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The Christian Mind Reset

The Christian Mind Reset

The Christian Mind Reset blends Scripture, psychology, and neuroscience to help you renew your thoughts and break mental strongholds. Hosted by April Joy DNP, APN-C (@thechristianpsychnp), each episode explores real struggles, intrusive thoughts, anxiety, and how God’s Word rewires the brain. Learn how to feed truth instead of strongholds and walk in the peace Christ promises.

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  • S2 · E2
    Yesterday · 37 min

    The Neuroscience of Fasting: 3 Days With Jesus and the Feeding of the 4,000

    Season 2, Episode 2 Show Notes What happens to your brain after three days without food? Can fasting affect cellular repair, hormone production, and how your brain uses energy? In this episode of The Christian Mind Reset, Dr. April Joy explores the fascinating neuroscience of fasting, its history throughout Scripture and the early Christian church, and what researchers are discovering about the human body’s remarkable ability to adapt during prolonged periods without food. As a board-certified psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner, psychotherapist, Bible teacher, and student of neuroscience, Dr. April Joy examines human studies demonstrating significant physiological changes during prolonged fasting, including a thirteenfold increase in the brain’s uptake of ketones after approximately three and a half days, a fivefold increase in growth hormone production after two days, and significant changes in more than 1,000 circulating proteins during a seven-day fast. The episode also explores autophagy, cellular recycling, metabolic switching, stem-cell research, and the history of fasting from Moses and Esther to Jesus and the early Christian church. But the inspiration for this episode began while Dr. April Joy was teaching Vacation Bible School and preparing a lesson about Jesus feeding the 4,000. In Mark 8, we learn that the crowd had remained with Jesus for three days. Could some of the physiological changes researchers observe during prolonged fasting have been happening in those who went without food? Scripture doesn’t tell us how long each person had fasted, but it does tell us something remarkable about Jesus. He saw their hunger, had compassion on them, and provided for all of their needs. The episode concludes with Jesus’ declaration in John 6:35: “I am the bread of life. He who comes to Me shall never hunger, and he who believes in Me shall never thirst.” Listeners are invited to reflect on God’s provision through Scripture, guided relaxation, biblical declarations, journaling, and prayer. In This Episode * The biblical history of fasting and the early Christian church * What happens to the brain after 48–72 hours without food * Ketones, metabolic switching, and brain energy * Autophagy and cellular maintenance * Growth hormone, stem cells, and immune-system research * The 2024 human study identifying widespread protein changes * Jesus feeding the 4,000 and His compassion for our physical needs * Jesus as the Bread of Life * Scripture-based declarations, prayer, and practical application Connect with Dr. April Joy If you enjoyed today’s episode, please subscribe, leave a review, follow, like, or share it with someone who might benefit from this conversation. Find Dr. Joy on Instagram at @thechristianpsychnp and on Substack for more Scripture, neuroscience, and practical tips to renew your mind. Listen to The Christian Mind Reset on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, and Substack. The companion eBook, The Christian Mind Reset: A 28-Day Psalms Guide to Biblical Meditation, Neuroscience, and Renewing Your Mind, supports Season 1 and is available in Dr. Joy’s Stan Store at https://stan.store/thechristianpsychnp and on Dr. Joy’s Instagram and Substack profile links. Scriptures Referenced Exodus 34:28Esther 4:15–162 Chronicles 20Jonah 3Isaiah 58Psalm 23:1Psalm 139:14Matthew 4:1–11Matthew 6:16–34Mark 8:1–10John 1:1–3John 6:35Acts 13:1–3Colossians 1:161 Peter 5:7 References Alkurd, R., Mahrous, L., Zeb, F., Khan, M. A. B., Alhaj, H., Khraiwesh, H. M., & Faris, M. E. (2024). Effect of calorie restriction and intermittent fasting regimens on brain-derived neurotrophic factor levels and cognitive function in humans: A systematic review. Medicina, 60(1), Article 191. https://doi.org/10.3390/medicina60010191 Cheng, C.