of being disobedient to God, stopped me from sending an email instead of having a conversation. God blessed the conversation and hopefully a wall has begun to crumble, so that a relationship can be rebuilt.
I’m in! Loved the devotional reading today! Thank you for sharing wisdom from God’s Word!
“We see in the lives of Shiphrah and Puah: Fearing God always wins over fearing people.” My favorite quote. I’m in!
Wow the fact that fear is what keeps me from making progress in my job, in my personal life and it impacts my walk with Jesus. All I should do is lean on His promises and trust in Him seems like such a simple solution. My prayer today is for God to teach me to Trust him and cast out fear! Please pray for me.
I used to think being a people-pleaser was such a good trait and of course it can be a good thing, but it does have it’s drawbacks. Your book sounds like a winner and I’d love to read it. Blessings to you Lynn!
I’m in! This devotion was for me. I too have lived my life as a people pleaser. I try to make everyone else happy and many times end up miserable myself. Just recently have I realized it’s ok to say no sometimes. I just didn’t want to hurt people’s feelings. I’m learning more each day to please God first. I do struggle with confidence. I would love to receive a copy of your book. Thanks for sharing this devotion. You are touching many lives through God’s word.
LOVE your statement about being a recovering people pleaser – gave me hope!! Desperately need to get over that in my life. Thankfully I know God is Able & helps me not fall too far into “what about me” when.I have stretched too far pleasing everyone else. Thank you for sharing your heart & hope through your writing!!!! I would love to read your insight on this?
I am so thankful I opened this devotional this morning. I am a people pleaser and when faced with making designs that will make my kids unhappy, I completely crumble. Last night my husband shared with me his concerns about his job that led me to believe we could be in for another move. We have moved 11 times due to job and have been settled for almost three years, moving would crush my 15 and 13 year old beyond belief. My other two are young, but I really don’t want to go through the pain and uprooting again. I am now feeling settled as well, as a homeschooler its easier in some ways and much harder in others. I spent most of the night crying and just placing my fear in God for this possibility. I really think your book could help me at this time in my life. Thank you so much! Lynae
I’m in! This devotion spoke to me. I am a working wife and mother and frequently pulled in different directions. As a Christ-follower, I am trying to focus on pleasing the Lord rather than people. I know if I love and fear the Lord, He will give me the strength. Thank you for the opportunity!
Needed this today. Thank you!
I’m in, totally! I so needed this devotional today. I am a work in progress to be delivered from that enemy of people pleasing. Thank you and God Bless! ✝️????☀️
I’m in!! I love that we can stand with God and not fear.
Thanks for such an inspiring devotion ! I’m in !
Enjoyed your devotion about looking to the Lord for our approval rather than earthly leaders who have power to command us to do or not to do things that are in opposition to God’s will. People-pleasing is such a struggle!
I’m in!
Hi I’m Libby and I am new to this site. I have opened my heart to God. I love the word first thing in the morning to help me stay focus on positive thoughts through my day. I definitely in
I’m in!
Needing confidence today
Over your devotional today. Brings me back to reality that I need to fear God more than all the little things at work that I fear.
I loved this!!: “They feared God over fearing Pharaoh. That fear was not distress aroused by possible danger, evil or pain, but love, hope and reverence toward God.” Godly fear is an internal shift aroused by deep feelings of love, hope and reverance. If you’re around by danger evil or pain your fear is not godly.
I’m all in !!!
I needed this devotion today! I have discovered that being a mom has brought out a need for approval in me. Having a feisty red-headed, strong-willed daughter brings behaviors that don’t often win you parental approval lol. I like how the “fear” of the Lord is defined for a better understanding what that actually looks like. I hope i can win a copy! I need it lol.
I so needed this today. My brother is in hospice and my sister in law is making it difficult for me to see him and be with him. I’ve tried people pleasing. I’ve tried all my life. It sucks the life out of you. I love the Lord. He is my rock.
I really needed this today. I have issues with my grown children. It seems to be harder to stand up for what is right since they have grown up.
Thank you for helping me identify the fear. I’m coming out of a season that robbed my confidence and I believed the lies of my unworthiness, I now see how much I doubt myself and seek approval and validation. Others cannot heal me or restore the can-do independence that once came naturally. But God can, when I seek Him! And I can move boldly forward:).
My boss gives me anxiety of my making mistakes. He expects perfection from me and no one else. When he discovers I’ve made a mistake, he asks why and comes down on me hard. I’ve caught his mistakes, but he doesn’t acknowledge those…actually, he tries to put the blame on me. I’ve been praying extra hard these days for a better job…or should I say, a better boss to come along, as I can no longer work under these circumstances of never being able to meet his expectations of be perfect. I remind him I’m human. Thanks for praying with me.
