You're Going to Be Okay

1. Your Identity Remains Constant Amidst Life's Storms

Who you are doesn’t change based on the kind of day, week, or year you have.

Eternal Identity. Life's struggles are temporary, but your true identity is eternal, rooted in being a child of God. Circumstances may shift, but your core self, defined by divine love and purpose, remains unchanged. This understanding provides a firm foundation during turbulent times.

Shifting Perspective. When facing difficulties, avoid defining yourself by your current situation. Instead of saying "I am stressed," reframe it as "I am going through a stressful time." This subtle shift acknowledges the temporary nature of the struggle and prevents it from becoming an ingrained part of your identity.

Seeking Divine Truth. In moments of doubt, turn to God and ask, "Who am I in spite of this?" His answers, grounded in unwavering love and purpose, will serve as an anchor for your soul. Embrace the truth that you are loved, purposeful, irreplaceable, an overcomer, and enough, regardless of external circumstances.

2. Tap Into Your Innate Strength

You are stronger than you know.

Superhuman Strength. Stress and crisis often reveal hidden reserves of strength within us. This power, akin to the force that raised Christ from the dead, enables us to overcome challenges and fulfill our divine purpose. Recognize that you possess this inherent strength, even when you feel weak.

Circumstantial Strengths. Beyond core characteristics, we also possess circumstantial strengths that emerge during tough times. These unexpected abilities, gifts from God, help us navigate specific challenges. Reflect on past difficulties to identify your circumstantial strengths and call upon them when needed.

God-Given Stash. In addition to internal strengths, we also have a "stash" of external resources, including supportive people, education, experiences, and, most importantly, God himself. Draw upon these resources during stressful times, resisting the urge to isolate yourself. Remember that God is El Roi (the God who sees), Jehovah-Jireh (the Lord will provide), Jehovah Rapha (the Lord who heals), Jehovah Shalom (the Lord is peace), and Jehovah Shammah (the Lord is there).

3. Harness the Power of Your Mind

It’s up to us to choose which reality we live in from day to day.

Perception is Key. Our internal reality, shaped by our thoughts and beliefs, often holds more sway than external circumstances. Choose to focus on truth rather than succumbing to negative perceptions. A mind filled with light, aligned with truth, enables us to see situations clearly and respond with wisdom.

Transforming Your Brain. Understand the workings of your brain—the brain stem, limbic system, and neocortex—to better manage your responses to stress. Recognize that negative thoughts can trigger a cascade of negative emotions and physical reactions. Intentionally switch tracks by challenging negative thoughts and replacing them with positive, truthful ones.

Short-Term and Long-Term Strategies. Develop both short-term and long-term strategies for transforming your mind. In the moment, use the "stop, drop, roll" technique to interrupt negative thought patterns. Over time, cultivate a lifestyle of joyful thinking by focusing on what is true, noble, right, pure, lovely, admirable, excellent, and praiseworthy.

4. Guard Your Heart Above All Else

Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it.

The Heart as a Palace. Picture your heart as a palace, a treasure trove worth protecting. Just as a palace requires guards to defend it and regulate its flow, your heart needs boundaries to maintain its health and vitality. Avoid extremes like lockdown, open wide, exit only, and entrance only, striving instead for a balanced flow.

Emotional Expression. A guarded heart allows for the free expression of emotions, but with discernment. Share your feelings with trusted individuals and, most importantly, with God. Identify your emotions, triggers, and needs, and then reclaim truth to counter any lies that may arise.

"One Another" Relationships. Cultivate relationships based on give and take, characterized by love, devotion, honor, harmony, acceptance, instruction, encouragement, service, kindness, forgiveness, and hospitality. Prioritize your relationship with God, allowing him to be the ultimate ruler of your heart.

5. Break Free from Self-Sabotage

The biggest enemy we have to face is the one staring back at us in the mirror each morning.

Understanding Self-Sabotage. Recognize that self-sabotage often stems from a desire to return to the status quo, even when that status quo is harmful. Identify the common ways you sabotage yourself—emotionally, socially, spiritually, and physically—and understand the underlying reasons behind these behaviors.

Emotional Sabotage: Expectations. Release yourself from the burden of unrealistic expectations. Trade the pressure to meet external standards for the freedom of grace and love. Focus on pleasing God rather than striving to fulfill the demands of others.

