But blessed is the one who trusts in the Lord, whose confidence is in him. Jeremiah 17:7 (NIV)

DEVOTION

Who is your confidante? You know, the person you can share anything with? The person you have confidence that the information is safe with, no matter what it is—good or bad?

This person typically is trustworthy, encouraging, and not judgmental. They seem to always know what to say—or what not to say. They listen well and care through every situation in your life. They make the highs and lows of life more bearable and are a sounding board, regardless of the situation.

I asked this question a few weeks ago to some 10- to 12-year-olds and their answers were really good. I asked, “When you have a problem, who do you go to? Or if you have great news that needs to be shared, who do you run to first?” 

The answers were pretty predictable: mom, dad, grandparents, friends, teacher, coach, pastor, small group leader. All great answers, but I was searching for one specifically. Finally after a few moments the answer I was looking for—JESUS!—was shouted by a kid behind me. 

The answers these young students threw out were pretty spot-on with how anyone would answer. Their answers also played out exactly how I had hoped they would.

We tend to make our number one confidante an earthly person. Now, I am not saying we shouldn’t have these people in our lives, but I am saying instead of Jesus being the last answer given, he needs to be the first. 

I have a tendency to do this in my own personal life. The instant anything good or bad happens, I find my wife and confide in her. It has become automatic in my life to search out others and share what is going on in my life with them before I bring it to him. I usually bring it to him eventually, but it is often after I have exhausted the problem with others.

I think it is important for us to make it a routine to always take our trials and triumphs in life to him first. We need him to be at the top of our confidante’s list. All the highs of life flow through him and through all the lows, he’s there to comfort us. He listens and is patient. He cares (way more than we deserve) about us and every detail in our lives. He celebrates our wins and supports us through our losses.

There is something powerful about the habit to take the things in our lives to God before we take it to anyone else. Your confidantes are your most trusted friends. So, if you make him your go-to, it makes a good statement of where he falls on your list. Relationships are built and formed on this foundation of trust. This week, work on taking everything to God. 

The good, the bad, and the ugly—share it all with him and keep it coming because he is there to hear it all. He is your biggest confidante.

PRAYER

Dear Heavenly Father, 

Guide and direct us this week to shine you in all things. Help us to come to you no matter what the situation is. In victory and defeat, in highs and lows, in happy times and sad times, help us to always lay it at your feet. Thank you, Lord, for your love and devotion. We say this in your name, Amen. 

Vance Holder

Crossings Students Pastor

vholder@crossings.church

Vance Holder is a Student Pastor at Crossings Community Church. He is passionate about helping students on their journey to become independently dependent on Christ.

RESOURCES

• I've Been Thinking series
• Share a Prayer Request
• You're Still Moving worship album