Eph:3:11-12 “11 … Jesus Christ our Lord: 12. In whom we have boldness and access with confidence through faith in Him.” 

Ps 46:10  “Be still and know that I am God.”   

I.  WHAT IS CONFIDENCE?

Wikipedia describes “confidence” generally as a state of being certain, either in regards to correctness of a person’s hypothesis or prediction, or that his/her chosen course of action is the best or most effective.

II.  BIBLICAL CONFIDENCE IS REQUIRED, CAN BE LOST or DEVELOPED

a)  Confidence is Required to Access God
Eph 3:11-13, 16  v.11 … Jesus Christ our Lord:  12. In whom we have boldness and access with confidence through faith in Him.  13. Therefore I ask that you do not lose heart at my tribulations for you, which is your glory. v. 16  “that He would grant you, according to the riches of His glory, to be strengthened with might through His Spirit in the inner man
Heb 3:6 Christ... own house, whose house we are if we hold fast the confidence and the rejoicing of the hope firm to the end. 
b)  Confidence Can be Lost (Cast Away)
Heb.10:32-35  v.32. But recall the former days in which, after you were illuminated, you endured a great struggle with sufferings:  33. partly while you were made a spectacle both by reproaches and tribulations, and partly while you became companions of those who were so treated; 34.  for you had compassion on me in my chains, and joyfully accepted the plundering of your goods, knowing that you have a better and an enduring possession for yourselves in heaven.  35  Therefore do not cast away your confidence, which has great reward.  (KJV “recompense of reward)
c)  Confidence is Developed (and Not Cast Away) by Abiding in Him
1Jn 2:28  And now, little children, abide in Him, that when He appears, we may have confidence and not be ashamed before Him at His coming.

• John 15:1-8   1   "I am the true vine, and My Father is the vinedresser. 2  "Every branch in Me that does not bear fruit He takes away; and every branch that bears fruit He prunes, that it may bear more fruit. 3  "You are already clean because of the word which I have spoken to you. 4  "Abide in Me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in Me. 5  "I am the vine, you are the branches. He who abides in Me, and I in him, bears much fruit; for without Me you can do nothing. 6  "If anyone does not abide in Me, he is cast out as a branch and is withered; and they gather them and throw them into the fire, and they are burned.  7.  "If you abide in Me, and My words abide in you, you will ask what you desire, and it shall be done for you.  8  "By this My Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit; so you will be My disciples.

III.  FOUNDATION FOR BIBLICAL CONFIDENCE IS BEING STILL / STANDING STILL

Ps 46:10 says: Be still and know that I am God.

a)  Stop What You are Doing or Feeling
Neh 8:11 So the Levites quieted all the people, saying, "Be still, for the day is holy; do not be grieved."
b)  … and Take time to Think
Ps 4:4     Be angry, and do not sin. Meditate within your heart on your bed, and be still. Selah
c)  … and Take (God Directed) Action Afterwards
Ps 83:1    … Do not keep silent, O God! Do not hold Your peace, And do not be still, O God!
Jer 51:50  You who have escaped the sword, Get away! Do not stand still! Remember the LORD afar off, And let Jerusalem come to your mind.
d)  Understand the Purposes of Standing Still
Nu 9:8    And Moses said to them, "Stand still, that I may hear what the LORD will command concerning you."
1Sa 12:7  "Now therefore, stand still, that I may reason with you before the LORD concerning all the righteous acts of the LORD which He did to you and your fathers:
2Ch 20:17  ‘You will not need to fight in this battle. Position yourselves, stand still and see the salvation of the LORD, who is with you, O Judah and Jerusalem!’ Do not fear or be dismayed; tomorrow go out against them, for the LORD is with you."
Job 37:14  "Listen to this, O Job; Stand still and consider the wondrous works of God.

QUESTIONS FOR REFLECTION / MEDITATION

(Refer to the Supplemental Chart on Journey in Confidence Building)
1) Is the spiritual walk the same for everyone?  If not, why not?
2) Are there critical elements (enhancers) required for the walk?  If so, what are they?
3) Are there any benchmarks to suggest that one is progressing, standing still or backsliding?
4) What are the potential obstacles or distractions?
5) Where do you think you are along the progress line (ask your accountability partner?). 
6) What is your plan for getting further along in your walk this year/quarter/month/week/day?