Social Sabotage: Signature Insecurities. Identify your signature insecurities, those deep-seated fears that are often tied to your gifts and calling. Develop strategies for managing these insecurities, preventing them from derailing your progress.

Spiritual Sabotage: Guilt. Reject the burden of guilt, recognizing that Jesus has already paid the price for your sins. Embrace conviction, which leads to positive change, rather than guilt, which leads to discouragement and self-destruction.

Physical Sabotage: Ignoring Your Body. Honor your body as a temple of the Holy Spirit. Engage in regular exercise, nourish yourself with healthy foods, and prioritize rest. Recognize that physical well-being is essential for emotional, spiritual, and relational health.

6. You Are Destined for a Promised Land

We are made for a Promised Land.

Beyond Survival. God's plan for us extends beyond mere survival; he desires for us to thrive in a "Promised Land" of joy, abundance, and fulfillment. Reject the myth that suffering is the ultimate Christian ideal, and embrace the possibility of experiencing happiness and well-being in this life.

Challenging Limiting Beliefs. Identify and challenge the myths that hold you back from experiencing life to the full. These myths may include the belief that the Promised Land is only in heaven, that happiness is selfish, that joy has to be earned, that there's always more time, or that you should be happy all the time.

Embracing the Journey. Recognize that the path to the Promised Land is not always easy. There will be challenges, setbacks, and moments of doubt. However, by clinging to faith, seeking support, and remaining open to God's guidance, you can overcome obstacles and reach your destination.

7. Remember These Truths When You Forget

Sometimes our hearts are forgetful too.

The Power of Remembrance. In times of stress, our hearts often forget the truths we hold dear. Intentionally remind yourself of these truths to maintain perspective and navigate challenges with faith and resilience. These truths include:

• You are seen by a loving God.
• Your worth is not tied to your accomplishments.
• Your struggles do not disqualify you.
• Your sensitivity can be a strength.
• You are not a quitter.
• You are made to celebrate.
• You are made for rest.
• You have something to offer.
• You are safe, even outside your comfort zone.
• You don't have to hurry.

Creative Reminders. Find creative ways to keep these truths at the forefront of your mind. Write them down, create visual reminders, share them with trusted friends, and revisit them often.

8. Embrace Change as an Opportunity for Growth

Change is also where we have the most opportunity to grow and experience God in new ways.

The Inevitability of Change. Recognize that change is a constant in life, a force that can be both stressful and transformative. Understand the two primary types of change—anticipated and unanticipated—and their unique challenges.

Taking Charge of Change. Resist the urge to become a victim of circumstance. Instead, proactively respond to change by submitting to God's will and taking responsibility for your life. Focus on what you can control, such as your feelings, attitudes, behaviors, choices, values, limits, talents, thoughts, and desires.

Strategic Action. Develop a plan of action for navigating change, seeking God's guidance, and making wise decisions about your emotions and energy. Identify your needs, set boundaries, and prioritize self-care.

9. Cultivate Hope for a Brighter Future

Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself.

The Illusion of Control. Recognize that worry is an attempt to control the uncontrollable. Release your grip on the future and place your trust in God, who holds all things in his hands.

Replacing Worry with Truth. Counter negative thoughts about the future with truthful affirmations about God's character and promises. Remind yourself that God is with you, for you, in control, making you victorious, providing for you, and has a good plan for you.

Retraining Your Brain. Employ creative strategies to retrain your brain, replacing worry with faith and hope. Keep God's Word in front of you, engage in meaningful conversations with God, and find new ways to focus your mind on the positive.

10. You Are Truly Going to Be Okay

You’re going to be okay.

Resilience as a Choice. Resilience, the ability to thrive in the face of adversity, is not an innate trait but a conscious choice. Choose to cultivate resilience by adopting a positive attitude, staying in your strengths, and spending your life on love.

The Power of Perspective. Remember that you are not a sprinter but a distance runner, called to persevere and finish well. Focus on the present moment, trusting that God is working all things together for your good.

Embrace the Journey. Embrace the journey of life, with all its ups and downs, knowing that you are not alone. God is with you, guiding you, and empowering you to overcome every challenge. Trust in his love, his plan, and his promise that you are truly going to be okay.

Last updated: April 4, 2025