-W., Adams, G. B., Perin, L., Wei, M., Zhou, X., Lam, B. S., Da Sacco, S., Mirisola, M., Quinn, D. I., Dorff, T. B., Kopchick, J. J., & Longo, V. D. (2014). Prolonged fasting reduces IGF-1/PKA to promote hematopoietic stem cell-based regeneration and reverse immunosuppression. Cell Stem Cell, 14(6), 810–823. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.stem.2014.04.014 da Silva, J. S. V., Seres, D. S., Sabino, K., Adams, S. C., Berdahl, G. J., Citty, S. W., Cober, M. P., Evans, D. C., Greaves, J. R., Gura, K. M., Michalski, A., Plogsted, S., Sacks, G. S., Tucker, A. M., Worthington, P., Walker, R. N., & Ayers, P. (2020). ASPEN consensus recommendations for refeeding syndrome. Nutrition in Clinical Practice, 35(2), 178–195. https://doi.org/10.1002/ncp.10474 de Cabo, R., & Mattson, M. P. (2019). Effects of intermittent fasting on health, aging, and disease. The New England Journal of Medicine, 381(26), 2541–2551. https://doi.org/10.1056/NEJMra1905136 The Didache. (n.d.). Chapter 8: Concerning fasting and prayer. New Advent. https://www.newadvent.org/fathers/0714.htm Hartman, M. L., Veldhuis, J. D., Johnson, M. L., Lee, M. M., Alberti, K. G., Samojlik, E., & Thorner, M. O. (1992). Augmented growth hormone (GH) secretory burst frequency and amplitude mediate enhanced GH secretion during a two-day fast in normal men. The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism, 74(4), 757–765. https://doi.org/10.1210/jcem.74.4.1548337 Hasselbalch, S. G., Knudsen, G. M., Jakobsen, J., Hageman, L. P., Holm, S., & Paulson, O. B. (1994). Brain metabolism during short-term starvation in humans. Journal of Cerebral Blood Flow & Metabolism, 14(1), 125–131. https://doi.org/10.1038/jcbfm.1994.17 Pan, J. W., Rothman, T. L., Behar, K. L., Stein, D. T., & Hetherington, H. P. (2000). Human brain beta-hydroxybutyrate and lactate increase in fasting-induced ketosis. Journal of Cerebral Blood Flow & Metabolism, 20(10), 1502–1507. https://doi.org/10.1097/00004647-200010000-00012 Pietzner, M., Uluvar, B., Kolnes, K. J., Jeppesen, P. B., Frivold, S. V., Skattebo, Ø., Johansen, E. I., Skålhegg, B. S., Wojtaszewski, J. F. P., Kolnes, A. J., Yeo, G. S. H., O’Rahilly, S., Jensen, J., & Langenberg, C. (2024). Systemic proteome adaptions to 7-day complete caloric restriction in humans. Nature Metabolism, 6(4), 764–777. https://doi.org/10.1038/s42255-024-01008-9 Tertullian. (n.d.). On fasting: In opposition to the Psychics. New Advent. https://www.newadvent.org/fathers/0408.htm Varady, K. A., Cienfuegos, S., Ezpeleta, M., & Gabel, K. (2022). Clinical application of intermittent fasting for weight loss: Progress and future directions. Nature Reviews Endocrinology, 18(5), 309–321. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41574-022-00638-x Biblical References NIV Holy Bible, New International Version. (2011). Zondervan. (Original work published 1978). YouVersion Bible App. ESV The Holy Bible, English Standard Version. (2016). Crossway. (Original work published 2001). YouVersion Bible App. NKJV Holy Bible, New King James Version. (1982). Thomas Nelson. YouVersion Bible App. Disclaimer This podcast/letter is for informational purposes only. It contains general information, drawn from my experience, research, and best practices. It is not health care or therapy advice and is not intended to replace the counsel of your health care provider or therapist. Consult your provider before starting any new treatments or changing your health routine. This message does not create a provider-patient relationship. Medical Disclaimer Regarding Fasting: Please speak with your doctor before beginning any fast, especially a prolonged fast. This is particularly important if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, have diabetes or another medical condition, have a history of an eating disorder, or take prescription medications. Fasting can carry significant medical risks for some individuals. Never stop or change prescribed medications without consulting your healthcare provider. If you are experiencing significant anxiety, depression/distress, or need support, please seek care from a qualified healthcare professional. You may also consider reaching out to a licensed Christian counselor or pastor for additional support. Emails, portal messages, text messages, and other communications are not monitored and wil… This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit thechristianmindreset.substack.com

