October 10: Resilience Through Change
- Scriptural: Romans 8:28 — “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.”
- Reflection: In ways, this statement sounds exclusive to those who identify with our Judeo-Christian faith or monotheistic traditions. Yet we can expand the application of this scripture to include God’s desire for the wellbeing of all humans, who are all God’s children, each made in God’s image and likeness.
Transitions may challenge us, yet God’s promise includes resilient love. The Spirit works through life’s cycles and seasons for the stability, sustainability, and satisfaction of our situations. God seeks our
People in the field of mental health and psychology cite factors that make a person more resilient: positive attitude, optimism, the ability to regulate emotions, and the ability to see failure as a form of helpful feedback (full article Psychology Today). To build resilience, they recommend:
a) Identify contributing factors that are specific and temporary, and don’t attribute personal and professional setbacks solely to your own inadequacy…
b) Accept that life is a mix of losses and wins. Put down the expectation of perfect outcomes all the time.
c) Healthy habits such as getting enough sleep, eating well, and exercising may boost resilience.
d) Nurture close relationships … find support when trouble arises …
e) Actively living according to one’s values … linked to higher resilience. - Spiritual Practice: Recall a past transition in which you discovered God’s goodness. What did you learn about yourself and your connection to God in that experience?
Song:
- “Stronger” by Mandisa: https://youtu.be/emgv-VRtMEU?si=M4UjrGYWyPaQIaxx
“The oak fought the wind and it yielded. And grew stronger.” — William Douglas
All those rejections and obstacles? They aren’t big enough. All those doubters and naysayers? They have no idea. The truly resilient? They’ll show everybody, one small action at a time. It’s just what they do. — Forbes(link: https://www.forbes.com/sites/jessicahagy/2017/06/29/the-foundations-of-resilience/)
Oct 10 Daily Devotional