from A Heart Like God's series
Hope is a choice rooted in God’s unchanging Word. As you choose hope, you will see life through the eyes of faith, recognizing the possibilities God has prepared for you. Neuroscientific research on hope and positive expectation involves exploring how the brain processes these concepts and the impact they have on mental health, physical well-being, and faith.
A Heart Like God's: Embracing the New Spiritual Heart
In this exploration of hope, we delve into the profound concept of having a heart like God’s. This isn’t just a metaphorical idea—it’s a transformative reality that is central to the New Covenant. God promises us a new heart, one that is aligned with His will and purposes, and this promise is one of the great miracles we experience as believers.
The Promise of a New Heart
The Bible clearly articulates this promise in Ezekiel 36:26: "I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit within you; I will take the heart of stone out of your flesh." This passage highlights the depth of God’s commitment to our transformation. It’s not merely a surface-level change; God performs a spiritual circumcision, removing the old, hardened heart and replacing it with a new, soft heart that is responsive to His Spirit. This is reiterated in Colossians 2, where Paul describes a "circumcision performed without hands." This spiritual surgery removes our sinful nature, allowing us to be fully alive in Christ.
As believers, we can declare with confidence, "I’m alive in Christ!" This isn’t just a statement; it’s a reality that shapes how we live and perceive the world. With this new heart, we have a renewed capacity to believe and trust in God’s promises. It’s with this heart that we "believe unto righteousness" (Romans 10:10), and it’s through this heart that we experience the fullness of our new identity in Christ.
The Physical and Spiritual Heart Transplant: A Profound Parallel
The concept of a heart transplant offers a powerful parallel to the spiritual transformation we experience as Christians. In the medical world, heart transplants are miraculous events where a recipient receives a new heart, often leading to dramatic changes in their life. What’s fascinating is that in some cases, heart transplant recipients report taking on characteristics, preferences, and even memories of their donors. This phenomenon, while still being explored by science, mirrors the spiritual truth that when God gives us a new heart, we begin to take on the traits and desires that align with His will.
For example, there are documented cases where a heart transplant recipient suddenly develops new tastes, such as a newfound love for certain foods or hobbies that were previously foreign to them. In one particularly striking instance, a young girl who received the heart of another child began having vivid dreams that ultimately led to the identification of the donor’s murderer. While these stories are fascinating in their own right, they also serve as a metaphor for the profound changes that occur within us when God gives us a new heart. Our desires, our motivations, and even our thoughts begin to align more closely with God’s purposes, as His Spirit works within us.
The Role of Hope in Shaping Our New Heart
Hope plays a crucial role in shaping and sustaining this new heart that God has given us. Romans 8:24 tells us, "For in this hope we are saved." This hope isn’t based on what we can see with our physical eyes; it’s a confident expectation rooted in the unseen promises of God. When we anchor our hope in God’s Word, we begin to train our hearts to recognize His influence and work in our lives. Our thoughts, beliefs, and responses are programmed by what we focus on, and hope is the key to maintaining a positive and faith-filled outlook, even in the midst of challenging circumstances.
The Science of Hope: How It Transforms Us Physically and Spiritually
Recent advances in neuroscience offer intriguing insights into how hope can actually reshape our brains and bodies. The brain regions involved in hope, such as the prefrontal cortex and the anterior cingulate cortex, play critical roles in planning, motivation, and emotion regulation. When we focus on hope, these areas of the brain are activated, helping us to maintain a positive outlook and engage in goal-directed behavior. This has a direct impact on our mental and physical health, reducing stress, improving immune function, and even increasing our tolerance for pain.
This scientific understanding aligns with what Scripture has been telling us all along. Proverbs 4:23 advises us to "guard your heart above all else, for it determines the course of your life." The heart, both in its physical and spiritual aspects, is central to our well-being. As we focus on hope and the promises of God, our entire being—body, mind, and spirit—becomes more aligned with His will, enabling us to live out our faith more fully.
The Reticular Activating System: Filtering Our Thoughts Through Hope
One of the most fascinating aspects of how our brains work is the role of the reticular activating system (RAS). The RAS is a bundle of nerves at the top of your spinal column that acts as a filter for the information we process. It prioritizes information based on what we focus on, meaning that if we focus on negative thoughts or fears, that’s what our brain will filter for. Conversely, if we focus on hope and God’s promises, the RAS will filter in positive stimuli, helping us to recognize opportunities and possibilities that align with a hopeful outlook.
This selective attention can create a positive feedback loop, where our hopeful thinking is reinforced by our brain’s filtering system. This isn’t just about positive thinking; it’s about actively choosing to focus on the truth of God’s Word and allowing that to shape our perception of reality. As Romans 12:2 encourages us, "Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind." This transformation is a process that involves renewing our thoughts and allowing God’s truth to reprogram our minds and hearts.
Neuroplasticity: Rewiring Our Hearts and Minds
Neuroplasticity, the brain’s ability to reorganize itself by forming new neural connections, is another area where science supports the biblical concept of transformation. When we consistently focus on God’s Word and His promises, we are literally rewiring our brains to respond in faith rather than fear. This process can change the way we think, feel, and act, allowing us to develop new patterns of thought that are aligned with God’s will.
This concept extends to our physical hearts as well. The heart has neurons that can be influenced by our thoughts and emotions, meaning that as we focus on hope and faith, we are not just changing our minds—we are also influencing our entire being. This holistic approach to faith, where mind, body, and spirit are all aligned with God’s will, leads to a more abundant life in Christ.
Self-Talk: Encouraging Ourselves in the Lord
The Bible offers practical examples of how we can apply these concepts in our daily lives. In Psalm 42:11, David asks himself, "Why are you cast down, O my soul? And why are you in turmoil within me? Hope in God; for I shall again praise Him, my salvation and my God." This is a powerful example of self-talk, where David is intentionally redirecting his focus from his current struggles to the hope he has in God.
We can do the same. When we find ourselves overwhelmed by life’s challenges, we can choose to remind ourselves of God’s promises and His faithfulness. This kind of intentional self-talk helps to reinforce our hope and keep our hearts aligned with God’s truth, even when circumstances seem difficult.
Choosing Hope and Trusting in God's Promises
Hope is not just a fleeting emotion—it is a powerful, transformative force that can reshape our hearts, minds, and lives. As we choose to focus on God’s promises and anchor our hope in His Word, we align ourselves with His will and open ourselves up to the abundant life He desires for us. Romans 15:13 beautifully encapsulates this truth: "May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in Him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit."
Let’s make the choice to embrace this hope, trusting that God’s promises are true and that He is working all things for our good. By doing so, we allow His Spirit to fully transform us, making us more like Christ and enabling us to live out our faith in a way that brings glory to Him.
This message and article are from “A Heart Like God’s” series by Clint Byars. Click to read all the articles and watch the sermons in this series from this series. Or watch this series on YouTube.