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  • S2 · E1
    September 10 · 39 min

    Your Gut Is Talking To Your Brain: Why Anxiety Can Make You Feel Sick & What Psalm 23 Teaches Us About Peace

    Bonus Episode Season 2, Episode 1 Show Notes Why can anxiety make the stomach hurt? Why do some people feel nauseated, lose their appetite, experience digestive changes, or feel a pit in their stomach when they are stressed? In this episode of The Christian Mind Reset, Dr. April Joy explores the fascinating connection between anxiety, the gut-brain axis, the nervous system, and gastrointestinal symptoms—and brings the conversation back to one of Scripture's most familiar passages: Psalm 23. As a board-certified psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner, psychotherapist, Bible teacher, and student of neuroscience, Dr. April Joy explains how the brain and gut are constantly communicating through a complex bidirectional system involving the central nervous system, enteric nervous system, autonomic nervous system, stress-response pathways, immune and endocrine signaling, the vagus nerve, and the gut microbiome. She explains why anxiety is not experienced only as worried thoughts. Stress can also show up physically through nausea, appetite changes, abdominal discomfort, diarrhea, constipation, muscle tension, changes in breathing, and other bodily sensations. The episode also explores interoception, the brain’s ability to sense and interpret signals coming from inside the body, and how physical sensations can sometimes become part of an anxiety cycle. A person notices a racing heart, tight stomach, nausea, or another uncomfortable sensation, interprets it as threatening, becomes more anxious, and then experiences even stronger physical sensations. Dr. April Joy also discusses emerging research on the gut microbiome and brain, including why intriguing findings from animal studies should not automatically be interpreted as evidence that gut bacteria cause human psychiatric disorders. But the heart of this episode returns to Psalm 23:5: “You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies.” Dr. April Joy considers this verse through the lens of anxiety and the nervous system. The table is prepared while the enemies are still present. The circumstances have not necessarily disappeared, yet David describes the Shepherd's provision and presence in the middle of them. For someone whose anxiety makes eating difficult, that image carries special meaning. The episode connects this truth with Jesus calming the storm, Isaiah 26:3, Philippians 4:6, Matthew 6:34, taking thoughts captive, biblical meditation, neuroplasticity, and prayer. It also examines an fMRI study of committed Christians that found personal, improvised prayer recruited brain regions involved in social cognition, offering an interesting neuroscientific window into the relational experience of prayer without using neuroscience to prove theological claims. Listeners will also learn about research in people with generalized anxiety disorder showing that 91.4% of the worry predictions recorded in one study did not come true, illustrating how often anxiety can pull the mind into feared futures that never arrive. In This Episode Dr. April Joy discusses: * The gut-brain axis and anxiety * Why anxiety can cause nausea and loss of appetite * The enteric nervous system or “second brain” * The vagus nerve and parasympathetic nervous system * Stress, the HPA axis, and gastrointestinal symptoms * Interoception and the anxiety-sensation cycle * Serotonin and the gastrointestinal system * The gut microbiome and mental health research * Why animal microbiome studies require careful interpretation * Neuroplasticity and repeated patterns of thinking * What neuroscience can—and cannot—tell Christians about prayer * Psalm 23 and God’s presence during anxiety * Why worry often pulls the mind into the future * Scripture-based breath prayer using Psalm 23 * Biblical declarations for anxiety, fear, and uncertainty The episode closes with declarations from Psalm 23, a guided prayer, and a reminder that Christians can pray, renew their minds, and trust God while also receiving appropriate medical, psychological, and pastoral support. Persistent nausea, unexplained weight loss, abdominal pain, appetite changes, changes in bowel habits, or other unresolved gastrointestinal symptoms should not automatically be attributed to anxiety. Appropriate medical evaluation is important. For more conversations at the intersection of neuroscience, psychology, mental health, Scripture, anxiety, and renewing the mind, follow The Christian Mind Reset Podcast and subscribe to Dr. April Joy’s Substack. Connect with Dr. April Joy: Substack: The Christian Mind Reset If you liked today’s episode, please subscribe, leave a review, follow, like, or share. You can find me on Instagram at @thechristianpsychnp and on Substack at The Christian Mind Reset for more Scripture, neuroscience, and practical tips for renewing your mind. Listen to The Christian Mind Reset on Apple, Spotify, YouTube, and Substack. My eBook, The Christian Mind Reset: A 28-Day Psalms Guide to Biblical Meditation, Neuroscience, and Renewing Your Mind, which is a companion to Season 1, is available in my Stan Store at https://stan.store/thechristianpsychnp and on my Substack. Scriptures Referenced Psalm 23Isaiah 26:3Joshua 1:8Matthew 6:34Matthew 26:38Luke 8:22–25Philippians 4:6–82 Corinthians 10:5Hebrews 4:15Romans 8:28 References Haug, T. T., Mykletun, A., & Dahl, A. A. (2002). Are anxiety and depression related to gastrointestinal symptoms in the general population? Scandinavian Journal of Gastroenterology, 37(3), 294–298. https://doi.org/10.1080/003655202317284192 Haug, T. T., Mykletun, A., & Dahl, A. A. (2002). The prevalence of nausea in the community: Psychological, social, and somatic factors. General Hospital Psychiatry, 24(2), 81–86. https://doi.org/10.1016/S0163-8343(01)00184-0 LaFreniere, L. S., & Newman, M. G. (2020). Exposing worry’s deceit: Percentage of untrue worries in generalized anxiety disorder treatment. Behavior Therapy, 51(3), 413–423. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.beth.2019.07.003 Schjoedt, U., Stødkilde-Jørgensen, H., Geertz, A. W., & Roepstorff, A. (2009). Highly religious participants recruit areas of social cognition in personal prayer. Social Cognitive and Affective Neuroscience, 4(2), 199–207. https://doi.org/10.1093/scan/nsn050 Zhao, Z., et al. (2023). Effectiveness of probiotic/prebiotic/synbiotic treatments on anxiety: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. Journal of Affective Disorders. Zheng, P., Zeng, B., Liu, M., Chen, J., Pan, J., Han, Y., Liu, Y., Cheng, K., Zhou, C., Wang, H., Zhou, X., Gui, S., Perry, S. W., Wong, M.-L., Licinio, J., Wei, H., & Xie, P. (2019). The gut microbiome from patients with schizophrenia modulates the glutamate-glutamine-GABA cycle and schizophrenia-relevant behaviors in mice. Science Advances, 5(2), eaau8317. https://doi.org/10.1126/sciadv.aau8317 Zhu, F., Guo, R., Wang, W., Ju, Y., Wang, Q., Ma, Q., Sun, Q., Fan, Y., Xie, Y., Yang, Z., Jie, Z., Zhao, B., Xiao, L., Yang, L., Zhang, T., Liu, B., Guo, L., He, X., Chen, Y., … Ma, X. (2020). Transplantation of microbiota from drug-free patients with schizophrenia causes schizophrenia-like abnormal behaviors and dysregulated kynurenine metabolism in mice. Molecular Psychiatry, 25(11), 2905–2918. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41380-019-0475-4 Biblical References: NIV Holy Bible, New International Version. (2011). Zondervan. (Original work published 1978). YouVersion Bible App. ESV The Holy Bible, English Standard Version. (2016). Crossway. (Original work published 2001). YouVersion Bible App. NKJV Holy Bible, New King James Version. (1982). Thomas Nelson. YouVersion Bible App. Disclaimer: This podcast/letter is for informational purposes only. It contains general information, drawn from my experience, research, and best practices. It is not health care advice and is not intended to replace the counsel of your health care provider. Consult your provider before starting any new treatments or changing your health routine. This message does not constitute a provider-patient relationship between us. If you are experiencing signi… This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit thechristianmindreset.substack.com

