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Faith: Trust Not in Man, In Whom There is no Hope

“Do not put your trust in princes, Nor in a son of man, in whom there is no help. His spirit departs, he returns to his earth; In that very day his plans perish.” –Psalms 146: 3-4

What is our hope? What hope do we have in this life or in this world? I blog about fitness and health, as we can make the most of the hand we have been dealt in life by wisely cultivating health promoting choices and habits.

These habits may impact how many healthy years we have, economic costs to ourselves and family, and how we feel (our quality of life) during those years. However, at the end of the day, none of us escapes our mortality. So what is our hope?

Will science lead us to a golden age of peace, love, and happiness?

Is our hope in science? Will science and academia lead us to a brave new age of equality, evenly distributed wealth, happiness, health, and peace? If the past is any indication of the future, the answer is a robust “no.”

First of all, science is incapable of providing guidance on morality, such is not within the scope or purpose of science (Carroll, 2010). As Sean Carroll, a theoretical physicist notes:

“The big problems of morality, to state the obvious, come about because the interests of different individuals come into conflict. Even if we somehow agreed perfectly on what constituted the well-being of a single individual — or, more properly, even if we somehow “objectively measured” well-being, whatever that is supposed to mean — it would generically be the case that no achievable configuration of the world provided perfect happiness for everyone” (Carroll, 2010, section 3, para 1).

Carroll goes on to state:

“So how are we to decide how to balance one person’s well-being against another’s? To do this scientifically, we need to be able to make sense of statements like “this person’s well-being is precisely 0.762 times the well-being of that person.” What is that supposed to mean? Do we measure well-being on a linear scale, or is it logarithmic? Do we simply add up the well-beings of every individual person, or do we take the average? And would that be the arithmetic mean, or the geometric mean? Do more individuals with equal well-being each mean greater well-being overall? Who counts as an individual? Do embryos? What about dolphins? Artificially intelligent robots?” (Carroll, 2010, section 3, para 2).

Questions of morality can not be answered in a lab (Image credit: Chokniti Khongchum at Pexels)

Any argument for rights, duties, obligations, and distribution of limited resources is going to encountered by arguments that those rights, duties, obligations, and limited resources are to be extended or allocated elsewhere. Science cannot answer these questions.

Whose rights, what creatures’ rights for that matter, are honored? Animals? Insects? Bacteria? Plants? Artificial intelligence? With rights comes obligations and duties on the part of others. How can science prescribe who has responsibilities and duties and to what cause? Based on what? Based on what’s best for humanity? Says who? What if what is best for humanity is not the best for other species? Besides, how do you define “best” for humanity? Is it quality of life? What is “quality of life”–that means different things to different people.

Can we trust in the “goodness” of humanity?

According to humanists, “Humanism is a democratic and ethical life stance, which affirms that human beings have the right and responsibility to give meaning and shape to their own lives” (BBC, 2009, para 6). That sounds beautiful. However, if human beings have the right and responsibility to give meaning and shape to their own lives…what if that meaning and shape for me means taking your things for myself–by force and violence if necessary? Some people actually find meaning and shape in their lives by harming others. Is that ok, if its “what gives them meaning?”

“Humanism is democratic…” Ok. Majority rules. The norm throughout history has been that the masses of one group, society or nation exploit and take things by force from other weaker nations, other groups of people, or societies. Because the majority within a society hold a certain value at a given moment in time, does that mean that such a value is “right?” How can humanism differentiate between what one democratic society or group of people “wants” and another democratic society or group of people wants when both societies are in conflict with one another?

Are humans “basically good?” Can we trust in the goodness of humanity to eventually “figure it out?” To usher in an age of utopia, equality in rights and resource distribution, environmental subsistence, and sentient-being equanimity? The past strongly suggests otherwise.

Many people think the Nazi movement was an exception in history, a freak occurrence where the worst conditions imaginable conspired together to create a singular example of the darkest potential held within human capabilities. However, a quick study of history tells you that such dark horrors are not the exception for human movements–instead, they are common and have occurred both before and after World War II. In fact, mass extortion and genocide occurred throughout known history.