I’m in!
I’m in!
Thank you for listening to God and writing this. God used this to open my eyes and heart to see the difference between people pleasing and having a servant’s heart. And also showed me how much fear I have in my life, and not of Him.
Reading this was like having a wave of peace rush over me. I will be repeating to myself anytime I’m afraid, “I love Him more than I love the approval and acceptance of other people.”
Oh how happy this makes me, Karen! Thank you, Jesus, for the power of Your word to set us free!
I’’m in, Lynn I struggle with pleasing others. Pleasing God is all I ever want to do, but I tend to hit a brick wall when I try to please others. I have tried really hard to change and after reading what you posted today about When fear works for you, it really put some things in prospective for me. Thank you so much Lynn for you devotional.
I’m so glad, Demetrus! I used to think this people-pleasing thing was a good thing – an unselfish thing actually. Until I began to realize that it was not a godly trait, but instead it was fear and all too often pride in my life. I didn’t want others to think poorly of me. Lord, set us completely free once and for all!
Thank You, I needed this today!
I Am in! Have a great day
I’m in! Thank you for the reminder to focus on God and fear Him only!
I’m in! Thank you for sharing – just what I needed to hear. I love being reminded of the small but very significant characters in the Bible that were the turning point in God’s redemptive plan. If those gals hadn’t listened to the Lord, Moses’ story would look different. I need to remember that obeying Christ lays the foundation for greater things, versus just temporary “people’s approval”.
I love finding these people too! When I was doing research for writing Make Your Move I found so many, that I had obviously read their stories before, but had missed the true impact they had. Women such as Sheerah, Abigail, the Daughters of Zelophehad and many more!
Fearing people is a dangerous trap, but trusting the LORD means safety.”
I will be posting this verse to get me through the week. Thank you.
His word is exactly what we need!
I’m in.
I am in!!
I would love to be in the drawing! Thank you!
“No matter what is falling apart around us, we choose God. We trust and believe that when we do, He will not “turn away from doing us good.” This was what I needed to hear this morning. Thanks for these words of truth!
This is exactly what I needed today! Can’t wait to print this out and read it every morning!!
This was much needed. I am 30 years old and a mom to two under two. I sometimes am so fearful of what people will think of me if the house is not clean or the kids are not dressed perfectly that I beat myself up and this pulls me away from God. Thank you for today’s devotional. I needed this reminder that I should have fear In the Lord only. The Lord loves me, and I need to accept this and his grace.
YES YES and YES! People’s standards and God’s standards are not the same … in fact, very often they are not. Listen to His voice of peace; reassurance that your “evaluation” is not on the cleanliness of your home or the style of your kids, but on the CRAZY, overwhelming love of our Father.
God spoke to me yesterday that I needed to study his word regarding fear. Like you, I have been a people pleaser and fear the opinion of men more than God. He knows it’s time for me to deal with this issue. Your devotion today was such a blessing and I would love to read your book.
I’m in ! (On my way to work)
I’m all in! I love your teachings, have my daughter reading magnetic and am starting ahigh school girls bible study this summer because of you ❤️ Thank you
This email came at just the right time. I received a diagnosis of breast cancer yesterday, and have been filled with fear from that moment. Fear of the unknown; fear of what I will lose; fear of not being here for my family; fear of not reaching my life goals…yet, I will trust the LORD.
Oh Lori. I am so very sorry. Fear can be so very powerful, but I have also seen, when we keep putting it down over and over and over, faith can fill in that space. And with faith, a peace that literally is so unheard of, it can only come from our loving Father. He is with you. Every step of this journey, you can trust Him.
You are Jehovah Rophe, our God, the One who heals. We boldly ask You, Father, to heal Lori. In the Matchless, All Powerful name of Jesus, Amen
In this season, in this place, in this moment, I truly needed this. Thank you. <3
Your devotional really spoke to me as I’m dealing with a diffucult situation in my life. I would love to win a copy of your book. Thank you for the opportunity!
I’ve been suffering with low self esteem almost all my life. I instilled honesty and integrity in my 5 children and taught them to speak their mind, not judge others, be kind and giving, and be able to say no to people if something was asked of them that made them uncomfortable, or if they just didn’t feel up to something. I’ve come a long way learning to stand up for myself by making my own decisions. I’ve come across some really hateful mean people in my life who try to steal another persons joy. I love the story of Shiphrah and Puah. It’s a very inspiring story for me. Thank you ?
Thank you so much for sharing your journey, Lori!
