“Resilience is energized by an eternal purpose and process to persevere.”
Thoughts from daily Bible reading for today – January 26, 2024
We are pressed on every side by troubles but not crushed and broken. We are perplexed because we don’t know why things happen as they do, but we don’t give up and quit. We are hunted down, but God never abandons us. We get knocked down, but we get up again and keep going. 2 Corinthians 4:8-9, TLB
I love trees. Majestic, pointing upward in honor and worship of their Creator. Their root system is deep and wide, a mirror reflection spread of the tree’s canopy, reminding me of the joyful opportunity to worship God with grateful praise while deepening my roots of faith, hope, and love in the abiding love of the Father, Son, and Spirit. Recently, I discovered another gem of a tree in the Lord’s infinite wisdom and creativity…the Gumbo-Limbo tree. Native to South Florida, this is one of the most wind-tolerant trees. With its lightweight flexibility, and durability, it is able to literally bounce back up unscathed after being tormented and twisted by high winds. The resilience to bend but not break in a storm and recover after an onslaught of bad conditions is a life lesson of resilience. In like manner, beloved children of God have inner spiritual stamina, deep-rooted faith, and abiding calm and Love to ride out life’s storms. Yet, by God’s grace, we recover, with scars left by cutting pain but even stronger, strengthened by the Spirit.
The Apostle Paul was familiar with hardships, persecutions, and afflictions. Yet, before, during, and after having encountered life-threatening situations, his resilient faith in Jesus Christ persevered and, after the fact, was able to describe his afflictions as light and momentary. His eternal perspective fueled his resilience since his greater purpose was preparation for an eternal weight of glory. Resilience keeps us blessable and able to be a blessing as we give away what God gives us. Have you ever noticed a child’s resilience? A boy is knocked down and jumps right up to tangle some more. A girl gets her feelings hurt, evidenced by tears, and a few minutes later, she is snuggling with Pop, beaming with a joyful smile. Children of the Most High have the spiritual DNA of Jesus Christ, their Lord and Savior. Jesus endured the cross and despised its shame, so we, like Him, can look ahead to the joyful anticipation of being with God.
Resilience is energized by a purpose and process to persevere. Firstly, prayer and seeking solace in God’s presence serve as pillars of spiritual strength. Philippians 4:6-7 advocates for prayer as a means to find peace that surpasses understanding. Secondly, leaning into the Scriptures for guidance and encouragement aids in fortifying one’s spirit. Psalm 23 assures believers that even in the valley of the shadow of death, they need not fear, for God is with them. Thirdly, maintaining fellowship within a community of believers fosters support and strength. Hebrews 10:24-25 emphasizes the importance of encouraging one another, especially in challenging times. Lastly, cultivating gratitude and praising God amidst hardships uplifts your spirit. Psalm 34:1 urges believers to always bless the Lord, even when facing adversity. You can endure difficult days with unwavering resilience grounded in faith, hope, and love by anchoring yourself in prayer, scripture, community, and gratitude. Resilient believers are evidence of a living God!
“Looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God” (Hebrews 12:2, ESV).
Prayer
Heavenly Father, I anchor my hope in your help, and by faith, I look forward to eternity with you through Christ’s love and in Jesus’ name.
Application
Consider inviting into your trust two or three friends who can walk with you to encourage your resilience to remain faithful to God, no matter what comes your way.
Related Reading
Proverbs 4:26; Matthew 24:13; Galatians 6:9; James 1:2-4; 1 Peter 1:7
Worship Resource
Elevation Worship feat. Brandon Lake, Chris Brown, & Chandler Moore: Praise
Donate
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