As noted by anthropologist and author Jared Diamond:

“The cruel reality is that there have been lots of genocides since the end of World War II, a couple of them topping 1 million and quite a few topping 100,000. That’s because we’ve got this false view that genocide is something that’s done by rare, crazy people like the Nazis. And the fact is that it is a widespread phenomenon in human history, that lots of people have done under various circumstances” (Diamond as cited in Venables, 2013, para 5).

green helicopter near big fire — Genocide, war, extortion–these are not the exceptions but the norm in our human history (Image credit: Chandler Cruttenden)

Can we trust in large groups of humans working together for a common cause to do the right thing? Our common humanity and history suggests we absolutely can not. What seems “right” (such as vengeance or justice or some other rationalized justification) to one group at one given point in time frequently is reflected upon as an atrocity by other groups.

Academia: Can we trust in our elite, enlightened minds? Our “best and brightest?”

The professors, those in academia, who devote their lives to garnering knowledge concerning science, ethics, religion, and history among other disciplines…perhaps these highly educated, wise instructors can guide ourselves and our youth to a brighter world. Certainly, they see themselves as responsible for doing such–in the U.S., many universities see themselves at the forefront of social justice movements and as the new providers of instruction in modern, secular morality. Here too, lessons from the recent past can provide instruction and warning for the future.

In the book Mao: The Unknown Story (Chang & Halliday, 2006), the rise of communism in China is traced from its early roots, through the communist revolution, the following culture wars and up to the time of Mao’s passing. During the social revolution of China, more than 70 million Chinese perished due to war, starvation, and orchestrated genocide. Mao Tse Tung, eventual ruler of the Communist party in China during its rise, first encountered its Marxism-Leninism teachings, principles, and tenets as a professor at Peking University. Among university students and professors across China, communism principles imported mainly from the Soviet Union found fertile soil (Chang & Halliday, 2006). By the time many of the students who signed up as foot soldiers for the revolution were able to see the principles play out in real life across China, the movement was too strong and well-armed to leave it or stop it.

cars parked in front of red and brown building — Over 70 Million perished as Mao Tse Tung implemented his “enlightened” principles (Image credit: Nick Fewings)

Pol Pot, the communist dictator of Cambodia during its revolution and responsible for over 1.5-2 million deaths in Cambodia due to genocide, starvation, and war, encountered Marxism-Leninism while in Paris on a scholarship. Himself educated at elite schools and later a teacher at a private school, he sought to employ the communist principles in his home country of Cambodia (History.com, 2018). Imagine how shocked I was during my Bachelor’s program when my own university had required readings that were: openly sympathetic to Marxism, posed considerations about the ethics and pros/ cons of “post-birth abortion,”–meaning the child has been born already and is then killed, showed sympathy for China’s violently enforced 1-child policy, promoted moral relativism “what is wrong for me is not necessarily wrong for you” and “who are we to say what is right, or what is wrong” among other stunning “high brow” concepts.

Who are we to judge–oh really? Can we at least agree genocide, starvation, and death of 60 million people is wrong no matter the culture? Indeed, it was the “enlightened” classes of academics, philosophers, and the highly educated that stoked the fires of the French (Schama, 1989) and the Russian Revolution (Duncan, 2020) through manipulation of the population. Like in China and Cambodia, those that were supposed to benefit from such revolutions often paid the highest price.

Rather than freedom or equality, terror and tyranny ensued in the years that followed these revolutions. To be clear, none of these places were social utopias prior to the revolutions, and many of the grievances of the population were often real and justifiable. However, the enlightened minds of Russia, France, Cambodia, China, and many nations led the populations into horror, death, and despair on unimaginable scales when implementing their “educated” philosophies.

Can we trust organized religion?

“Jesus answered, “My kingdom is not of this world. If My kingdom were of this world, My servants would fight, so that I should not be delivered to the Jews; but now My kingdom is not from here.” (John 18: 36, NKJV)

It seems the Catholic Church has been doing a lot of apologizing lately. From the infamous plague of pedophilia and coverups to despicable complacency, and in some cases, facilitation of murder during the Rwandan Genocide (Carmody, n.d.), the Church has a prolonged history of cruelty, torture, murder, political intrigue, cover up, and other atrocities. And such is not just limited to the Catholic Church. Indeed, churches in the north ,and churches in the south during America’s Civil War encouraged Christians to kill each other along with other population groups in their “service to God.” The same has played out throughout history across the globe.

skull digital wallpaper — Organized religion has often been either complicit with or even an active promoter and perpetrator of atrocities (Image credit: Malcolm Lightbody)

Many churches purposefully ignore Christ’s example and teachings. Christ himself grew up under the thumb of the Roman Dictatorship. He did not raise up a rebellion against Rome. Nor did he attempt to overthrow the corrupt leadership of the Jewish leaders of his day. He rejected attempts to make him king (John 6:15). He famously replied when asked about paying taxes to the oppressive Roman government “Render to Caesar the things that are Caesar’s, and to God the things that are God’s” (Mark 12:17; NKJV).