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  • S1 · E29
    September 4 · 1 hr 25 min

    The Neuroscience of Renewal: What the “Batman Effect” Can Teach Us About Putting On the New Self

    Episode 29, Season 1 In the final episode of Season One of The Christian Mind Reset, Dr. April Joy brings together the neuroscience, psychology, and biblical practices explored throughout the past 28 days and looks at what it actually means to renew the mind. The brain is capable of change. What people repeatedly think about, focus on, practice, and return to can strengthen patterns in the brain and make certain responses more automatic over time. But Romans 12:2 is not simply a lesson in neuroplasticity, and Christian renewal cannot be reduced to “rewiring the brain.” So what does renewal actually look like? Dr. April Joy explores that question through Scripture and also through the life of Jesus. If Christians are called to have the mind of Christ and to walk as He walked, it matters how Jesus actually lived. Throughout the Gospels, Jesus prayed, fasted, knew and spoke Scripture, withdrew to be alone with the Father, gave thanks, gathered with others, lived in community, served, showed compassion, and remained dependent upon and obedient to the Father. This episode looks at some of those practices alongside what neuroscience and psychology have found about attention, repetition, meditation, self-talk, gratitude, emotional regulation, relationships, and repeated behavior. Dr. April Joy also returns to the biblical language of putting off the old self and putting on the new. Colossians 3 does not simply tell believers what to stop doing. It tells them what to put on instead: compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, patience, forgiveness, love, peace, and gratitude. This is where Batman comes in. Research sometimes referred to as the “Batman Effect” found that young children who approached a difficult task from the perspective of an exemplar character, such as Batman, showed greater perseverance and were better able to resist distraction. Researchers have studied this in the context of self-distancing, the ability to create some psychological distance from an immediate thought, feeling, or impulse. Dr. April Joy looks at what this research can teach us about pausing long enough to consider a different response and then connects it to the biblical picture of putting off and putting on. For the Christian, this is obviously not about pretending to be Batman, or even pretending to be Jesus. It is about remembering who Scripture says believers are, what they are called to put off, what they are called to put on, and then practicing a response consistent with that truth. The episode also explores why thoughts and feelings are important without automatically treating them as facts, how repeated responses can become more automatic over time, why gratitude is not the same as denying pain, the importance of Christian community, and how prayer, fasting, Scripture, meditation, and speaking truth can become regular rhythms of renewal. Neuroscience can help explain mechanisms involved in attention, learning, memory, emotional regulation, repetition, and behavior. It can study what happens in the brain during practices such as meditation and prayer. But it cannot measure the work of the Holy Spirit, tell people the meaning of their suffering, or explain away spiritual transformation as brain activity. Ultimately, Christian renewal is not about becoming better at optimizing the brain. It is about becoming more like Christ. And that brings the episode back to one of the most important practices of renewal: abiding. Jesus said, “Apart from me you can do nothing.” The goal is not to manufacture renewal or the fruit of the Spirit by trying harder. Fruit grows from connection to the source. Christians participate through obedience, practice, prayer, Scripture, community, and continually bringing the mind back to truth, but Jesus remains the source. Connect with Dr. April Joy: Substack: The Christian Mind Reset If you liked today’s episode, please subscribe, leave a review, follow, like, or share. You can find me on Instagram at @thechristianpsychnp and on Substack at The Christian Mind Reset for more Scripture, neuroscience, and practical tips for renewing your mind. Listen to The Christian Mind Reset on Apple, Spotify, and Substack. My eBook, The Christian Mind Reset: A 28-Day Psalms Guide to Biblical Meditation, Neuroscience, and Renewing Your Mind, is available in my Stan Store at https://stan.store/thechristianpsychnp and on my Substack. In this episode: * What neuroplasticity can, and cannot, tell us about renewing the mind * How attention, repetition, and practice shape patterns in the brain * Why thoughts and feelings are important but are not automatically facts * Biblical meditation and repeatedly returning attention to God’s Word * Self-talk and speaking truth rather than simply repeating positive affirmations * Gratitude and the brain * Prayer, fasting, solitude, and community * Looking at the practices and rhythms seen throughout the life of Jesus * Identity in Christ and why the past does not have to become identity * Putting off the old self and putting on the new * What the “Batman Effect” teaches us about self-distancing, perspective, and behavior * Colossians 3 and intentionally “putting on” compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, patience, forgiveness, and love * The armor of God as another biblical picture of intentionally putting on what God has given * Having the mind of Christ * Why Christian transformation is more than brain change * Abiding in Christ and the fruit of the Spirit Key Scriptures Romans 12:2; Colossians 3:1–17; 1 Corinthians 2:16; Philippians 2:5; 1 John 2:6; Joshua 1:8–9; Psalm 1:1–3; Psalm 46:10; Proverbs 18:21; Hebrews 4:12; Matthew 4:1–11; Matthew 6:5–18; Luke 5:16; 1 Thessalonians 5:16–18; Ephesians 4:22–32; Ephesians 6:10–18; Galatians 5:22–25; John 15:4–5. References Cascio, C. N., O’Donnell, M. B., Tinney, F. J., Lieberman, M. D., Taylor, S. E., Strecher, V. J., & Falk, E. B. (2016). Self-affirmation activates brain systems associated with self-related processing and reward and is reinforced by future orientation. Social Cognitive and Affective Neuroscience, 11(4), 621–629. https://doi.org/10.1093/scan/nsv136 Hölzel, B. K., Lazar, S. W., Gard, T., Schuman-Olivier, Z., Vago, D. R., & Ott, U. (2011). How does mindfulness meditation work? Proposing mechanisms of action from a conceptual and neural perspective. Perspectives on Psychological Science, 6(6), 537–559. https://doi.org/10.1177/1745691611419671 Kini, P., Wong, J., McInnis, S., Gabana, N., & Brown, J. W. (2016). The effects of gratitude expression on neural activity. NeuroImage, 128, 1–10. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.neuroimage.2015.12.040 Schjoedt, U., Stødkilde-Jørgensen, H., Geertz, A. W., & Roepstorff, A. (2009). Highly religious participants recruit areas of social cognition in personal prayer. Social Cognitive and Affective Neuroscience, 4(2), 199–207. https://doi.org/10.1093/scan/nsn050 White, R. E., & Carlson, S. M. (2016). What would Batman do? Self-distancing improves executive function in young children. Developmental Science, 19(3), 419–426. https://doi.org/10.1111/desc.12314 White, R. E., Prager, E. O., Schaefer, C., Kross, E., Duckworth, A. L., & Carlson, S. M. (2017). The “Batman Effect”: Improving perseverance in young children. Child Development, 88(5), 1563–1571. https://doi.org/10.1111/cdev.12695 Yeung, A. W. K., Wong, N. S. M., Tsui, I. S. Y., & Lee, T. C. P. (2025). Neural correlates of religious behavior related to Christianity: An ALE meta-analysis. Frontiers in Psychology, 16, 1557796. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2025.1557796 Bible References: NIV Holy Bible, New International Version. (2011). Zondervan. (Original work published 1978). YouVersion Bible App. ESV The Holy Bible, English Standard Version. (2016). Crossway. (Original work published 2001). YouVersion Bible App. NKJV Holy Bible, New King James Version. (1982). Thomas Nelson. YouVersion Bible App. Thanks for reading The Christian Mind Reset's Substack and Podcast! This post is public, so feel free to share it. Disclaimer: This podcast/letter is for informational purposes only. It contains general information, drawn from my experience, research, and best practices. It is not health care advice and is not intended to replace the counsel of your health care provider. Consult your provider before starting any new treatments or making changes to your health routine. This message does not constitute a provider-patient relationship between us. If you are experiencing significant anxiety, distress, or need support, please seek care from a qualified healthcare professional. You may also consider reaching out to a licensed Christian counselor or pastor for additional support. Emails, portal messages, text messages, and other communications are not monitored and will not receive a response in an emergency or crisis, or regarding medical or therapy advice. Do not use these methods for medical advice, therapy, urgent, crisis, emergent, or time-sensitive concerns. If you are experiencing a medical or psychiatric emergency, are in crisis, have thoughts of harming yourself or others, or feel unsafe, call 911 (US), contact your local emergency services, or go to the nearest emergency room or hospital immediately. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit thechristianmindreset.substack.com