I’m in! I feel like this was an answer to my prayer for some encouragement this morning!
God, YOU are so good!
I’m in.
I have been blessed this morning by the Lord giving me quiet time this morning (very rare) and this message. I am a life long people pleaser. As I’m getting older (more tired), working full time with a husband and a teenage son I’m getting more and more anxious and tired. I’ve turned to the Lord for comfort as I’m saying no more and dealing with the reactions because I’ve always said yes. I’m working on my confidence through Gods love and strength.
You are so right, Tracy. As I began speaking truthfully, it did create a bit of a mess. My family was not used to me speaking what I truly thought or felt. When the reactions have come, it has been another opportunity for me to rely on the Holy Spirit to help me to stand still and stand strong as I seek to be set free from the addiction of people approval and pleasing.
I’m in!
I’m in! Thanks for this much needed reminder today!!
As a people pleaser… this was just what I needed to hear and to pray about!! Thank you!! I’m in!!
I’m definitely in!!
I’m All In!! Starting my Make My Move!!
I’m in! I’ve struggled being a people pleaser too! Sounds like a great book.
Fear has a hold on me as well! I am in! Thank you so much for this word this morning! I needed it.
Great devotional!
Fear has always been a driving force in my life. I know it is wrong but it has an unrelentless grip on me. I tend to believe the lies of the evil one and I hate that!
Jesus promised us freedom, Deborah. “It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery.” Galatians 5:1 All things are possible in Him!
I’m in!
THIS IS TOTALLY ME.. I thought I was the only person in the whole world who is this way. I never comment but today I had to..
Thank you for writing a book so relevant … for ME
Rest assured, Jeannie … there are many, many of us on the planet. We’ve got to lean heavily on the Holy Spirit to help us get free! He can and will do it in us!
I’m in! It’s so easy to lose sight of who and whose we are when we focus on pleasing those around us.
I’m in!
I’m in on being unshakable and not being a people pleaser but a God pleaser.
I always need confidence, thank you for sharing and the opportunity to win
I’m in
I’ve come to the age where pleasing people has less hold on me! How freeing! Now I find myself mentoring the younger generation to follow God and His ways with a passion and understanding I did not possess when I was younger. His ways are the best, even in a world gone crazy. His ways surround us with peace.
Thank you so much for being an investor in the next generation. This is so very important!
I’m in!!
Thank you so much for these hopeful and encouraging words. I can’t remember a time when I wasn’t trying to please others. When I read your devotion, the courage to persevere in choosing to care only about what He thinks of me was renewed. He’s the one who created me and loved me enough to send His Son to redeem me as His beloved child. “You’ll never know that Jesus is all you need until Jesus is all you have.”
I thank God everyday for being in my life
I pray that this book will be just what I need to finally break free from 35-40yrs of fear of people!
I’m so ready to not give what others think another thought. And to quit letting fear keep me from being me and keeping me from so many ways to grow & be more connected & involved. Fear has made me stagnant for too long!!!
Yes it has, Sandy! Go Jesus Go!
Fear of what others think has been a constant struggle of mine for my whole life. This devotion really spoke to me today! It’s so hard sometime to remember that God is bigger than whoever or whatever is in front of me
Thank you for sharing this wisdom; it was helpful to hear this truth!
Fear is a hard thing. I have a husband that is really sick. The fear of growing old alone overwhelmes me sometimes. I’m working on allowing God to be my all & cherishing each day, instead of worrying who will take care of me. God will! God bless y’all!
I prayed just yesterday for God to show me his direction & guard my heart from others opinions. I struggle daily with trying to please family over my own heart & what God would have me do. Thank you for this. His perfect timing in reading this today!
I am in!! Thank you!!
I’m in.
I need to lean on God more instead of only trusting in my own abilities. I have been putting off many tasks at work due to the fear of failure or the fear of disapproval by one person or another. Praying for the confidence I need to complete these tasks.
Father, As Lindsay relies on You, filling her heart with the truth in Your word, build her Christ confidence so that she can move forward in her life. Amen
I would love the book about fear and confidence. Jeannie M Pier 2320 Shelly Dr. #D. Palm Harbor, Fl 34684
I am definitely a people-pleaser! So much so, that sometimes I struggle to find my own voice and remember that my views and opinions matter. I want to teach my baby girl to be strong and confident in every aspect of her life, including her love of God. I don’t want her to feel the weight and burden of making others happy, while putting her happiness to the side. Thank you for the devotion this morning! It was a gentle reminder to return my focus to the love and trust of God!
Heather – this is exactly why I have written books on confidence for every age – young girls, teens and women. The sooner we can gain Christ confidence the better!