Frequently, leaders of churches forget that “…our citizenship is in heaven. And we eagerly await a Savior from there, the Lord Jesus Christ.” (Phil 3: 20; NKJV). This is despite the examples of Christ and Paul (among many others in the scriptures) who saw themselves as in the world but not of the world, who saw their kingdom as not one of politics but of a separate, heavenly nature. Churches and church leaders see fit to take political stances that when reviewed after the fact frequently throughout history, facilitate tragedies and travesties. Indeed, the world will wage its wars, run its revolts and revolutions, claim its many righteous causes to justify horrors. This will never change in this age. We are to follow Christ and use our talents to help others while remembering “If ye were of the world, the world would love his own: but because ye are not of the world, but I have chosen you out of the world, therefore the world hateth you.” (John 15:19, KJV).

In whom do we trust?

“The LORD is my strength and my shield; in him my heart trusts, and I am helped; my heart exults, and with my song I give thanks to him.” (Ps 28: 7; NKJV)

If you say, “I trust in myself,” I ask you to reflect how many times your desires have led you down a path you later regretted? As Christ teaches: “But those things which proceed out of the mouth come from the heart, and they defile a man. For out of the heart proceed evil thoughts, murders, adulteries, fornications, thefts, false witness, blasphemies. These are the things which defile a man, but to eat with unwashed hands does not defile a man.” (Matt 15: 19-20)

Instead, our duty in this life is summarized by Christ: “‘You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind.’ This is the first and great commandment. And the second is like it: ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’ On these two commandments hang all the Law and the Prophets” (Matt 22: 37-40; NKJV).

What if that means hardship? As Paul notes, following Christ is NEVER a guarantee of an easy life: “Are they servants of Christ? (I am out of my mind to talk like this.) I am more. I have worked much harder, been in prison more frequently, been flogged more severely, and been exposed to death again and again. ²⁴Five times I received from the Jews the forty lashes minus one. ²⁵

cross stand under purple and blue sky — “And yet I show you a more excellent way.” I Cor 12: 31 (Image credit: Aaron Burden)

“Three times I was beaten with rods, once I was pelted with stones, three times I was shipwrecked, I spent a night and a day in the open sea, ²⁶I have been constantly on the move. I have been in danger from rivers, in danger from bandits, in danger from my fellow Jews, in danger from Gentiles; in danger in the city, in danger in the country, in danger at sea; and in danger from false believers. ²⁷I have labored and toiled and have often gone without sleep; I have known hunger and thirst and have often gone without food; I have been cold and naked. ²⁸Besides everything else, I face daily the pressure of my concern for all the churches. ²⁹Who is weak, and I do not feel weak? Who is led into sin, and I do not inwardly burn? (2 Cor 11: 23-29; NKJV)

And yet, Paul also tells us: “Not that I speak in regard to need, for I have learned in whatever state I am, to be content: ¹²I know how to be abased, and I know how to abound. Everywhere and in all things I have learned both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need. ¹³I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” (Phillipians 4: 11-13, NKJV)

Indeed, a duty to learn His ways, His commandments, to learn about His truths and works, to teach others, and to put these things into action to help others–such are the examples left to us by Christ and His disciples. Then, on that day of our inevitable death, we hope to hear ‘Come, you blessed of My Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world: for I was hungry and you gave Me food; I was thirsty and you gave Me drink; I was a stranger and you took Me in; I was naked and you clothed Me; I was sick and you visited Me; I was in prison and you came to Me.’ (Matt 25: 34-36; NKJV).

Thanks for reading, I hope you enjoyed!!! Feel free to leave a comment, or sign up for e-mail to receive notice whenever I release a new post!

