Can you imagine how absurd it would be to see a young man walking around the house with his thumb in his mouth muttering, "Dad, have mercy on me. I need money for lunch. Please, Dad, have mercy on me."

Yet this is the attitude some of you have toward God. Instead of resting in the confidence that He longs to give you His best, nagging doubts might disturb your sleep. Your attitude becomes one of begging and pleading with Him.

This lack of confidence could be rooted in a deep sense of insecurity. Subconsciously you may be uncertain about God and His love for you. No matter what it stems from, insecurity should not be a part of your new nature - it's a tool Satan uses to keep you in bondage to the old nature.

You no longer need be hindered by insecurity. Tonight God wants to anoint you with a new confidence in Him. He wants you to say without a doubt: "Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need" (Hebrews 4:16, RSV).

Lay your insecurities at the cross, and sleep peacefully, knowing you are one of God's chosen, with all the boldness and confidence you need to approach Him as your loving Father, and to appropriate His riches from the throne of grace.

Heavenly Father, I repent of letting my insecurities oppress me for so long and lay them at the cross. I know that nothing pleases You more than a child who has complete confidence in You...who approaches You with rejoicing and love. I want to be that child! Thank you for bringing it to pass. In Jesus' Name, Amen.