10 Ways to Find Peace, Resilience, and Hope When Life Feels Out of Control

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In this episode:

We can love others and bring glory to God even when unexpected circumstances shake us up. A repurposed life is one that is driven by a different approach to interruptions and crisis. It is one where there is peace when the “normal” response might be panic. It’s where resilience takes priority over resentment. This is the life where hope triumphs over hysteria. Ten tips for how to hold on to hope and peace and discover the source of resilience in hard times.

(Article contains affililate links. This means that when you click a link and make a purchase, I might receive a small comission from that purchase.)

Inspired Life

Four weeks ago, I was making plans like normal, assuming that the bubble I live in could not be broken. It can change so quickly, and when we aren’t paying attention. While we planned for vacations and spring break, conferences, family gatherings, Easter, and more, a little virus was at work spreading its devastation across the world.

And suddenly. Suddenly there are orders to stay home. Orders to stop having church, orders that closed restaurants and canceled musical performances, and orders to stay more than six feet away from other human beings.

I created this episode in the thick of Covid-19 and the beginning of national efforts to quarantine the virus. I realize that you might have heard enough about the virus, since media everywhere has covered it. But for today, let’s talk about interrupted plans for the long term.

I can’t think of a time in my lifetime when all of my friends and family experienced a pause all at the same time. Think of it. When one person experiences a pause the rest of the world goes rushing on. But this time, everyone has been put on pause.

I’m a freelancer, so my pause isn’t as dramatic as that of some of my family members who are teachers. But I’ve experienced cancelations. I won’t be able to go to church for several weeks because it’s closed. I won’t be at prayer group. Several meetings and events are off the table. The immediate need is to cope with  the challenges and changes for the time being.

A repurposed life is one that is driven by a different approach to interruptions and national crisis. It is one where there is peace when the “normal” response might be panic. It’s where resilience takes priority over resentment. This is the life where hope triumphs over hysteria.

 

Life, Repurposed

If you need peace, resilience, and hope these are ten tips with biblical support for how we can bring glory to God in the midst of adversity.

  1. Focus on what is good. Colossians 3:2 – "Think about the things of heaven, not the things of earth." (NLT)
  2. Looks for ways to minister to others. Philippians 2:4 – "Don’t look out only for your own interests, but take an interest in others, too."
  3. Share resources with others. Hebrews 13:16 – "And don’t forget to do good and to share with those in need. These are the sacrifices that please God."
  4. Reach out for help. Acts 20:35 – "And I have been a constant example of how you can help those in need by working hard. You should remember the words of the Lord Jesus: 'It is more blessed to give than to receive.'"
  5. Rediscover your faith and stay grounded. Psalm 46:1 – "God is our refuge and strength, always ready to help in times of trouble."
  6. Show appreciation — to other people and to God. In Luke 17, Jesus healed 10 men and one came back to thank him. Be the one person who remembers to be thankful.
  7. Look at the big picture. 2 Corinthians 4:17 – "For our present troubles are small and won’t last very long. Yet they produce for us a glory that vastly outweighs them and will last forever!"
  8. Pray. 1 Thessalonians 5:12-18 – 12 – "Dear brothers and sisters, honor those who are your leaders in the Lord’s work. They work hard among you and give you spiritual guidance. Show them great respect and wholehearted love because of their work. And live peacefully with each other. Brothers and sisters, we urge you to warn those who are lazy. Encourage those who are timid. Take tender care of those who are weak. Be patient with everyone. See that no one pays back evil for evil, but always try to do good to each other and to all people.  Always be joyful. Never stop praying. Be thankful in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you who belong to Christ Jesus."
  9. Encourage someone else. 1 Thessalonians 5:11 – "So encourage each other and build each other up, just as you are already doing."
  10. Do activities that you would do when all is well. Style your hair, put on makeup, dress in professional clothing, exercise, etc. Joshua 1:9 – "Be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid or discouraged. For the Lord your God is with you wherever you go."

Recommended Resources

The Repurposed and Upcycled Life: When God Turns Trash to Treasure book is all about how to change our perspective when life doesn’t go the way we expect. It’s about seeing how God repurposes our attitudes and actions to showcase his glory.

About the book: Through inspiration from God's Word, a generous dose of humor, and everyday examples, discover the joy-filled, hope-rich way of viewing the past, present, and future. (A small group Bible study workbook is also available for this book.

 

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(Please note: books posted here on my blog are purely because I want to share them. Sometimes I receive free copies for review, and other times I purchase the books. Some I get from the library. Either way, any endorsement I offer here on the blog is simply because I want to talk about the book. ) *This post contains affiliate links, meaning, at no additional cost to you, if you click through and make a purchase, I may receive a commission. I sell my ebook via Amazon but I’m also a part of their “Associates” (i.e. affiliate) program which pays a commission on books and any other Amazon products people purchase via my links.

Michelle Rayburn is the author of The Repurposed and Upcycled Life: When God Turns Trash to Treasure, as well as a small group Bible study to accompany the book. Learn more about these and her other books here. A sample chapter of the book and Bible study are available for free download.

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This post contains affiliate links, meaning, at no additional cost to you, if you click through and make a purchase, I may receive a commission. I sell my ebook via Amazon but I’m also a part of their “Associates” (i.e. affiliate) program which pays a commission on books and any other Amazon products people purchase via my links.

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