References

BBC. (2009). Humanism. Retrieved from https://www.bbc.co.uk/religion/religions/atheism/types/humanism.shtml

Carmody, E. (n.d.). The Catholic Church, the Rwandan genocide, and reconciliation. Retrieved from https://www.avila.edu/_userfiles/Education/Fulbright-Hays%20Project/Educator%20Microsite/Special%20Topic%20Presentations/The_Catholic_Church_and_the_Rwan.pdf

Carroll, S. (2010). Science And morality: You can’t derive ‘ought’ from ‘is.’ Retrieved from https://www.npr.org/sections/13.7/2010/05/04/126504492/you-can-t-derive-ought-from-is

Chang, J. & Halliday, J. (2006). Mao: The unknown story. New York, NY: Random House, Inc

Duncan, M. (2020). Revolutions podcast: Season 10: The Russion Revolution [Pod cast]. https://www.revolutionspodcast.com/

History.com. (2018). Pol Pot. Retrieved from https://www.history.com/topics/cold-war/pol-pot

Schama, S. (1989). Citizens: A Chronicle of the French Revolution. New York, NY: Random House

Venables, M. (2013). Jared Diamond on traditional society, warfare And eschewing technology plus updated commentary. Retrieved from https://www.forbes.com/sites/michaelvenables/2013/02/12/jared-diamond-and-updated-commentary/#277cb9742bf5

Overcome Stress with Science & Scriptures!

Faith, Health, and Evidence

Are the keys to resilience against stress found in the teachings of the scriptures? (Image credit: Josh Sorenson at Pexels)

If God is real, and if the scriptures are truly the word of God, shouldn’t the scriptures be filled with tips to help us navigate our sometimes stressful and challenging lives? If such tips are provided, would it be reasonable to believe that such tips would hold up under scientific scrutiny? This post explores the concept of stress, the science of building resilience against stress, and related scripture teachings. For a more thorough discussion of the science of resilience, I examine current research in my post “Resilience Against Stress: Genetics or Lifestyle?”

Stress in our modern era

Our ancestors crossed oceans in wooden vessels, fought in trenches, forests and fields, suffered persecution, famine, plagues, and natural and man made disasters throughout history. Obviously, stress is nothing new. In our modern era, the American Psychological Association (APA, 2019) notes reported stress sources among Americans to be related to health care and costs, fears of mass shootings, concerns about the climate, political future uncertainties, and economic future uncertainties.

In the workplace, personality, personal resources and job characteristics interact to determine the level of emotional exhaustion experienced by workers (Parent-Lamarche, & Marchand, 2018). Long hours, low levels of control over one’s work environment, lack of supervisor support, having neurotic personality traits (characterized by fear, anxiety, irritability, insecurity, impulsivity), introversion and lack of social connections are associated with increased emotional exhaustion (Parent-Lamarche, & Marchand, 2018). According to a Gallup study published in 2018, more than 1 in 5 workers report feeling burned out “very often” or “always” at work (Wigert, & Agrawal, 2018). Nearly half of the 7,500 full time employees surveyed reported feeling burnt out “sometimes” at work.

So stress and a sense of burnout are highly prevalent in our modern era. Many of our stressors are beyond our control. How many of us can control the economic and political future of our nation? A sense of job burnout is common among many workers. If we can’t escape the stresses of life, how can we build resilience against these stressors?

One in five full time workers feel “burnt out” most or all the time, while nearly half of workers feel burnt out at least sometimes (Image credit: energepic.com at Pexels)

Resilience: What is it?

Resilience is described by researchers as the ability to experience significant negative, stressful circumstances, yet maintaining a sense of well being, and preserving health and successful functioning in spite of these circumstances (Goodman, Disabato, Kashdan, & Machell, 2017). Early on, researchers believed resilience to be an inherited personality trait. These perspectives have shifted now as further studies have demonstrated individuals may demonstrate resilience at one time or circumstance, yet lack resilience at a different time or in different circumstances (Goodman et al., 2017).

Rather than an inheritable personality trait beyond our control, resilience is now viewed as the overcoming of a particular stress through a combination of personality traits, resources available to the person under stress, and the nature of the stress (Goodman et al., 2017). In other words, if a person reinforces various personality strengths and enhances their available resources, these in turn can help them overcome greater amounts of stress with less negative impact to their health and sense of well being.

