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Brain science, it turns out, affirms God’s word about joy. Christian psychologist/theologian, Dr. Jim Wilder¹, proposes that we recall ten memories of when we experienced acceptance, felt warmth, had excellent physical health, and experienced joy when we were sharing special moments with others. As I describe such a time, what comes to your mind? It might have been when you were a child. Or maybe, it was what happened this morning when you saw a giant smile on your loved one’s face that exuded, “I am so glad to be with you!” One of mine is summiting Mt. Whitney in perfect weather. The altitude and horizons were “breathtaking.” 

Here’s the assignment. Come up with ten of these memories. Dr. Wilder advises us to give each memory a “nickname” to recall it using just a word or phrase. Then, remember your ten memories three times a day for a month. This only takes about five minutes each time. When you recall a memory, your brain deepens a connection to joy. Joy becomes almost literally “grooved” into your brain! One more very important thing to remember is what Dr. Wilder calls, “Emmanuel Moments.” Every memory you recall that gives you joy is a gift from God, who loves you more than words can express. This is how, as the apostle put it, we rejoice in the Lord always.

Prayer: Our Loving God, You have made us for Yourself. You are so glad to see us! You want to fill our hearts and minds with Your joy. By Your grace may we be a cause of rejoicing in another’s day. Amen

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¹ E. James Wilder, Edward M. Khouri, Chris M. Coursey, Sheila Sutton. Joy Starts Here. Life Model Works. 2021

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