Resilient

1. Global trauma has left us vulnerable, necessitating resilience

We haven't yet paid the psychological bill for all we've been through.

Pandemic impact. The COVID-19 pandemic and its aftermath have left a profound psychological impact on humanity. The sudden loss of normal life, constant fear, and prolonged uncertainty have created a shared trauma experience. This trauma has depleted our emotional reserves, making us vulnerable to further psychological stress.

Need for resilience. In this compromised state, we face trials that Jesus warned about as we approach the "end of the age." Our hearts need guidance and preparation to navigate these challenging times. Developing resilience is crucial to overcome the trauma and face future trials. This resilience is not just about bouncing back, but about developing a strength that prevails in the face of adversity.

Recovery and preparation. We must acknowledge the trauma we've experienced, allow ourselves to grieve, and actively work on recovery. Simultaneously, we need to prepare ourselves for potential future challenges by strengthening our mental, emotional, and spiritual resources.

2. The strength that prevails comes from God within us

God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.

Divine strength. The resilience we need is not something we can conjure up through willpower alone. It's a supernatural strength that comes from God himself, who dwells within believers. This strength is described in Scripture as katischuó - a valiant, overcoming strength that can prevail against any adversity.

Accessing inner resources. To tap into this strength, we need to learn to access the presence of God within us. This involves:

• Giving God our undivided attention
• Practicing "benevolent detachment" from worldly concerns
• Descending into our innermost being to commune with God

Practical steps. Some practical ways to access this strength include:

• Setting aside time for undistracted communion with God
• Using simple prayers or phrases to focus on God's presence
• Asking the Holy Spirit for help in accessing deeper levels of communion

3. Attachment to God provides assurance of abundance

God loves you more tenderly and more irrevocably than the best of mothers.

Mother-love analogy. Our need for attachment and assurance of abundance is deeply rooted in our experience of mother-love. God, as the source of all mothering, offers to heal and fulfill this primal need in ways that surpass even the best earthly mothers.

Healing through attachment. By forming a deep, loving attachment to God, we can experience:

• The assurance that our needs will be met
• Comfort and solace in times of distress
• A sense of being deeply loved and valued

Practical application. To develop this attachment:

• Spend time meditating on God's love for you
• Practice visualizing yourself as a child in God's loving embrace
• Use prayers that invite God's mothering presence into your life

4. Convert unconverted places in your heart to Christ

Salvation is a process, not an event.

Ongoing transformation. Salvation involves the progressive re-creation of our fallen humanity through union with Christ. This process reveals "unconverted places" in our hearts - areas not yet fully aligned with God's will and character.

Identifying unconverted areas. These areas often surface during times of stress or trial, revealing:

• Lingering fears or doubts
• Unhealthy attachments or addictions
• Unresolved anger or bitterness

Steps for conversion. To address these areas:

1. Acknowledge the unconverted place without shame
2. Invite Christ into that specific area of your life
3. Ask for His transforming presence to permeate that part of you
4. Cooperate with the Holy Spirit in the ongoing process of change

5. Beware of false Edens and maintain allegiance to God

Remember Lot's wife!

Danger of divided allegiance. In times of stress and longing for comfort, we may be tempted to turn to "false Edens" - worldly sources of security and pleasure that promise relief but ultimately lead us away from God.

Recognizing false Edens. These can take many forms:

• Materialism and consumerism
• Escapism through entertainment or addictions
• Idealized visions of a perfect life apart from God

Maintaining allegiance. To stay faithful:

• Regularly examine your heart for divided loyalties
• Practice surrendering your desires and plans to God
• Focus on the promise of true Eden restored in Christ's return

6. Develop mental, emotional, and spiritual resilience

"Do not worry" is a command, not a suggestion.

Mental resilience. Build mental strength by:

• Controlling speculation and worry
• Practicing positive self-talk based on Scripture
• Limiting exposure to negative media and social influences

Emotional resilience. Strengthen your emotional life by:

• Acknowledging emotions without being ruled by them
• Bringing feelings under the rule of Christ
• Practicing emotional control in small daily challenges

Spiritual resilience. Deepen your spiritual life through:

• Regular times of prayer and worship
• Memorizing and meditating on Scripture
• Cultivating a deep, personal relationship with God

7. Practice daily habits to strengthen your relationship with God

Plan to become the most converted person your friends and family know.

New monasticism. Rearrange your life to center around your relationship with God. This involves:

• Setting aside regular times for prayer and communion with God
• Making worship a daily practice
• Studying and meditating on Scripture

Practical habits. Incorporate these practices into your daily routine:

• Morning, noon, and evening prayers
• Regular times of worship, even if brief
• Daily declarations of faith (e.g., reciting creeds or key Scriptures)
• Moments of "benevolent detachment" throughout the day

Personalized prescription. Ask Jesus for a personalized "prescription" for your spiritual life, tailored to your needs and circumstances. This might include specific practices, focuses, or lifestyle changes.

8. Prepare for Christ's return with single-heartedness

I give everything for your everything.

Urgency of preparation. The signs point to the possibility that we are living in the final moments before Christ's return. This calls for a sense of urgency in our spiritual preparation.

Single-heartedness. The key to preparation is developing a single-hearted devotion to Christ. This involves:

• Surrendering all other "lovers" and false comforts
• Making Jesus your ultimate desire and focus
• Living with an eternal perspective

Practical steps. To cultivate single-heartedness:

• Regularly examine your heart for divided loyalties
• Practice surrendering your plans and desires to God daily
• Focus on the promise of Christ's return and the restoration of all things
• Live each day as if it could be the day of Christ's return

Last updated: October 31, 2024