Lose your confidence!
You need to “lose your confidence”.
I dont think I have ever heard this as an intro to one of the many leadership blogs or self help books. Of course, the message is just the opposite; “Believe in yourself”, “you can do it”. A ten second Google seach provided me the top five “90 Believe in Yourself Quotes”:
“Never stop believing in yourself. When others doubt, don't.”
“You Live the Life You Want to Live.”
"There has never been another you.”
"If you feel inferior to someone else, it is because of your own beliefs."
“Anything is possible once we believe and never relinquish hope.”
I wonder how this philosophy is working out for us? The World’s Happiest Country Report 2019, ranks the US as the 19th happiest country and states “the superpowers are not that happy”.
When the angel of the Lord showed up looking for a great leader to lead the Hebrews to victory, apparently he made a mistake, took the wrong turn and found a guy hiding out in a wine press.
When the angel of the Lord appeared to Gideon, he said, “The Lord is with you, mighty warrior.” “Pardon me, my lord,” Gideon replied, “but how can I save Israel? My clan is the weakest in Manasseh, and I am the least in my family.” The Lord answered, “I will be with you.” Judges 6:12-16.
“Pardon me” i.e. you have got to be kidding! The story goes on and Gideon, without the benefit of strengh, courage and/or believing in himself, trusted his way to Victory. No such thing as “self help” for this guy, he only found strengh in the Lord.
Millennials are now being touted as the “most anxious generation”, and their mental health issues are at an all time high. Is it possible that we have double vision? Maybe to find strenght we MUST look away and place our focus on He who is greater than all of our plans, hopes and dreams.
Just a thought.
Psalm 71:5 For you have been my hope, Sovereign LORD, my confidence since my youth.