Mental Health Moments – Resilience Series

Week 1: Rise to the Challenge

Adversity is a normal part of life.  In fact, our Lord Jesus tells Christians that we can expect difficult times as part of our cross that we carry.  How we view those trials can play an important part of how we bounce back from them.  Resilience is “an ability to recover from or adjust easily to adversity or change.” Over the next nine weeks, we’ll explore elements of resilience and ways to navigate life’s setbacks. 

This week’s focus is…Challenge! 

Psychological Insight: How do you perceive adversity?  

• Do challenges paralyze you, or do you rise to them? 
• Are mistakes strikes against your value, or opportunities for growth? 

Seeing difficulties as challenges, rather than crushing defeats, helps us become more resilient and bounce back faster. 

Biblical Reassurance: The apostle Paul is a role model for this attribute, as he was a man who rose to challenges.  In his words, “We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed.” (2 Corinthians 4:8-9)

Application: Next time you face adversity, remind yourself it’s a challenge, not a defeat. Speak God’s truth: though hard pressed, you are not crushed. With His help, you can rise to any challenge. 

Prayer: Heavenly Father, you know what trials and tribulations we face every day when no one else knows or sees it.  There is no place I can go in life that you have not already stood.  Thank you for going before me, and behind me, for hemming me in, and for laying your hand upon me.  Help me more and more each day to “consider it pure joy” when I face challenges in my life.  Remind me that your grace is sufficient, and that your mercy endures forever.  I love you, Jesus.  Amen.

In the grip of His Grace,

Kent Robinson, MA LPC

Week 2: Commit to Your Goals

Psychological Insight: What drives you—your goals or your feelings?

We’ve all said or at least felt, “I’m just not feeling it.” Whether it’s skipping the gym or procrastinating on homework or other tasks, allowing feelings to override your commitment weakens resilience. True resilience is built by sticking to your goals, even when emotions tell you otherwise.

Biblical Reassurance: “And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching.” (Hebrews 10:24-26)

Application: Make a list of what you value—faith, family, health, career, service to others—and set goals aligned with those values. (This one might take a little time this week!)

Commit to those goals and enlist a small circle of people you trust to help you and hold you accountable.

Don’t let your feelings dictate whether or not you work towards those goals.  Next time “you’re just not feeling it,” do it anyways because you’ve committed yourself to it.  Sticking to what you value strengthens your resilience far more than being ruled by temporary emotions.

Prayer: Holy Spirit, you work in me the will to live according to my vocations and your purpose.  Lord, I get tired sometimes and I just want to escape from the things that I value.  Help me to turn to you in those times for rest and rejuvenation.  Help me to recommit myself to serving you and my neighbor with the gifts and talents you have given me.  When I feel weak, remind me that I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.  I love you, Lord.  Amen.

In the grip of His Grace,

Kent Robinson, MA LPC

Week 3: Let Go of Things Outside Your Control

Psychological Insight: Do you find yourself overthinking, often asking “What if?” or “If only…?” When we dwell on things outside our control and influence – whether in the future or past – we can feel stuck and helpless.

Resilient individuals focus their time and energy on what they can control or influence, letting go of the rest. This builds confidence and increases resiliency and hope.

Biblical Reassurance: “Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.” (Matthew 6:34)

Application: When you feel stressed, ask yourself, “What can I control in this situation?” This includes people, present situations, and things from your past or future. If you can influence or control it, great. If you can’t, let it go.

You’ll be amazed at how freeing this can be, especially when you let it go into God’s capable hands. Trust Him to handle all the people and things you have no control over.

Prayer: Gracious Father, sometimes I get anxious when I try to control things that are outside of my personal control. It can feel scary, like life is out of control. But you are in control of everything seen and unseen. May I always remember to run into your loving arms of protection and mercy when I feel like the world is unraveling around me. Give me the peace to accept the things I can’t change, the courage to change the things I can, and the wisdom to know the difference. I love you, Father God. Amen.

In the grip of His Grace,

Kent Robinson, MA LPC

Week 4: This Too Shall Pass

Psychological Insight: When something bad happens in our lives, it can feel permanent. We may say to ourselves, “This will never change” or “Things will never get better.” When we give in to the idea that a setback will be permanent, we lose hope and may feel like giving up.

Individuals who adopt the familiar Persian proverb, “This too shall pass” are more resilient in their outlook and view of a setback, knowing that what is coming is better than what is gone.

Biblical Reassurance: “But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 3:13-14)

Application: The next time you feel like something will never change, remember God’s truth in His Word. He is making all things new. He is working all things together for good. He knows the plans He has for you, not to harm you, but to give you hope and a future. The only thing that truly endures forever are His mercies, and they are new each morning.

Prayer: All-knowing Jesus, sometimes I feel overwhelmed by my current situations and I quickly feel stuck, like nothing will ever change. Help me to fix my eyes upon you and not the wind and the waves in all the storms in my life. Grant me the peace that surpasses all understanding as I place my trust in you. I love you, Jesus. Amen.

In the grip of His Grace,

Kent Robinson, MA LPC

Week 5: Don’t Let a Bad Moment Make a Bad Day

Psychological Insight: When we have a bad morning, it can often spill over into our afternoon and then continue into our evening. When we don’t recognize this happening, we can find ourselves upset for days or weeks because of something isolated in the past.

Biblical Reassurance: “Be still and know that I am God.” (Psalm 46:10)

Application: The next time you recognize that you are struggling…

Stop.
Think.
Act.
Review.

