Neuroscientists have new ways to study the connections between attitudes of the mind and physical, electrochemical responses in the brain. They can use Functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging (fMRI) to look at changes in blood flow to different parts of the brain, for example. And Single-Photon Emission Computed Tomography (SPECT) brain scans can see what areas of the brain are electrochemically “on” or “off”, during a certain state of mind. Also, Positron Emission Tomography (PET) brain scans can be used to measure oxygen consumption and track neurotransmitters and hormone activity.
In other words, we can now get snapshots of chemical activity from certain chemical molecules called hormones, such as dopamine, oxytocin, serotonin, adrenaline, and others. These hormones also function as neurotransmitters in the brain and elsewhere, chemical messengers released by neurons to transmit signals across a tiny gap (a synapse) to other nerve, muscle, or gland cells. They affect our “state of mind”, our immaterial selves which border our spiritual essence (Hebrews 4:12, 1 Thessalonians 5:23). Hormones are part of the circulatory system (the blood), and neurotransmitters are specifically purposed to conduct electrical energy across nerve fiber endings (synapses).
The impressions of our immaterial souls (mind, will, and emotions) can trigger a chemical response in our bodies - and a chemical response triggered physically can affect our souls. So there’s a back-and-forth. For example, the Bible says to “abide in faith, hope, and love” (1 Corinthians 13:13). With hope, you feel “positive” – a good emotion. Which means that there is a chemical/physical response in the human body connected to the release of feel-good hormones. Indeed, the Bible says, “May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that ye may abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit” (Romans 15:13).
Note, good feelings of “joy and peace”, two of the nine “fruit of the Spirit” (Galatians 5:22-23), are directly referenced and connected here with hope. And note again that there is a spiritual intersection and connection with the chemical world within you to get the good feelings. Additionally, in the above scripture, “believing” is connected with “hope”. That is because “Faith is the substance of things hoped for…” (Hebrews 11:1).
Faith is the basis. If you believe, you can make yourself hope! And you can make yourself feel good – in body and soul! This also translates to better health.
“The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases, His mercies never come to an end. They are new every morning: great is Thy faithfulness. The Lord is my portion, saith my soul; therefore will I hope in him” (Lamentations 3:21-24).
Scriptural truth is vindicated not only in the moral, spiritual, and historical arenas, but in the scientific as well. And though scans such as those described above cannot measure spiritual activity directly, they can observe the effects, and see increased activity that surprisingly shows increased relaxation and bliss along with increased focus in the brains of people in a spiritual exercise such as deep prayer and worship! It is no wonder that many studies correlate Christian faith and prayer to medical, social, and psychological benefits!
Christian commitment helps people cope with stress better and experience greater well-being. No wonder people with an exercised faith in the Lord tend to have more hope and optimism, experience less depression, less anxiety, lower suicide rates, and have stronger immune systems. When Scripture says, “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control” (Galatians 5:22-23), medical, psychological, emotional, and chemical/physical benefits follow!
The Bible teaches that the hope of salvation is a “hope we have as an anchor of the soul, both sure and steadfast” (Hebrews 6:19). And it is a helmet of defense for our heads - our minds. “…Put on the breastplate of faith and love, and for a helmet the hope of salvation” (1 Thessalonians 5:8). No wonder neuro-scientists are seeing the benefits of hope in the brain scans and electrochemical hormone activity of people.
Prayer and meditation on God’s Word does have the power to heal, and to change lives. Not only does it move God, but it informs us and blesses us as we are renewed in wisdom, and in faith, hope, and love through God in Christ! Our great Creator designed and made us for unity with Him.
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