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  • S1 · E28
    August 20 · 45 min

    The Neuroscience of Hope: Why What You Believe About Tomorrow Matters Today

    Episode 28, Season 1 Show Notes What happens in the mind and brain when we have hope? Why can hope change the way we experience the present, even when our circumstances have not changed? And how is biblical hope different from optimism, wishful thinking, or simply trying to “think positive”? In Episode 28 of The Christian Mind Reset, Dr. April Joy explores the psychology and neuroscience of hope alongside the biblical understanding of what it means to place our hope in God. The episode begins with C. R. Snyder’s Hope Theory, which describes hope through two important processes: agency, our perceived ability to move toward a goal, and pathways, our ability to identify ways forward when obstacles arise. We review research exploring the relationship between hope, anxiety, brain function, and meaning in life. But psychology and neuroscience only take us so far. The Bible presents a deeper picture of hope. Biblical hope is not pretending that everything will work out the way we want. It is not denial of suffering, and it is not positive thinking with a Christian vocabulary. Biblical hope is confidence in God's character, promises, and faithfulness, even when the outcome is still unknown. Through Psalm 130, Romans 8, and Hebrews 6:19, we explore what it means to hope while waiting, suffering, grieving, and facing an uncertain future. We also look at the lives of Abraham, David, Joseph, Jeremiah, Job, and Paul, people who experienced seasons when God’s promises and their present circumstances did not appear to match. Their stories remind us that hope does not require us to ignore what is happening around us. Hope does not mean everything around you is steady. Biblical hope gives your soul something steady to hold onto when everything else is not. In the final portion of the episode, we move from understanding hope to practicing hope through Scripture-based declarations, grounding, reflection, and prayer. The goal is not simply to learn something about hope, but to begin training our minds to remember where our hope is anchored. Connect with Dr. April Joy: Substack: The Christian Mind Reset If you liked today’s episode, please subscribe, leave a review, follow, like, or share. You can find me on Instagram at @thechristianpsychnp and on Substack at The Christian Mind Reset for more Scripture, neuroscience, and practical tips for renewing your mind. Listen to The Christian Mind Reset on Apple, Spotify, and Substack. My eBook, The Christian Mind Reset: A 28-Day Psalms Guide to Biblical Meditation, Neuroscience, and Renewing Your Mind, is available in my Stan Store at https://stan.store/thechristianpsychnp and on my Substack. In This Episode, We Explore: * The psychology of hope and Snyder’s Hope Theory * The difference between agency and pathways * What neuroscience can tell us about hope * The relationship between hope, anxiety, and meaning * Why hope is more than optimism or positive thinking * What the Bible means by hope in God * What it looks like to hope while waiting * Hope in seasons of suffering, uncertainty, and grief * Lessons about hope from Abraham, David, Joseph, Jeremiah, Job, and Paul * Why Christian hope is ultimately anchored in God rather than circumstances * How Scripture can help us renew our minds when hope feels difficult * Scripture-based declarations, grounding, and prayer Scriptures We Explore Psalm 130Romans 8Hebrews 6:19 References Coan, J. A., Schaefer, H. S., & Davidson, R. J. (2006). Lending a hand: Social regulation of the neural response to threat. Psychological Science, 17(12), 1032–1039. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1467-9280.2006.01832 Edwards, M. E., Booker, J. A., Cook, K., Miao, M., Gan, Y., & King, L. A. (2025). Hope as a meaningful emotion: Hope, positive affect, and meaning in life. Emotion, 25(6), 1365–1380. https://doi.org/10.1037/emo0001513 Snyder, C. R. (2002). Hope theory: Rainbows in the mind. Psychological Inquiry, 13(4), 249–275. https://doi.org/10.1207/S15327965PLI1304_01 Snyder, C. R., Harris, C., Anderson, J. R., Holleran, S. A., Irving, L. M., Sigmon, S. T., Yoshinobu, L., Gibb, J., Langelle, C., & Harney, P. (1991). The will and the ways: Development and validation of an individual-differences measure of hope. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, 60(4), 570–585. https://doi.org/10.1037/0022-3514.60.4.570 Wang, S., Xu, X., Zhou, M., Chen, T., Yang, X., Chen, G., & Gong, Q. (2017). Hope and the brain: Trait hope mediates the protective role of medial orbitofrontal cortex spontaneous activity against anxiety. NeuroImage, 157, 439–447. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.neuroimage.2017.05.056 Disclaimer: This podcast/letter is for informational purposes only. It contains general information, drawn from my experience, research, and best practices. It is not health care advice and is not intended to replace the counsel of your health care provider. Consult your provider before starting any new treatments or making changes to your health routine. This message does not constitute a provider-patient relationship between us. If you are experiencing significant anxiety, distress, or need support, please seek care from a qualified healthcare professional. You may also consider reaching out to a licensed Christian counselor or pastor for additional support. Emails, portal messages, text messages, and other communications are not monitored and will not receive a response in an emergency or crisis, or regarding medical or therapy advice. Do not use these methods for medical advice, therapy, urgent, crisis, emergent, or time-sensitive concerns. If you are experiencing a medical or psychiatric emergency, are in crisis, have thoughts of harming yourself or others, or feel unsafe, call 911 (US), contact your local emergency services, or go to the nearest emergency room or hospital immediately. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit thechristianmindreset.substack.com

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  • S1 · E27
    August 9 · 54 min

    The Neuroscience of Gratitude and Self-Talk: What the Bible Says About Complaining

