Without a doubt, life can have difficulty moments. During these times, it can be easy to submit to negative thinking, hopelessness and despair – all of which have the potential to weigh-down our mental health and capacity to function in the day-to-day routines of life and responsibilities. This does not have to be the way through life’s adversity. Developing psychological resilience, which is the ability for an individual to have a level of emotional and psychological stability despite adversity (Mader et al., 2025), can be achieved. One way is through the help from God.
Isaiah 41:10 lets us know that when we rely on and look to God, He will strengthen us and help us when we need Him. Leaning on our faith in God and the scriptures can help us build confidence in the promises and assurance that God is able, and He can give us the strength and peace we need to weather the storms of life. To help cultivate psychological resilience, I would like to suggest 5 ideas:
- Keep building on your relationship with God, daily (e.g., spend time reading and memorizing the scriptures, praying and fasting)
- Establish clear boundaries (e.g., monitor your company and assess if they are supporting you during your challenges and encouraging you to stay close with God, keep those draining you further at a healthy distance)
- Watch your thoughts for negativity (e.g., keep hopeful thoughts ongoing that you can overcome and/or heal from life’s trials, and be open to God’s deliverance in a way that may be completely opposite from what you envision, and different from your timeline)
- Do not give up (e.g., If you’re having a hard day and are down on yourself, do not stay in this mood. Find something to boost your emotions such as, an affirmation, and/or a song that will lift your mood and continue to trust in God and His timing.
- Keep moving forward! (Continue to try your best, even when it’s hard. If needed, seek professional counselling for support)
If you are interested in Counselling Support or Lay Christian Counselling, Grow. Flourish. Achieve (GFA) Counselling and Consulting Services offers this support.
God Bless.
For additional academic reading on psychological resilience, below are open-access article.
Chmitorz, A., Kunzler, A., Helmreich, I., Tüscher, O., Kalisch, R., Kubiak, T., Wessa, M., Lieb, K. (2018). Intervention studies to foster resilience – A systematic review and proposal for a resilience framework in future intervention studies, Clinical Psychology Review, 59, 78-100.
Mader, E., Punski-Hoogervorst, J. L., Kosovsky, H., Pinkhasov, A., Peltier, M., Bloch, B., & Avital, A. (2025). Physiological and Psychological Resilience Among Healthcare Workers in COVID-19 Units-The Protective Role of Religious Beliefs. International journal of psychology : Journal international de psychologie, 60(3), e70047. https://doi.org/10.1002/ijop.70047