I especially enjoyed this devotional today because I have been praying about something that the Lord has placed on my heart recently. If this prompting comes to fruition it will change my direction completely but all for Gods glory. I always care about people’s feelings and what they think. So this weighs heavily on my mind as I prayerfully consider what the Lord has placed on my heart. So today’s key verse from Proverbs 29:25 was great for me to hear and be reminded that at the end of the day it is all about trusting the Lord. Fearing the approval and acceptance of people could possible hinder me from answering a call that the Lord has placed on my heart and that is not the outcome I long for. 🙂
Dear Lord, please give Tiffany the wisdom she needs for her situation. You promise us in James 1:5 that if we ask for wisdom You will give it to us. Thank you for Your faithfulness, Lord! Amen
I’m in.
I’m in! Thanks for the devotion today!
I grew up always being compared to others and never measuring up. Fear controlled so much of my life, consumed it really. Jesus is my strength and what matters most is what I am in His eyes.
“I’m in”
I’m in!
Just leaving a comment is a struggle because I know others may read it and judge. I am so tired of being held back by fear and living in its shadows. It disturbs me that more often than not, I shrink back out of fear of disapproval. I desire to be strong and confident – in God not myself- to live a life worthy to be exemplary for my children and also my unsaved family. Thank you for bringing to light two people who are often forgotten but we’re truly awe inspiring.
I understand that struggle, Cathy! My confidence in Christ in me has grown so much for the past couple of years as I studied to write Make Your Move. The Bible is filled with women, who pressed into God when under pressure, by passing what culture and others thought. His word, filling our hearts, makes all the difference!
I’m in.
Thank you for sharing. It seems that God’s timing is always right and coming across this particular devotional st this particular time is no exception.
I’m in! Thank you!
When my son was little, I was reading the Bible to him before bed and it said something about fearing God. He was so confused by that – I remember stumbling around trying to come up with an explanation – I wish I had had this devotional then.
I, too, am a people pleaser – I don’t like to rock the boat, so this was a really good message for me.
I am In ,
I have been addressing spiritual roots regarding an illness that I am experiencing , I have one area I need to address which is is Fear Of Man , After reading your article I am feeling a stirring in my spirit to know more .
Thank You for addressing this issue. Sincerely Sussie
I am encouraged by today’s devotional and the reminder that God is above it all.
This is my life struggle! I am a people pleaser and this morning you have reminded me that my fear is misplaced! I would love a copy of your book. God is always on time! I’m in!!
I’m in! I struggle with people pleasing as well and need to work on fearing the Lord vs fearing people.
I’m in!
I’m In!! There are a lot of people who I fear. It is not easy to be honest with them!
Loved the post today and this prayer. Perfect timing because I actually started your book this morning for my Bible Study for part of the summer. Really connected with Day 1 so I can’t wait to read the rest of it. People pleasing is a major part of my personality and one I’ve really started working on because I need to worry more about pleasing God than pleasing people.
A recovering people pleaser these words mediated on the strength I need to remind myself that God’s way is the only way.
I AM IN!
Thank you for this read!! I have struggled with fear of what others may think if I don’t please them. Will they be mad at me? Will I disappoint them? I am a people pleaser, and I have even made my life miserable just to make others happy. But, with God’s strength and perseverance, I no longer want to fear what others think. I want to know, love and fear my Heavenly Father. I want to make sure that in my daily life, I am pleasing Him, not others. Thank you for this!
I’m in!
Proudly identifying yourself as a recovering “People Pleaser” spoke directly to my heart. I was raised to be self-sacrificing and determined my worth by the approval of others. As we become stronger warriors for Christ, the enemy will use that to distract and confuse us. Someone falsely accused me last week and I found myself anxious and depressed. I can’t change that person’s opinion of me, but I believe the devil was using them to steal my joy. I hope this person can see the truth and we can make amends. If not, then I have to boldly move forward in my ministry. Blessings to All!
I’m in!
Wonderful devotion today! How I wish I had ceased being a people-pleaser years ago. What a load could had been taken off my shoulders. There is freedom and power in following God instead of pleasing others. I’m in.
Fear has torment, the Bible says: 1 John 4:18. But God’s perfect love completes us. This I’m learning throughout my life, to know and understand His great love for us. What a relief it is from all the torments of fear, which is nothing more than a spirit from Satan. Therefore, let’s learn to speak the Word like Yeshua/Jesus did, ” It is written, God has not given me the spirit of fear, but of love, (His perfect love), power (He is all powerful ), and a sound mind (His mind/ a mind of Christ) undefeated. We can stand and see God’s salvation, everytime! And even with our mistakes and faults, He continually, makes all things work together for our good, Romans 8:28.