    Episode 27, Season 1 Show Notes Can gratitude really change your brain? Why does the Bible repeatedly tell us to “give thanks,” while also warning us against grumbling? In this episode of The Christian Mind Reset, we explore what psychology, neuroscience, and Scripture reveal about gratitude, complaining, and the way repeated thought patterns shape our minds. Together, we’ll examine research on gratitude, neuroplasticity, negativity bias, emotional regulation, and stress while walking through some of the Bible’s richest passages on thanksgiving. We’ll look at David in the Psalms, Israel in the wilderness, and the moments Jesus gave thanks—even in the face of rejection, grief, scarcity, and the cross. You’ll discover why biblical gratitude isn’t pretending life is easy or denying suffering. Instead, it’s intentionally remembering God’s faithfulness and bringing your attention back to what is still true, still good, and still worthy of praise. In this episode, we discuss: * What gratitude does in the brain * The neuroscience of neuroplasticity and negativity bias * Healthy lament versus chronic complaining * Why God repeatedly commands thanksgiving * What Jesus thanked the Father for * Psalm 107 and the power of remembering God’s faithfulness * Practical ways to cultivate biblical gratitude in everyday life If you’re struggling with anxiety, discouragement, stress, or simply want to renew your mind through Scripture, this episode will encourage you to see gratitude as more than a feeling; it is a spiritual discipline that shapes both the heart and the mind. Connect with Dr. April Joy: Substack: The Christian Mind Reset If you liked today’s episode, please subscribe, leave a review, follow, like, or share. You can find me on Instagram at @thechristianpsychnp and also on Instagram and Substack at The Christian Mind Reset for more Scripture, neuroscience, and practical tips for renewing your mind. Listen to The Christian Mind Reset on Apple, Spotify, and Substack. My eBook, The Christian Mind Reset: A 28-Day Psalms Guide to Biblical Meditation, Neuroscience, and Renewing Your Mind, is available in my Stan Store at https://stan.store/thechristianpsychnp and on my Substack. References Cheng, S.-T., Tsui, P. K., & Lam, J. H. M. (2015). Improving mental health in health care practitioners: Randomized controlled trial of a gratitude intervention. Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology, 83(1), 177–186. https://doi.org/10.1037/a0037895 Emmons, R. A., & McCullough, M. E. (2003). Counting blessings versus burdens: An experimental investigation of gratitude and subjective well-being in daily life. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, 84(2), 377–389. https://doi.org/10.1037/0022-3514.84.2.377 Fox, G. R., Kaplan, J., Damasio, H., & Damasio, A. (2015). Neural correlates of gratitude. Frontiers in Psychology, 6, 1491. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2015.01491 Froh, J. J., Sefick, W. J., & Emmons, R. A. (2008). Counting blessings in early adolescents: An experimental study of gratitude and subjective well-being. Journal of School Psychology, 46(2), 213–233. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jsp.2007.03.005 Hölzel, B. K., Carmody, J., Vangel, M., Congleton, C., Yerramsetti, S. M., Gard, T., & Lazar, S. W. (2011). Mindfulness practice leads to increases in regional brain gray matter density. Psychiatry Research: Neuroimaging, 191(1), 36–43. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.pscychresns.2010.08.006 Kini, P., Wong, J., McInnis, S., Gabana, N., & Brown, J. W. (2016). The effects of gratitude expression on neural activity. NeuroImage, 128, 1–10. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.neuroimage.2015.12.040 Disclaimer: This podcast/letter is for informational purposes only. It contains general information, drawn from my experience, research, and best practices. It is not health care advice, and is not intended to replace the counsel of your health care provider. Consult your provider before starting any new treatments or making changes to your health routine. This message does not constitute a provider-patient relationship between us. If you are experiencing significant anxiety, distress, or need support, please seek care from a qualified healthcare professional. You may also consider reaching out to a licensed Christian counselor or pastor for additional support. Emails, portal messages, text messages, and other communications are not monitored and will not receive a response in an emergency or crisis, or regarding medical or therapy advice. These methods should never be used for medical advice, therapy, urgent, crisis, emergent, or time-sensitive concerns. If you are experiencing a medical or psychiatric emergency, are in crisis, have thoughts of harming yourself or others, or feel unsafe, call 911 (US), contact your local emergency services, or go to the nearest emergency room or hospital immediately. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit thechristianmindreset.substack.com

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  • S1 · E26
