We have a lot of serious issues facing our country. The question is, how will we respond to those issues, especially if they don’t match our values or religious beliefs? And how do we look confidently to the future knowing our values and beliefs are under attack? The answer is to stay spiritually resilient and strong. On our weekend radio show, we talk about a number of ways to build spiritual resilience. Here are 5 of those ways:
- Talk about world events from a biblical worldview. When difficulty arises, it is an opportunity to present a biblical worldview to those around you. Chances are you won’t hear such a perspective in the news. Yet, we serve a God who holds the future and is in control of all things. Good and evil are real. We don’t just fight flesh and blood, but principalities and powers. We must understand this in order to know how to pray and think about what happens in our culture. We can face evil with the confidence that God gave us the authority to overcome evil through sending His son Jesus Christ and the Holy Spirit. He also tells us to overcome evil with good (Romans 12:21). Perhaps we need to stop fighting each other and fight the real enemy.
- Pray for protection. Daily read Psalm 91 as a family and appropriate that Word over your household. Ask God to bless your coming and going out (Deut. 28:6). The stronger your relationship with Him, the more peace you will have. His promise is, “You will keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on you, because he trusts in you” (Isaiah 26:3 NKJV).
- Put your confidence in God, not man. “Do not be afraid of sudden terror, nor of trouble from the wicked when it comes. For the Lord will be your confidence. And will keep your foot from being caught” (Proverbs 3:10-11; Psalm 34:19 and 2 Cor. 4:8-9). Our confidence cannot be rooted in the government or any institution or person. Rather, our confidence comes from listening to the Lord, staying attuned to His Spirit, discerning His direction for our lives knowing He works on our behalf.
- Use Phil. 4:6-9 to combat fear and anxiety. First thank God for all He has done, then talk to Him (pray) and tell Him your requests (supplication). Finally, meditate on things that are noble, pure, lovely, of good report, virtuous and praiseworthy. The result is a peace that guards our hearts and minds.
- Share your concerns in a community of Christians who can comfort and pray with you. While non-Christians can be supportive and uplifting, they can’t provide you the kind of reassurance we have in Christ. Christian community is one of your greatest supports during times of unrest. Make efforts to keep in touch with Christian friends and those who will encourage you in the faith. And look for ways to serve others. Not only will this get your mind off of your problems, but it will lift your mood and bring help to those in need.