Building Confidence in Christ Through Daily Time Alone with God

While on vacation, my 26-year-old son overheard me complaining about the virtual staging choices for an upcoming real estate listing. The furnishings looked out of proportion, didn’t match the requested style, and—according to him—“no one would arrange a living room like that.”

Oddly enough, that situation reminded me of how spiritual growth can sometimes feel. Just like staging that doesn’t fit the room, certain practices or expectations can hinder our growing confidence in Christ. As followers of Jesus, we’re called to create a personal, nurturing environment where faith can grow. To do that, we need to ask:

How do we grow in confidence in Christ in a way that fits our unique season, personality, and needs?

What’s appropriate for me—a 59-year-old woman who’s followed Christ for over 40 years— might look different for a young adult, a new believer, or a mom with kids waking her at all hours. One size doesn’t fit all. One style doesn’t suit every soul. The key is creating space to grow, and that means experimenting with what works in different seasons. Over time, as we practice spiritual disciplines, new rhythms will emerge, shaped by both revelation and experience.

A verse that has grounded me for years is:

“But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.” —Matthew 6:33 (ESV)

Let’s reflect on it using the SOAP method (Scripture, Observation, Application, Prayer):

S – Scripture

Matthew 6:33: “But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.”

O – Observation

This is a directive from God: Seek Him first. In the verses leading up to this one, Jesus tells us not to be anxious about our lives.

A – Application

Trust Him for the additions… and the deletions.

A new job? A spouse? A baby? No baby? An unexpected expense? An unwanted health diagnosis? A totaled car?

Trust Him. Trust Him not only for what He gives, but also for what He removes or withholds. But how do we build that trust? It starts with seeking Him first, every day.

P – Prayer

Lord, help me seek You first today. Help me turn to You before I turn to anything else. Let me notice Your presence in my daily moments. Open my eyes to where You are at work so I can join You there.

Forgive me for the times I’ve rushed ahead or lagged behind. Slow me down enough to notice You. Show me what to eliminate so I can keep You first.

Thank You for the gift of Your Word, the freedom to approach You anytime, and the joy of living a life guided by Your Spirit. Teach me to number my days, that I may gain a heart of wisdom (Psalm 90:12).

Help me stay in step with You. Thank You for loving me.

This simple format can be used by anyone—age 10 to 100. As long as someone can read and write, they can use it to create space for the Holy Spirit to do His transforming work:

“And we all, with unveiled face, beholding the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from one degree of glory to another.” —2 Corinthians 3:18

Building confidence in Christ comes from three pillars:

1. Solitude with God

“And rising very early in the morning, while it was still dark, he departed and went out to a desolate place, and there he prayed.” —Mark 1:35

2. Spiritual Community

“Confess your sins to one another and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person has great power as it is working.” —James 5:16

3. Corporate Worship

“Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly… singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, with thankfulness in your hearts to God.” —Colossians 3:16

If you’ve tried one method for daily time alone with Him and didn’t find it helpful after 30 days, try another. Your local church likely offers guidance on spiritual disciplines, small groups, and corporate worship. These three—solitude, community, and worship—work together to strengthen our confidence in Christ over time.

One day, without even realizing it, you’ll face an unexpected situation and discover that your confidence in Christ rises up. It will speak for itself, built by daily consistency, grace, and truth in communing with the Father.

There are many styles of quiet time. Mine has changed as the seasons of my life have changed, and I’m grateful for each phase of growth.

You can do this.

Begin today. Let’s not miss one moment of what God wants to teach us through His Word. And if these rhythms are already part of your life, maybe this is a gentle reminder—a spark of encouragement. Consider asking God to show you someone else who might need help beginning their own journey. Pray for them. Invite them in.

Together, we’re building His Kingdom, one day at a time.