Horizons — Finding resilience, joy, and our identity in Christ

Finding Resilience, Joy, and Our Identity in Jesus Christ
Rhashell D. Hunter’s Horizons Bible Study
Overview

Overview

Turbulent, chaotic, and changing are words we might use to describe our culture today. Depressed economic forecasts and rapid government restructuring loom in the news as I write this 2025-26 Horizons Bible Study overview. Where do we find resilience, joy and identity in tempestuous times? The Rev. Dr. Rhashell D. Hunter, author of Finding Resilience, Joy and Our Identity in Jesus Christ, takes us through biblical stories and texts to map out the signposts where we can see resilience, joy and identity. Hunter believes that even in times of crisis, trauma and economic troubles, we can experience our lives centered in Christ, our true North, in finding our way.

Resilience

Hunter defines resilience as “the ability to spring back into shape and adapt well in the face of adversity, trauma, tragedy, or stress.” To illustrate resilience, she examines several stories, including Mary Magdalene and Jesus’ temptation in the wilderness.

In the first century, people were known by their town or as the son or daughter of a person. Jesus was called “Jesus of Nazareth” because he came from that city. In looking at Mary Magdalene, we find no corresponding town of Magdala in the first century. Therefore, “Magdalene” must be a title or a nickname. Magdalene can be translated as “tower,” so Mary was probably known as “Mary the Tower.” Jesus cured Mary’s severe mental illness, after which she followed Jesus on the road and was one of the women who provided for Jesus out of her own means. Jesus appeared to her at the empty tomb, and she became the first person to receive the apostolic commission to go and tell others that Jesus had been raised from the dead. Mary is a towering example of a person indebted and devoted to Jesus who shares her knowledge of him. As one who has come from profound illness to her true self, Mary is an example of resilience because of her relationship with Jesus.

After his baptism, the Holy Spirit drives Jesus into the wilderness to be tested by evil. His temptation is to forget that he is the beloved Son who is to do God’s will. Tests that tempt us to forget who and whose we are can show us the depth of our commitment to God and resilience as God strengthens us. For Jesus, his 40 days of fasting in the wilderness forced him to dig deep into his core identity and rely on God alone.

Joy

During the Christmas shopping season, commercials tell us that the gifts we receive and give bring joy. It may be a momentary joy. But Christian joy is something different. Joy, Hunter says, “is sometimes confused with happiness. Christian joy can occur amid difficult situations.” Hunter tells several stories where Christian joy is present in stressful or grief-filled times. When Hunter was a pastor, she visited with a family in the hospital as their loved one was dying. Hunter encouraged each person to say goodbye, and afterward, Hunter wondered if they would be willing to sing any hymns important to their loved one. As they sang, the atmosphere in the room became lighter, with joy mixed with their pain.

Joy comes when a prodigal child comes home, restored to her family. She who was dead to her family is now alive as a beloved daughter. Joy comes from a profound trust in God when someone gives out of poverty, as in the story of the widow with the two coins. Christian joy is rooted in the deep belief that God is good and trustworthy and cares for us throughout our lives.

Identity

Hunter writes that “identity at its core points to our humanity. Our core identity is not found in our titles, in our positions, our spouses, our partners or our possessions. For Christians, our identity is found in Jesus Christ.”

We spend much of our early life learning who others think we are and who we should be. We learn what is important to our parents, extended family, teachers, coaches and friends at church. Yet, what people tell us about ourselves may or may not point us to our core being. When John the Baptist preaches repentance, he asks people to turn away from evil and towards their essential identity in God.

At Jesus’ baptism, God says, “You are my son, the Beloved, with you I am well pleased” (Luke 3:22 and Mark 1:11). In baptism, we proclaim that we are God’s children, that we belong to a larger family of people seeking to follow Christ and that, as God’s children, we can become like Jesus. It is a bold claim in a world clamoring to tell us that we are what we produce, own or achieve. Baptism is a radical act that separates us from the voices that tell us lies. Baptism gives us the truth: we are God’s beloved people. It is a truth that is not always apparent, but one into which we can grow.

As God’s people, we find our identity in Christ and can live as Christ lived. In gratitude and sustained by the Holy Spirit, we can pursue justice, love mercy and walk humbly with God.

You can purchase the PW/Horizons Bible study book through the PC(USA) Church Store.