I've already talked some about confidence and arrogance. 

I go through an interesting confidence/arrogance cycle.  I do the right "stuff" (personal and spiritual disciplines) and gain confidence.  Then somewhere along the way, I think I have arrived and no longer need to do that "stuff."  Now confidence has turned into arrogance and I am in trouble again.

Perhaps confidence is the main theme of Psalm 119. "Oh, that my ways were steadfast in obeying your decrees! Then I would not be put to shame when I consider all your commands."  True confidence is unrelated to what we usually define as success.  It is totally related to our obedience of God.

Oh, that I may find rock-solid confidence in the face of success or failure.  The only footing for that confidence is God and his Word.

¶ 6:19 PM