Re: Resilience
Last month I read The Law of Happiness by Dr. Henry Cloud, one part of Cloud and Townsend, the renowned psych, personal development, and leadership expert duo. The book presents the latest research around happiness and outlines how the Bible speaks to the very truths of psychology and science. The key takeaway is that happiness is not found in our external circumstances but aligning ourselves with who God has created us to be. It’s a great book that I highly recommend.
The New York Times has been focusing on the topic of resilience over the last couple months, as we face the difficulties related to the pandemic and this new “normal” we’ve all had to embrace. Towards the end of one particular article, “What Makes Some People More Resilient Than Others,” you find a few tips on how to build resilience. As I read through the list, I kept thinking over and over again, “The Bible says that!” I couldn’t resist flipping through scripture (okay, Google) to see how we can connect the facts to the truth outlined in scripture.
So here we go:
How to Build Resilience*
“Interviews with large numbers of highly resilient individuals — those who have experienced a great deal of adversity and have come through it successfully — show they share the following characteristics.”
They have a positive, realistic outlook. They don’t dwell on negative information and instead look for opportunities in bleak situations, striving to find the positive within the negative.
“Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.” - Philippians 4:8
They have a moral compass. Highly resilient people have a solid sense of what they consider right and wrong, and it tends to guide their decisions.
“Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.” -Galatians 6:9
They have a belief in something greater than themselves. This is often found through religious or spiritual practices. The community support that comes from being part of a religion also enhances resilience.
“I can do all this through him who gives me strength.” -Philippians 4:13
“...so in Christ we, though many, form one body, and each member belongs to all the others.” - Romans 12:5
They are altruistic; they have a concern for others and a degree of selflessness. They are often dedicated to causes they find meaningful and that give them a sense of purpose.
“For the entire law is fulfilled in keeping this one command: “Love your neighbor as yourself.” -Galatians 5:14
They accept what they cannot change and focus energy on what they can change. Dr. Southwick says resilient people reappraise a difficult situation and look for meaningful opportunities within it.
“Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight.” -Proverbs 3:5
They have a mission, a meaning, a purpose. Feeling committed to a meaningful mission in life gives them courage and strength.
“And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.” - Romans 8:28
They have a social support system, and they support others. “Very few resilient people,” said Dr. Southwick, “go it alone.”
“Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing.” - 1 Thessalonians 5:11
It’s almost like God knew the exact things that would strengthen us, and allow us to maintain and move forward in an ever-changing and challenging world. And turns out, it works! :) I think that’s pretty cool.
Source:
*What Makes Some People More Resilient Than Others (New York Times, 6/18/20)
