Dwight Fletcher | How do I build resiliency?

Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year! I pray that you will experience the true hope of God in this holiday season. As we look towards 2026, it’s clear that we all need greater resilience. Wherever you are in the world, the one common theme is that hardship is guaranteed. But I don’t want that fact to keep you from having hope for the new year. That’s why I want to spend the next few weeks discussing how to build resilience. Ready?

1. ADJUST YOUR PERSPECTIVE – GOD IS IN CONTROL

When we are going through difficulty, we can forget that God has carried us through every struggle we’ve ever had. Do you realise that you have survived 100 per cent of the days you’ve had before today? But you didn’t do it alone. God was in control then and He is in control now. That’s why believers can say, “ We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed.” (2 Corinthians 4:8-9 NIV).

One key to resiliency is faith in the Lord. Before getting swamped by the situation, get your perspective right by reviewing what God has already done in your life. Stop and praise God. It brings hope back to your life when you can remind yourself of the things He did before and thank Him for it.

As we count our blessings, it helps us see that God’s hand is all over our circumstances. We realise the truth of Romans 8:28 (NLT), “ And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them.” Instead of following the usual trail of negativity, turn to the goodness of God. Let me share some incredible benefits this brings.

a. Praise invites God’s presence in your current circumstance.

Psalm 22:3 (NKJV) says “… You (God) are holy, enthroned in the praises of Israel.” God comes in a special way when you praise. So, even if you don’t feel like it, don’t forget your praise and thanksgiving. His joy will start to counteract the usual depression and anxiety that you might face.

You can praise your way to healing, praise your way to breakthrough, praise your way out of fear. When there is trouble, praise and thanksgiving bring victory because it invites the God of victory into the situation.

b. Giving thanks brings peace.

Philippians 4:6-7 (NLT) promises, “ Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank Him for all h

He has done. Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus.”

This verse gives us the blueprint to peace, and, do you see what it says? We must pray about everything, but thanksgiving must be a significant part of the prayer. There’s nothing wrong with asking for God’s help, but we should also be taking the time to thank God for everything He has done and is doing for us. Your gratitude brings God’s protection and peace over your heart and your mind.

c. Thanksgiving deepens faith.

Keeping a record of God’s past faithfulness gives us a faith boost when we face new difficulty. God’s record of faithfulness is 100 per cent. Our gratitude goes to work informing our faith, reminding us that we have every reason to trust God for the future. Gratitude looks back on the past to thank God and then strengthens your faith to face the coming days with confidence.

So, why don’t we start today? Take a moment and recount the goodness of God in the past to prepare our hearts for whatever the new year will bring.