Can we all become Navy Seals? Obviously not. Some aspects of resilience and mental “toughness” are attributable to inherited traits (Goodman et al., 2017). However, many aspects of resilience ARE within our control, allowing each of us the opportunity to foster greater resilience against stress in our lives.

A great book on the science of resilience can be purchased here.

Keys to resilience are found in the scriptures

Scientists are beginning to unlock the keys to human resilience. We can’t control our genetics (though research is indicating we can influence how our genes are activated, inactivated and expressed) (Alegría-Torres, Baccarelli, & Bollati, 2011). As adults, our formative childhood years are behind us. Depending on our career choice, exposure to high stress in the workplace may be unavoidable. Finally, life itself is filled with uncertainty. We are all bound to experience loss and health challenges with ourselves and loved ones at some point. We can’t change these realities. We can however use scriptural principles, backed by science, to build our resilience to stress.

NOTE: the following segment describe scriptures that provide tools for resilience, NOT immunity against mental illness. While many church groups readily embrace the reality of genetic illnesses, heart disease, cancer and other illnesses, they fail to recognize in practice that our brains and thoughts are also influenced by organic, genetic, biological and chemical processes. A great article on the need for church members and leaders to embrace concepts around mental health treatment and support can be found in the article “The church is uninformed when it comes to mental illness and why that’s insane” (Carter, 2020).

Resilience builder: Hope and optimism

Optimism is characterized by a belief that good things will occur in the future, a true hope for better things, with a belief that such is possible (Terte, Stephens, & Huddleston, 2014). Optimism is a trait that can be practiced, learned and is associated with resilience against stress as well as improved overall mental and physical health (Terte et al., 2014). In fact, a sense of hope was found to be the largest factor predicting resilience in an international study of nearly 800 adults analyzing factors of resilience and reactions to adverse life events (Goodman et al., 2017). For me, scriptures offer the best source of optimism.

Optimism and hope: powerful tools of resilience fostered by the scriptures (Image credit: Matheus Bertelli at Pexels)

All of us age (if we are fortunate enough to escape a premature death), all of us will encounter changes in our health and wellness. Wealth and success can’t change these unavoidable truths. Scriptures offer us a hope in this life and after death.

Scriptures that foster optimism and hope

Anyone familiar with the scriptures knows they do not promise us a life of ease and comfort. Instead, we are instructed that suffering is an expected part of life. However, the scriptures abound with hope and, ultimately, deliverance from sorrows.

“But the God of all grace, who hath called us unto his eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after that ye have suffered a while, make you perfect, stablish, strengthen, settle you.” (1 Peter 5:10, KJV).

“But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint.” (Isaiah 40:31, KJV).

“The righteous cry out, and the Lord hears, and delivers them out of all their troubles. The Lord is near to those who have a broken heart,and saves such as have a contrite spirit. Many are the afflictions of the righteous, but the Lord delivers him out of them all. He guards all his bones; not one of them is broken. Evil shall slay the wicked, and those who hate the righteous shall be condemned. The Lord redeems the soul of his servants, and none of those who trust in Him shall be condemned.” (Psalms 34: 17-22, NKJV).

“For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind. Therefore do not be ashamed of the testimony of our Lord, nor of me His prisoner, but share with me in the sufferings for the gospel according to the power of God, who has saved us and called us with a holy calling, not according to our works, but according to His own purpose and grace which was given to us in Christ Jesus before time began, but has now been revealed by the appearing of our Savior Jesus Christ, who has abolished death and brought life and immortality to light through the gospel,” (1 Tim 1: 7-10, NKJV)

“Brethren, I do not count myself to have apprehended; but one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forward to those things which are ahead, I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.” (Philippeans 3: 13-14)

Paul teaches “…forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forward to those things which are ahead…” (Philippeans 3: 13-14) (Image Credit: Samuel Silitonga at Pexels)

The above are just a small sampling of a tremendous number of scriptures that offer hope and deliverance in the face of sorrow, and ultimately, in the face of death. True optimism does not deny the existence of sorrow, rather, it looks for a path through the sorrow and towards a future, better state here and beyond. Routine readings and meditation on such scriptures can embed them in our conscious and impact our thinking during difficult times. As Proverbs 23:7 (NKJV) states: “For as he thinks in his heart, so is he…” For more scriptures on hope, click here.

