The Resilient Heart

“We know that all things work together for the good of those who love God: those who are called according to His purpose” (Romans 8:28).  
 
What is resilience? The dictionary definition of the root word, resilient, is this: “springing back; rebounding; returning to the original form or position after being bent, compressed, or stretched.”  
We go through seasons where we feel stretched. We feel near to a breaking point—bent, pressed, and beat black and blue. Perhaps you feel that way in this season, or perhaps this past year has caused you to question your own spiritual strength or even God’s faithfulness.  

Over the course of the next few days, we are focusing on the word ‘resilient’. It articulates the way that Jesus lived and the way that He empowers us to live. While you might’ve been put through trials during this season of life, remember that you are more than a conqueror (Romans 8:37). You might not feel like one, but God says that in Him, you are.

Of course, these are just fancy words unless they are taken to heart and put into action. When we are tired, sometimes the last thing we want is for someone to tell us to “keep going.” We don’t want to be told to get busy and push forward towards the greater good. We’re tired. We’re stretched thin.  

It’s okay to admit when you’re exhausted. God never expects us to accomplish everything at once. After all, we are imperfect people. He loves to see His children turn their faces towards Him and ask for help. He’s not a god who bullies. He doesn’t kick you around. There is no human strength, whether physical or spiritual, that can match His own; therefore, it is necessary that we ask Him for guidance and strength instead of trying to accomplish everything ourselves. God understands our weaknesses, but He also reminds us, “You have not because you ask not” (James 4:2).  

To see true resilience in our lives, we must practice true surrender and seek Him above all else. The emptier our hands are, the more we actually have. What does it mean to truly live as Christ? How can we stand with a resilient heart when it seems like we stand alone?  

The world says to look within ourselves to find our true identity. The world says that everything we need is within us; however, the deeper you look within yourself, you’ll only find empty strength that does not last. The more you look at God, the more you’ll find the renewal and the resilience you crave.  

True strength is not the absence of weakness but rather the wisdom to seek help from the great Helper, believing that He will work all things together for good because you’ve chosen to trust Him.