    August 5 · 1 hr 2 min

    Your Brain on Hope: The Psychology, Neuroscience, and Bible Study of Perseverance

    Episode 26, Season 1 Show Notes What does it mean to “strengthen yourself in the Lord,” and what can David’s life teach us about persevering through suffering? In this episode of The Christian Mind Reset, Dr. April Joy explores perseverance through the life of David, with a particular focus on 1 Samuel 30:6 and the Psalms. Throughout David’s life, readers see a consistent pattern of returning to God through prayer, worship, gratitude, remembering God’s faithfulness, and fixing his hope on the Lord, even in seasons of fear, betrayal, grief, and waiting. Drawing from Scripture alongside current research in psychology and neuroscience, this episode examines how practices woven throughout David’s life align with what is known about hope, attention, memory, metacognition, worship, and emotional resilience. Rather than placing confidence in psychological techniques, the episode points listeners back to the biblical truth that lasting perseverance is found by continually returning to God, who is the source of our hope and strength. Whether listeners are walking through disappointment, suffering, uncertainty, or simply finding it difficult to keep going, this episode offers biblical encouragement and practical insight for persevering while keeping their eyes fixed on Christ. In This Episode * What it means to strengthen yourself in the Lord * Perseverance through the life of David * Hope through the lens of psychology and neuroscience * Remembering God’s faithfulness * Metacognition and biblical self-talk * Worship, music, and the brain * Gratitude, prayer, and redirecting attention * Fixing our eyes on Jesus * Persevering through difficult seasons with hope anchored in God Scriptures * 1 Samuel 24 * 1 Samuel 30:6 * Psalm 23 * Psalm 27:13 * Psalm 42:5 * Psalm 56:3–4 * Isaiah 40:29–31 * Romans 5:3–5 * James 1:2–4 * Galatians 6:9 * Hebrews 12:1–2 Connect with Dr. April Joy: Substack: The Christian Mind Reset If you liked today’s episode, please subscribe, leave a review, follow, like, or share. You can find me on Instagram at @thechristianpsychnp and also on Instagram and Substack at The Christian Mind Reset for more Scripture, neuroscience, and practical tips for renewing your mind. Listen to The Christian Mind Reset on Apple, Spotify, and Substack. My eBook, The Christian Mind Reset: A 28-Day Psalms Guide to Biblical Meditation, Neuroscience, and Renewing Your Mind, is available in my Stan Store at https://stan.store/thechristianpsychnp and on my Substack. References * Chanda, M. L., & Levitin, D. J. (2013). The neurochemistry of music. Trends in Cognitive Sciences. * Fleming, S. M., Dolan, R. J., & Frith, C. D. (2012). Metacognition: Computation, biology and function.Philosophical Transactions of the Royal Society B. * Gross, J. J. (2015). Emotion regulation: Current status and future prospects. Psychological Inquiry. * Koelsch, S. (2014). Brain correlates of music-evoked emotions. Nature Reviews Neuroscience. * Kross, E., et al. (2014). Self-talk as a regulatory mechanism: How you do it matters. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology. * Kross, E., & Ayduk, O. (2017). Self-distancing: Theory, research, and current directions. Advances in Experimental Social Psychology. * Müller, T. H., et al. (2021). Dissociable neural systems for recoverable versus unrecoverable effort. Nature Communications. * Roediger, H. L., III, & Karpicke, J. D. (2006). Test-enhanced learning: Taking memory tests improves long-term retention. Psychological Science. * Snyder, C. R. (2002). Hope theory: Rainbows in the mind. Psychological Inquiry. * Vickers, J. N. (2016). Origins and current issues in Quiet Eye research. Current Issues in Sport Science. Disclaimer: This podcast/letter is for informational purposes only. It contains general information, drawn from my experience, research, and best practices. It is not health care advice, and is not intended to replace the counsel of your health care provider. Consult your provider before starting any new treatments or making changes to your health routine. This message does not constitute a provider-patient relationship between us. If you are experiencing significant anxiety, distress, or need support, please seek care from a qualified healthcare professional. You may also consider reaching out to a licensed Christian counselor or pastor for additional support. Emails, portal messages, text messages, and other communications are not monitored and will not receive a response in an emergency or crisis, or regarding medical or therapy advice. These methods should never be used for medical advice, therapy, urgent, crisis, emergent, or time-sensitive concerns. If you are experiencing a medical or psychiatric emergency, are in crisis, have thoughts of harming yourself or others, or feel unsafe, call 911 (US), contact your local emergency services, or go to the nearest emergency room or hospital immediately. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit thechristianmindreset.substack.com