Give yourself a S.T.A.R. Breathe, give yourself a few seconds, assess the situation calmly and logically, and then respond with the best course of action. Once the struggle is over, leave it in the past. Sure, you can learn from your past, but it’s a point of reference, not a place of residence.

Don’t bring it with you into the next part of your day. Keep it from being pervasive. A bad morning or a single bad experience doesn’t have to make an entire bad day.

Prayer: Ever-present God, sometimes I feel like bad things follow me all the time in one way or another. Help me to give you each moment for you to care for. Grant me wisdom to deal with struggles graciously, especially when I’m dealing with other people. Thank you for loving me and dying for me on the cross. I love you, Jesus. Amen.

In the grip of His Grace,

Kent Robinson, MA LPC

Week 6: It’s Not All About Me

Psychological Insight: Sometimes when someone is having a rough time, they say and do things that you internalize and personalize. You might think what’s happening is “all about me.” This person is mad or sad because of “me.”

Sometimes that is the case, but not always. You need to allow other people to own their emotional reactions and struggles.

Biblical Reassurance: “For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, authorities, and powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.” (Ephesians 6:12)

Application: The next time you encounter someone struggling, do NOT jump to the conclusion that you are the reason they are upset or that you are solely to blame. Instead…

• Listen to the person and actively hear what they are saying. Be objective.
• Repeat back what you hear them saying, so they know they are being heard and understood.
• If needed, use clarifying questions.
• Offer support by asking, “How can I help?”

Maybe just your listening ear and a simple prayer together is all they need. This can help us increase resilience within ourselves and help others at the same time.

Prayer: Omniscient Father, sometimes I feel like I’m the cause of other people’s pain and problems. Help me to discern what is mine to work on and what is theirs. Give me courage to change myself when needed, and give me compassion and grace when I need to be supportive. Thank you for being all-knowing and our ever-present help in trouble. I love you, Heavenly Father. Amen.

In the grip of His Grace,

Kent Robinson, MA LPC

Week 7: A Bright Future Ahead

Psychological Insight: Sometimes when we face adversity, we tend to think that things are never going to get better. It is closely related to the “permanence” thinking we explored a few weeks ago. For the unbeliever, the future may very well be a dark and dismal final destination. Their eternal condition is permanent separation from God if they die rejecting His grace and forgiveness gifted to us on the cross.

But for believers, the adopted sons and daughters of God, we have a certain and guaranteed perfect future that words can’t describe. Even if our condition on earth never improves, we have an eternal future waiting for us just around the corner.

Biblical Reassurance: “What no eye has seen, what no ear has heard, and what no human mind has conceived—are the things God has prepared for those who love Him.” (1 Corinthians 2:9)

Application: The next time you find yourself thinking of the future in a negative or uncertain light, remember that our God goes before us, and behind us, and hems us in. He is always with us no matter how dark our present or future may look. Christ has died. Christ has risen! Christ will come soon to gather us to His side, where our futures will be forever perfect.

Prayer: Almighty Creator God, sometimes when I go through tough times, I get scared or discouraged about the future. Help me focus on your promises. You know the plans you have for us, to prosperous us and give us a future filled with hope. Help me to run bravely the race, knowing that you have already secured my prize for me – eternity with you. I love you, Heavenly Father. Amen.

In the grip of His Grace,

Kent Robinson, MA LPC

Week 8: Empathy and Compassion

Psychological Insight: We can often get bogged down in other people’s problems and pain. It could come from being overly involved or trying to fix or rescue other people from their problems. Sometimes we care too much what other people think of us. Other times, we’re just too empathic and take on the emotional weight that others bring to us.

Resilient people care for others, but they don’t care too much what others think of them. They are compassionate and feel “for” people, but they limit how much they feel “with” people. They are good at setting boundaries. They make sure that their life preserver is strapped on before they jump in and try to help.

Biblical Reassurance: “Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers.” (Galatians 6:10)

Application: When you feel like you’re drowning in someone else’s problems, take a step back. Take a break. Let them know you care and that you will pray for God’s strength and comfort. The prayer of a Christian is powerful and effective. You can support your loved-one from the sidelines if you are becoming overwhelmed in their struggles. Give it to the Lord.

Prayer: Heavenly Father, sometimes I get overwhelmed when I try to fix or rescue my loved ones from their problems. Help me to focus on your promises that you are our provider and protector. Help me to fix my eyes upon you and to trust in your unfailing love. I love you Lord. Amen.

In the grip of His Grace,

Kent Robinson, MA LPC

Week 9: Victim vs. Victor

Psychological Insight: There is a saying that “If you don’t heal from what hurt you, you will bleed on those who never cut you.” Resilient people acknowledge the pain they endured, and they seek healing. They lean into and understand the source of the hurt and redirect toward healing. They move through the experience, they forgive, and they come out on the other side as victors.

Biblical Reassurance: “But thanks be to God! He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.” (1 Corinthians 15:57)

“No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.” (Romans 8:37-39)

Sometimes bad people do bad things to us. They hurt us. They victimize us. But that doesn’t mean that God can’t heal and mend what is broken. God wants to restore what is broken within us.

Application: The next time that Satan whispers in your ear and tries to make you feel like a helpless victim, remember God’s truth that proclaims you are MORE than a conqueror. You have been given the victory through the blood of the Lamb who is praised forevermore!

Prayer: King Jesus, you have rescued me from death, sin, and the power of the devil. Help me to live in victory from all my wounds and battles as a beloved Child of the King of Kings and Lord of Lords! I am not a victim. I am a victor! I love you, Jesus. Amen.

In the grip of His Grace,

Kent Robinson, MA LPC