After a couple of years of non-stop negative news and plenty of problems still waiting to be solved, there’s good reason to be concerned. So much around us is out of control. But as the months go by and many stories and situations repeat themselves, isn’t it time to embrace a new approach? How about taking a deep breath, checking our spiritual inventory and prayerfully moving into the future, building on a foundation of faith? 

Some people find comfort in cranking out New Year’s resolutions, usually replacing those quickly ignored and forgotten last year.

In the midst of planning, this process provides some temporary encouragement. By Groundhog Day most of this is forgotten and it’s back to old patterns.

Another way many keep from finding a new sense of confident living is via “paralysis-of-analysis.” Overly reviewing and analyzing every little situation before moving ahead can lead to no action at all. Waiting on God and praying earnestly, yes. But expecting God to do everything without any effort from us can be futile. It also leads to more stress and worry, contributing to a confidence deficit. It’s important to get off the couch and do something.

I guess the good news is that there’s been more talk about confidence in these times. Economic experts eagerly want and need consumers to feel more buoyant and upbeat. Financial exchanges play out rollercoaster reactions to marketplace confidence, or a lack thereof. So much of where we’re going together is determined by our moods.

Here’s what I know: Any number of earthly “experts” and governmental “fixes” will not provide true confidence. Unfortunately, the longer the nation is in the midst of ongoing murky malaise, the more usually smart people start relying on others who don’t have a clue.

But since God’s in charge, we can be resilient. If God’s patience surpasses our understanding, we can relax. Since the Lord’s provision is unequalled, we can rejoice. Yes, this is all a variation of something Christians understand: We know how The Book ends!


Threatening confidence
When we’re closer to God we cannot help but become more confident.

Demonstrating a bold, personal confidence can drive some people crazy, though. Former Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin has known this for a long time. Political movers and shakers have a hard time dealing with people who suddenly appear on the national scene, not going through the usual process of electoral grooming (while they rack up big consulting fees). Opponents go nuts when someone like Palin smiles, good-naturedly laughs off critics and keeps connecting with everyday people, all wrapped up in confidence.

I’m not here to campaign for her. It’s just that she’s the best recent example of this syndrome. Confidence comes from deep in the soul, and it’s something that is so much bigger than bureaucrats or pontificating prognosticators.

People who would rather that we wallow in pity, fear and loathing get nervous when a more upbeat nature is evident. They figure something must be up, and if they find it’s a spiritual strength supplying the energy it boggles their minds.

Here’s an example. On a recent MSNBC program, famed magazine creator/editor Tina Brown explained what she thought of the Palin phenomenon, noting:

“I think what people are responding to is that great sort of vitality, confidence. It doesn’t matter that the confidence is based on a kind of total ignorance… I think that it doesn’t really matter that she doesn’t know much about anything.”


Educated elite
When the moderator asked how she “knows” this, Brown blurted, “Well, she has this—everything that I’ve seen, read, watched, it doesn’t seem to me that she has much substance to any of her arguments. It’s really just about hating the others in a way. But it works for people who almost don’t really care. I think they just feel, she’s an alternative, everything else is too confusing. We’re living in a very confusing time. Nobody really understands health care. Nobody really understands immigration. Nobody understands anything. And she just says, you know, (slaps her hands) I don’t like it, I’m against it, no taxing, all these things. Very clear, black and white.”

Sure sounds like Ms. Brown is the one who’s conveying ignorance. But we know what motivates these types of attacks. When people of faith have a powerful spiritually based confidence, it chafes against detractors. Brown’s view is reminiscent of a famous Washington Post column a few years ago, claiming evangelical Christians are just a bunch of folks who are “poor, undereducated and easily led.” While the paper apologized (more than once) for the smear, extensions of the same view are everywhere today. And in times of economic stress and governmental turmoil, an attitude that is motivated by faith gets more scrutiny… and sometimes ridicule.

Let’s face it: We Christians are a “peculiar” people. We see hope when there appears to be none, finding blessings even in the worst of situations. We know the power of prayer and God’s care. We look to a higher authority in everyday matters and understand the biblical admonition to live each day to the fullest. We are grateful, thankful for our loved ones and for every breath we take.

These truths should be enough to provide a fresh sense of confidence in 2010… and beyond.


Larson is a veteran Southern California radio/television personality and media consultant. He can be heard daily in San Diego on KCBQ 1170AM from 7 to 9 a.m. Email: mark@marklarson.com.