Posted on June 20, 2025
Godly Living
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Many of us have “been there.” A traumatic event, a death or situation, injury, or illness causes persistent and ongoing physical, emotional and mental pain that does not subside. When this happens we feel helpless, hopeless, discouraged, and overwhelmed. We feel defeated. Whatever the situation or circumstance, people can be weakened by the darkness of this world. Some people have a resilient spirit and others are left debilitated. How is it that some are resilient and others are not? The answer is God.
Do we look at things from a worldly perspective or from an eternal perspective, where we have all the blessings, perspectives, and promises that keep us going? When we look at things from a worldly perspective, we have only worldly things to depend upon. And in turn, the world is full of darkness. People fail us. Life has its disappointments, injuries. Challenges are certain. However, God does not disappoint. When we take a step back and reconsider our outlook, often our attitude changes and a healthier more a resilient attitude results.
1. Keep a perspective of trust between you and God
In the Bible, God makes promises for those who hurt. (He does not promise we won’t hurt here on earth, in fact he warns us that hurts are to be expected.) He does remind us that he will never leave us or forsake us. It is the Lord who goes before you. He will be with you; he will not leave you or forsake you. Do not fear or be dismayed. Deuteronomy 31:8. He heals broken hearts and broken spirits. He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds. Psalm 147:3. And all who are exhausted and carry burdens are to come to him for peace. Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Matthew 11:28.
2. Consider a bigger outlook than merely the present
People who are resilient can look beyond the immediate and foresee there is a difference between the eternal plan and the worldly plan for their lives. When we are weak, often it is that moment we are more connected with God, and therefore, and suddenly it is because of our hopeless circumstances that we find HOPE and connection with Christ.
3. Negative experiences will prepare us for helping others
Therefore we are able to pass along compassion because we received compassion in the past. This is helpful to others and the world. God tells us, He can work good in all sets of circumstances for those that love God. And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose. Romans 8:28.
4. Seek and access helpful resources
There is a belief that using outside resources makes us stronger, not weaker. We know how to use the resources that are available. One is not afraid to ask others for help/support. It is not healthy to live in isolation and we were created to connect and be interdependent. Christ tells us we are to be there for each other. Bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ. Galatians 6:2. The Bible also says that two are better than one because if we stumble, we have another to help us up. Two are better than one, because they have a good reward for their toil. Ecclesiastes 4:9.
5. Leave perfectionism behind and move toward the “good enough”
Perfectionism is crippling. The idea is to keep moving in the direction you want/need to go and don’t give up.
6. Always be ready to have a “Plan B”
Flexibility is a strength that will help you make adjustments along the way. The oak tree that is able to flex in the storm does not break because it knows how to flex and bend to survive.
7. Spend time getting a clear picture of where you want to be
In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths. Proverbs 3:6. Resilient people are able to consider what their obstacles are and they make plans to overcome them. It might mean a word of encouragement from a friend, a love note to self, a morning meditation or prayer for strength.
8. When you fail, give yourself the opportunity to try again
Therein lies an attitude of persistence, not of despair. A redo offers forgiveness. A redo is an offering of grace you give yourself.
9. Commit to making the best choice of what is available
Life does not always give you great choices, but people who are resilient commit to making the best choice of what is available and continue the journey in hoping other opportunities arise.
10. Stay in the present and don’t worrying about the future
Things may not great be great at this moment, but situations change, as do feelings, and conditions. As long as you press forward, time can assist in change. Don’t worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow has its own sets of worries. Therefore do not be anxious about tomorrow, for tomorrow will be anxious for itself. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble. Matthew 6:34. God also calls us to give our worries and fears to him. Cast all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you. 1 Peter 5:7.
11. Always start where you are, not where you want or “should” be
Have a realistic perspective and be responsible for making the next right move in the right direction, one step at a time. Celebrating each small victory along the way.
12. Always be assured God has plans to prosper you and not harm you
For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope. Jeremiah 29:11. When you are able to do that, life and its darkness does not seem overwhelming.
13. Keep your eye on the prize
Lastly, know that regardless of what is happening here on earth, this is our temporary home and the joys and beauties of heaven will be our permanent home eternally, and all this on earth is temporary for the Christian. It is because of that promise, we can have Joy in our heart, even when this world is a dark and dreary place. Jesus died, and rose again and “Because HE LIVES, I can face tomorrow.”
If you or someone you know would benefit from Christ-centered mental health counseling, refer to or contact us today.
Lutheran Family Service walks with those experiencing difficult times through mental health counseling, marriage counseling, crisis pregnancy counseling, and adoption services.
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