Thank you Lynn for sharing with us sisters, this wonderful gift of encouragement, love and support. We so need it.
I have tears in my eyes, just reading all the comments and testimonies. Love you all with the love of Christ. Let us seek daily, in all things, to please the only One, who truly loves us, like no other being can. Yeshua, our Messiah, who was and is, and is to come! Praise be to our God!!!
Amen!
I’m in.
I’m In!
I’m in! Thanks
I loved your devotion! It was a reminder to be obedient to God no matter what!!!
“If God is for us, who can be against us?” The fear of the LORD is different from fears we face in life with people. Trying not to hurt people’s feelings by hiding your testimony, or not speaking up or standing up for your faith in the LORD, will only make you feel sorry you didn’t. Stand up for Jesus! I’m in!
This sounds great!
I’m in!
Reminder to fear God and not man. God is ultimately in control.
I’m in! I loved today’s post! Fear is something I definitely struggle with. But now I know I just have to place my fear in the right place!
I’m in!
Thank you for this. Pleasing people has been a life long struggle that I continue to battle daily. I must learn to please God in everything and the rest will fall into place.
I have fought with people pleasing my whole life. This really spoke to me and I want to read more!
I’m in. I used to have confidence, but after so many risks and failures and disappointing others, I don’t feel I’m worth much of anything anymore. Just a breathing soul taking up space. I have little interest in pursuing much of anything. I keep trusting God to bring me to the right place.
I am definitely a people pleaser. This devotion really spoke to me!
I’m in!
Your topic is one that has been a bane to my spiritual journey as I want to please others, even at the expense of my comfort. The Lord has directed me to work on a move, but it’s been disputed as not rational. I feel I need to follow God’s call and seek Him for all the details involved. My times are in His hands and I trust the Lord will give me courage and strength to proceed to make plans to move to a suitable place where my grand kids live as well as in an environment that has clean air and water. Thanks for the insights from your book. It gave me an “Aha” moment and shows me to trust in the Lord for ALL my living.
Thanks for this Lynn! I think God gives us all God-fidence, we just have to believe it! 😉
Thanks also for the printable prayer! Love these!
Can’t wait to go through your new bible study! Maybe I will win. 😉
Bless you!
A “recovering people pleaser” — how true! It IS like an addiction, being hooked on getting the approval of people (whose love is often based on my performance and especially what I do for them) rather then the approval of God which is unconditional for His children. Such a hard habit to break!
This is something I have been struggling with is pleasing other people. I constantly want to make others happy. But God is what matters most, God is who has my best interest at heart which ultimately is to be his follower. That’s where true happiness lies.
I’m in. This is one of my biggest struggles.
I am sooo in as well! 🙂
I think for me it is not only about people pleasing but also not being a ”bother” to other people, so often I do not have the confidence to ask or speak up.
Thank you for crafting such a beautiful prayer for us. I think we should pray it daily until God’s confidence will become our very nature and won’t even have to seek such confidence consciously before any new task or circumstance, but it will come as a natural reflex in how we approach and see things and act in them :).
Thank you so much for encouraging through your devotional too. So relevant!
Yes, Marik!
This prayer first began as a list of verses that I keep in the front of my Bible. Before I speak, I pray these verses, asking the Holy Spirit to fill and use me. They also serve as a reminder to my heart and mind of the source of the confidence I have in Christ.
This spoke to me. I try not to be a bother to people and am always worried more about their feelings than my own. Thanks
At 65 I am still struggling with people pleasing..I’m in!
I was directed here after not having my personal devotional beside me when i woke up this morning and for fear of distraction while moving to get it, pulled up a devotioal online, the timing, Gods word where what i needed. I’m at a point i have allowed fear and failures to paralize me. Tomorrow , I will be 44 years old, I have not left home ( my bedroom specifically) since last Thursday and I have a son who is 17 living with me. I leave home only for necessities and quickly return to where i feel safe. I have no cotact with anyone. The few family members i have left , I dont answer or return calls.
Traci – I am so very glad you stopped by! My heart aches to hear of how fear has robbed you of life. Focus on the Family could help you to your first step toward freedom, right there from your bedroom. Would you look up their website at https://www.focusonthefamily.com/? You can also call them at 1-800-A-Family (1-800-232-6459)
Father, I know that Your heart is breaking for Your daughter. Jesus, empower Traci to take that first step to overcoming her fears. The Holy Spirit in her has the same power that raised Jesus from the dead and can set her free! In Jesus’ Name, Amen