Resilience builder: A bias towards positivity

Researchers have noted people who demonstrate resilience are more likely to have a disposition for viewing life with a positive perspective (Li, Eschenauer, & Persaud, 2018). Similar to optimism, a bias or inclination towards positive perspectives can be fostered through intentional practice (Southwick & Charney, 2012). By CONSCIOUSLY choosing to focus on positive occurrences, even if small, as opposed to ruminating continually on negative thoughts, research shows a person can actually change a pessimistic bias to one of positivity (Southwick & Charney, 2012).

Scriptures that encourage a positive bias

“Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy—meditate on these things. The things which you learned and received and heard and saw in me, these do, and the God of peace will be with you.” (Philippeans 4: 6-8, NKJV)

“My son, do not forget my law, but let your heart keep my commands; For length of days and long life and peace they will add to you. Let not mercy and truth forsake you; Bind them around your neck, write them on the tablet of your heart, and so find favor and high esteem in the sight of God and man.” (Proverbs 3: 1-4, NKJV)

“And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God” (Romans 12: 2, NKJV)

“Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. Do not quench the Spirit. Do not despise prophecies. Test all things; hold fast what is good. Abstain from every form of evil” (1 Thess 5: 16-22, NKJV)

Mercy, truth, dwelling on things that are pure, lovely, of good report, virtuous and praiseworthy, transforming and renewing your mind…this advice was provided by Paul and other authors in the scriptures. Paul was no stranger to hardship–facing beatings, attempts on his life, imprisonment, defamation and ultimately, martyrdom. However, Paul provides tips on resilience that sustained him and as we now know, are supported by science conducted on resilience.

“Not that I speak in regard to need, for I have learned in whatever state I am, to be content: I know how to be abased, and I know how to abound. Everywhere and in all things I have learned both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need. I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” (Philippians 4: 11-13, NKJV)

“…for I have learned in whatever state I am, to be content: I know how to be abased, and I know how to abound.” (Phil 4: 11-12) (Image Credit: Pixabay at Pexels)

The above passage is essentially the very definition of resilience!!! For more verses on harnessing a positive mind frame, click here.

Resilience builder: Helping others, purpose and social support

Research has demonstrated that when people feel like they are making a contribution to society, they experience lower amounts of psychological distress (Ozaki, Motohashi, Kaneko, & Fujita, 2012). Warm, mutually supportive social relationships have repeatedly been linked to better function of the immune system, cardiac function, and reductions in various chronic or stress related illnesses (Lee & Dik, 2017; Post, 2005; Southwick& Charney, 2012). Research of similar groups of people matched for various demographic factors noted that those who volunteered spent less days in the hospital, experienced less physical symptoms of illness and had lower reports of depression and anxiety (Post, 2005). Biologic mechanisms that may explain the apparent improved health status for those cultivating supportive and positive relationships involve reductions in stress hormones and byproducts that otherwise increase the rate of biologic aging (Post, 2005).

Scriptures that encourage altruism, provide purpose and encourage social support

“So let each one give as he purposes in his heart, not grudgingly or of necessity; for God loves a cheerful giver. And God is able to make all grace abound toward you, that you, always having all sufficiency in all things, may have an abundance for every good work” (2 Cor 9: 7-9, NKJV).

Note: the scriptures here do not advocate forced giving, but giving according to as each person chooses and feels led to in their heart. Further, the scriptures instruct followers to give to those who truly need it. This is something many Christians seem to forget in my view–donating to wealthy mega-pastors and palace-like buildings as opposed to the poor.

“For the poor will never cease from the land; therefore I command you, saying, ‘You shall open your hand wide to your brother, to your poor and your needy, in your land” (Deut 15: 11, NKJV)

“Let him who stole steal no longer, but rather let him labor, working with his hands what is good, that he may have something to give him who has need.” (Eph 4:28, NKJV)

The above passage is really interesting. Criminal behavior is to be replaced with purpose driven honest labor and effort…with the intent of producing so as to be able to then help others. Purposeguides.org (n.d.) explores this very concept, citing research finding that providing job skills to prisoners results in lower re-incarceration rates. Along with job skills, former prisoners cite a newfound sense of purpose as being major driver for them in achieving a new successful life after prison.

“Bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ” (Gal 6: 2, NKJV)

“Therefore if there is any consolation in Christ, if any comfort of love, if any fellowship of the Spirit, if any affection and mercy, fulfill my joy by being like-minded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind. Let nothing be done through selfish ambition or conceit, but in lowliness of mind let each esteem others better than himself. Let each of you look out not only for his own interests, but also for the interests of others.” (Phil 2: 1-4, NKJV)

Living for short term fixes and selfish gains leaves behind a trail of emptiness, sorrow and brokenness. Working, producing, and providing for others in need on the other hand contributes to a sense of purpose. Here again, principles taught in the scriptures play out in science and life to the benefit of adherents to these principles. For more scriptures on helping others, click here.

Resilience builder: Quietness, contemplation, meditation

Mindfulness meditation, yogic meditation, relaxation exercises and other forms of quiet contemplation have been shown to produce changes in brain structures correlating to reductions in feelings of anxiety and psychological distress (Singleton, Hölzel, Vangel, Brach, Carmody, & Lazar, 2014; Snijders et al., 2018). Research showing positive impacts of meditation on mental and physical health is noted to lack consistency in terms of what method is used, but the results on mental and physical well being tend to be consistently promising (Snijders et al., 2018). In other words, it appears various forms of meditation produce mental and physical health benefits. Christians are often suspicious of meditation, concerned that such practices demonstrate embracing of non-Christian religions or philosophies.

Having practiced mindfulness meditation, in my view the practice is helpful in producing a state of relaxation and slowing down racing thoughts. As a philosophy, however, in my opinion it comes up empty in that it offers no real hope for the future. “Focus on the breath, return to the breath, you always have the breath…” This is true, until you don’t.

We all face our mortality at one point or another. Mindfulness offers little promise for when we face the other side of this life. Mindfulness proponents and practitioners frequently advocate for a spirit of loving kindness and compassion, but fall short on the “why” behind why we should do such. Further, with such a focus on strictly the present, a sense of purpose, a desire to make a difference, to look for a better, brighter future in this life or the next (optimism)–these aspects of resilience in my view are undermined.

Mindful meditation can be relaxing, but without the promises of the scriptures, the philosophy can feel empty and hollow (Image credit: Spencer Selover at Pexels)

As noted, I do find mindfulness meditation relaxing, just inadequate on its own. Christians, fortunately, do not have to ignore the benefits of quiet reflection, prayerful meditation, and appreciation of God’s creation and its beauty. In fact, meditation and reflection–when layered onto the belief of an accessible Creator, with the presence of hope, purposeful labor, and a belief in the final deliverance from the sorrows of life–can be quite soothing.

Scriptures that encourage quiet reflection, contemplation and meditation

“And Isaac went out to meditate in the field in the evening; and he lifted his eyes and looked, and there, the camels were coming. Then Rebekah lifted her eyes, and when she saw Isaac she dismounted from her camel; for she had said to the servant, “Who is this man walking in the field to meet us?” (Genesis 24: 63-65, NKJV)

“This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate in it day and night, that you may observe to do according to all that is written in it. For then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have good success.” (Joshua 1: 8; NKJV)

“Be angry, and do not sin. Meditate within your heart on your bed, and be still.” (Psalms 4: 4, NKJV)

“I remember the days of old; I meditate on all Your works; I muse on the work of Your hands.” (Psalms 143: 5, NKJV)

Christ, during his time of distress prior to his crucifixion spent time in prayer in the natural settings of the Garden of Gethsemane as recounted in Matthew 26: 36-46. In Matthew 14: 22-23, he separates himself from the crowds to pray on a mountainside alone.

“He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters, he restores my soul; he leads me in the paths of righteousness for the sake of His name” (Psalms 23: 2-3, NKJV).

“He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters, he restores my soul;” (Psalms 23: 2-3, NKJV) (Image credit: James Wheeler at Pexels)

“Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4: 6-7, NKJV)

“On the Sabbath we went outside the city gate to the river, where we expected to find a place of prayer…” (Acts 16: 13, NKJV)

The above verses show believers and Christ himself contemplating God in natural settings of beauty. Prayer, silence, meditation, reflection, thankfulness, requests to God and the peace of God are discussed as a way of life for followers of Christ and the scriptures. Indeed, such reflections offer a more rich tapestry of contemplation than mindfulness meditation alone.

