Resilience

Jeremiah 17:7-8

“… blessed is the one who trusts in the Lord,

whose confidence is in him.

They will be like a tree planted by the water

that sends out its roots by the stream.

It does not fear when heat comes;

its leaves are always green.

It has no worries in a year of drought

and never fails to bear fruit.”

Resilience is a buzz-word these days.  Google it and you will find dozens of books, hundreds of articles, and many, many experts all promising to help you develop the resilience you need to thrive in the midst of life’s challenges.  Some of the advice focuses inward, encouraging us to develop habits of mind and body that will strengthen us.  Some of the advice focuses outward, encouraging us to nurture friendships and healthy relationships that will support us.  A few might even mention spirituality and encourage habits of prayer and meditation, for those so inclined. 

 As is always the case when something old is rediscovered by a new generation, the tone of all this can be just a bit breathless, as if earlier  generations never faced challenges or hardships and never needed inner or outer strength to get through. 

 Resilience has always been important, of course.  Way back in Jeremiah’s time, more than 2,500 years ago, resilience came through trust in God.  A trust that enabled people to thrive in dry and dangerous times.  The image that Jeremiah uses in the verses above: that of a tree planted by a stream, is both lovely and accurate.  Hold this image in your mind and imagination and let it comfort and encourage you in your times of trial.  Being rooted in God strengthens us for the tests we face.  Thanks be to God.  

Blessings,

David