The Secrets to Being Resilient

“My scars remind me that the damage life has inflicted on me has, in many places, left me stronger and more resilient. What hurt me in the past has actually made me better equipped to face the present.” 

Steve Goodier 

Webster’s dictionary defines resilience as “the capacity to recover quickly from difficulties.” When I think of resilience, I think of a rubber band stretched and bouncing back to its original shape when released. But when faced with adversity, the art of resilience is easier said than done. 

I have been on a journey with God this past year, “releasing everything and everyone to God,” in the words of author John Eldredge. Resilience is built within us each time we yield and surrender our lives to God, by saying yes to God, giving Him everyone and everything, and trusting that His outcomes are the best for all involved.

Each of these secrets to becoming resilient requires humility. We’re challenged in 1 Peter 5:6-7 to “Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time. Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.” I don’t know about you, but I would rather choose humility than God’s choosing situations that humble me! 

Releasing expectations and letting go of desired outcomes is a key to building resiliency. Holding onto our desires in a tightly fisted hand only brings angst and possible disappointment from a lack of met expectations. But if we let go of the outcomes ahead of time, we will have less loss to grieve if unmet. Releasing comes easier when we believe and trust in God’s sovereignty. Knowing that God is in control and our heavenly Father knows best and loves us helps us pry open each finger that holds tightly to our expectations. Our release becomes God’s entrance; He can soothe our souls when we let go of our control and desired outcomes. 

Building resiliency through surrendering our will to God and trusting in His outcomes as we face trials is not easy, but it is worth it.  

“Resilience is the capacity to withstand and recover from adversity. It’s the ability to absorb and adapt to difficult situations, and to emerge stronger and more resilient on the other side.” 

Clarence Lobo 

Relevant Reflection: 

In what situation do you need to apply these secrets to becoming more resilient? 

Image by evondue from Pixabay