Resilience tool: Self care and moderation

A healthy diet that is heavily plant based has been found to reduce psychological distress and have protective effects against anxiety and depression, as explored in my post Anxiety, Depression, and Diet Connections — Current Evidence. Optimistic and resilient people have been noted to avoid excesses and destructive tools of coping, such as excessive alcohol intake and smoking (Terte et al., 2014). Fascinating research around neuropeptides show that a neuropeptide associated with lower levels of anxiety is suppressed in the presence of hormones released from white fat cells, while it raises during fasting states (Comeras, Herzog, & Tasan, 2019). Finally, physical exercise and fitness have been found to be protective against psychological distress and to improve a person’s sense of well being (Elkington, Cassar, Nelson, & Levinger, 2017).

Principles of moderation and self care can be found throughout the scriptures. Indeed, poor self care and poor coping mechanisms such as smoking and excessive alcohol consumption promote inflammation. Inflammation, in turn can impact stress susceptibility and promote distressing symptoms of anxiety and depression (Lai, Hiles, Bisquera, Hure, McEvoy, & Attia, 2014; Snijders et al., 2018). Interestingly, here again, science backs the scriptural teachings of moderation which in turn, can support resilience.

Scriptures that encourage self care and moderation

“A righteous man who falters before the wicked is like a murky spring and a polluted well. It is not good to eat much honey; so to seek one’s own glory is not glory. Whoever has no rule over his own spirit is like a city broken down, without walls.” (Proverbs 25:26-28, NKJV)

“And everyone who competes for the prize is temperate in all things. Now they do it to obtain a perishable crown, but we for an imperishable crown.” (1 Cor 9:25, NKJV)

“For bodily exercise profits a little, but godliness is profitable for all things, having promise of the life that now is and of that which is to come.” (1 Timothy 4: 8, NKJV)

“Wine is a mocker, strong drink is a brawler, and whoever is led astray by it is not wise.” (Proverbs 20: 1; NKJV)

“And everyone who competes for the prize is temperate in all things.” (1 Cor 9:25, NKJV) (Image Credit: Pixabay at Pexels)

“Do not mix with winebibbers, or with gluttonous eaters of meat;for the drunkard and the glutton will come to poverty, and drowsiness will clothe a man with rags.” (Proverbs 23: 20-21, NKJV)

It should be noted that the scriptures warn against the abuse of wine, not against the consumption of wine, as noted by the fact that Christ drank wine as did his disciples, along with scriptures that speak positively of wine, such as the following: “He causes the grass to grow for the cattle, and vegetation for the service of man, that he may bring forth food from the earth, and wine that makes glad the heart of man, oil to make his face shine, and bread which strengthens man’s heart” (Psalms 104: 15, NKJV).

“Flee sexual immorality. Every sin that a man does is outside the body, but he who commits sexual immorality sins against his own body. Or do you not know that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you, whom you have from God, and you are not your own? For you were bought at a price; therefore glorify God in your body and in your spirit, which are God’s.” (1 Corinthians 6: 18-20, NKJV)

“For a bishop must be blameless, as a steward of God, not self-willed, not quick-tempered, not given to wine, not violent, not greedy for money, but hospitable, a lover of what is good, sober-minded, just, holy, self-controlled, holding fast the faithful word as he has been taught…” (Titus 1: 7-9, NKJV)

“My son, give attention to my words; Incline your ear to my sayings. Do not let them depart from your eyes; Keep them in the midst of your heart; For they are life to those who find them, and health to all their flesh.” (Prov 4: 20-22, NKJV)

Summary

The scriptures are themselves resilient, having survived the passage of time and distance. Indeed, originating in early Mesopotamia thousands of years ago, the scriptures have survived numerous attempts by various nations, rulers and peoples to undermine or destroy them. Despite this, they are widely taught and read around the world.

Perhaps a reason for their timeless survival and ongoing appeal are the universal truths contained within these sayings. Truths that encourage a lifestyle and mindset that help people weather the storms of life. Hope, salvation, moderation, appreciation of the things that are good no matter how small, fellowship, quiet reflection, purpose, bringing ease and comfort to others through the labors of your own hands, and ultimately…deliverance–these are the timeless tools of resilience.

Thanks for reading!! I hope you enjoyed this post! Feel free to leave a comment below or sign up to receive email notifications when I post new articles! -Donovan

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