A Deeper Look into Resilience

Resilience can be defined as, “The process of adapting well in the face of adversity, trauma, tragedy, threats or even significant sources of threat” (Violanti, 2021, p. 96). Resilience is essentially an individual’s capacity to endure. Endure what exactly? Well, critical incidents, hardships, struggles, and life in general. Being resilient is not necessarily a natural trait, while some have an innate ability to handle hardship, most need to build and cultivate their resilience.

We often look to various cultural trending tips and techniques to face adversity and build capacity. Some of those tips and techniques are viable resources to help curb the impact, however, some are simply weak and buckle under the pressure of adversity. It is vital to research the tips and techniques and ensure they are applicable and useful to help foster resilience. When an individual is resilient they are internally directed, self-motivated, and thrive in adverse conditions (Stebnicki, 2017, p. 278). Moreover, resilient individuals seek opportunities to make intentional life decisions and choose healthy thoughts, emotions, and behaviors (Stebnicki, 2017, p. 278-79).

The above-described process of building one’s capacity to endure is not a new thought and can be witnessed throughout Scripture. Taking a deeper look into resilience, specifically Biblical resilience, there are several examples of individuals who were internally focused, purpose-driven, and faced adversity. Biblical resilient individuals are:

1-Internally Focused (On their relationship with God).

2-Purpose Driven (Know their purpose).

3-Face Adversity (With confidence in God).

The 3 key aspects of Biblical resilience solidify an individual’s ability to endure and to push forward in the face of struggles and the unknown through their faith. Now, this does not mean that the adversity will not be difficult, but it does provide the capacity to endure. If an individual is internally focused, they know their purpose, and if they know their purpose, they are purpose-driven, and if they are purpose-driven…they can face adversity with confidence.

One example of this is Paul, in Philippians 4 when he states, “Not that I am speaking of being in need, for I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content. I know how to be brought low, and I know how to abound. In any and every circumstance, I have learned the secret of facing plenty and hunger, abundance and need. I can do all things through him who strengthens me” (Philippians 4:11-13, English Standard Version). Paul’s resilience was grounded in being Internally Focused, Purpose-Driven, and Facing Adversity, are you?