My first thoughts this morning turned heavenward when I saw this glorious sunrise. It was as if our awesome Creator gave us a glimpse through a window in the sky to a more celestial space. It filled me with joy to imagine that eye has not seen nor ear heard, nor human mind conceived what God has prepared for those who love Him (1 Cor. 2:9). How blessed we are to be loved and pursued by God!
I took a few moments to look at the sky and dwell in the love of God. At a conference in September, I learned that meditating daily on God’s love can do amazing things for our health and wellness. Many of the speakers had quoted on an impressive study done on participants 65 and older who were asked to spend 12 minutes per day of meditating on God’s love. After 30 days of doing this, the results could be physically seen and measured on a brain scan! There was more blood flowing in the frontal lobe, where the higher mental functions are processed – judgement, emotional expression, planning, concentration, creativity and inhibition.
I found it fascinating that it could be physically measured, yet why should that be surprising? It is a great way of abiding in Him and being connected to the full nourishment of the Vine.
If you find it hard to meditate (does your mind wander like mine does?), here are some ways to help stay focused:
- Read even a short passage of scripture and think about how it shows God’s love. Mull it over and think about why it was included in the Bible.
- Talk to a Christian friend about how God is working in your life and theirs. Replay those moments when your prayer was answered or you felt guided to a certain action. These conversations are so important in reinforcing one another’s faith, and giving glory to God. Find friends (or family) who will engage in this type of conversation with you.
- Start a gratitude journal – I number mine and confine each blessing to one line each: glorious sunrise, asked my opinion, unexpected hug, coffee in the morning, hearing a crane bugle… Train yourself to be observant about the small blessings in your life each day. Thank God for loving you with these expressions.
- Play a few worship songs. Think deeply about what the words mean. Express your love to God when you grasp His love for you. (How sweet it is that my commute to work is 12 minutes and I always listen to KLOVE on the way in!)
- Revisit any of these items the last thing before you go to sleep. That way if you wake up with anxious thoughts, you can draw on a song you heard (You’re a good, good Father…) or a scripture you read (no eye has seen nor ear heard what God has prepared…) or a prayer answered... to remind you of God's love for you.
Try finding your own ways of meditating on God’s love and reap the benefits of a healthier brain and lifestyle. I pray that you grasp how wide and how long and how high and how deep is His love for you! (Eph. 3:18).
***God and Your Brain, a seminar by Dr. Timothy R. Jennings, is available online and on DVD (free, including shipping) at the Come and Reason Ministries website.