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  • S1 · E25
    July 28 · 36 min

    When Obedience Is Hard: What Nathan Teaches Us About Following God | Psychology, Neuroscience & the Bible

    Episode 25, Season 1 Show Notes Most people remember David’s repentance after his sin with Bathsheba. Far fewer pause to consider the man who made that repentance possible. Before David confessed, Nathan obeyed. In this episode of The Christian Mind Reset, Dr. April Joy explores one of Scripture’s most overlooked examples of courageous obedience. Through the story of Nathan confronting King David in 2 Samuel 12, listeners will discover what it looks like to obey God when the outcome is uncertain, the cost feels high, and remaining silent would be far easier. The episode examines the biblical meaning of obedience through the Hebrew word shāmaʿ, revealing that throughout Scripture, hearing God has always been inseparable from responding to Him. It also explores how Jesus fulfilled the Law, why obedience is the evidence of a transformed heart rather than a means of earning salvation, and how love, not legalism, has always been at the center of God’s commands. Drawing from psychology and neuroscience, the episode explains why obedience can feel so difficult, how fear influences moral decision-making, and what research reveals about agency, cognitive control, and the courage to do what is right even when it comes at a personal cost. Whether facing a difficult conversation, a call to speak truth with grace, or a season requiring costly faithfulness, this episode offers both biblical encouragement and practical insight for following God with courage and conviction. In This Episode * Nathan’s role in David’s repentance and why his obedience matters * What the Hebrew word shāmaʿ teaches about hearing and obeying God * Why biblical obedience is rooted in love rather than legalism * How Jesus fulfilled the Law and summarized God’s commands * The psychology and neuroscience of obedience, fear, and moral courage * Practical encouragement for obeying God when obedience is costly Scriptures Referenced Genesis 26:5 Deuteronomy 6:4–5 2 Samuel 12 Psalm 51 Matthew 5:17–20 Matthew 7:24–27 Matthew 22:37–40 Luke 6:46–49 John 14:15 John 15:10 James 1:22 Ephesians 2:8–10 Connect with Dr. April Joy: Connect with Dr. April Joy: Substack: The Christian Mind Reset If you liked today’s episode, please subscribe, leave a review, follow, like, or share. You can find me on Instagram at @thechristianpsychnp and also on Instagram and Substack at The Christian Mind Reset for more Scripture, neuroscience, and practical tips for renewing your mind. Listen to The Christian Mind Reset on Apple, Spotify, and Substack. My eBook, The Christian Mind Reset: A 28-Day Psalms Guide to Biblical Meditation, Neuroscience, and Renewing Your Mind, is available in my Stan Store at https://stan.store/thechristianpsychnp and on my Substack. References Bandura, A. (1999). Moral disengagement in the perpetration of inhumanities. Personality and Social Psychology Review, 3(3), 193–209. https://doi.org/10.1207/S15327957PSPR0303_3 BibleProject. (n.d.). Shema (Hear). https://bibleproject.com/explore/video/shema-hear/ Bible Hub. (n.d.). Strong’s Hebrew 8085: Shamaʿ (שָׁמַע)—to hear, listen, obey. https://biblehub.com/hebrew/8085.htm Blass, T. (1999). The Milgram paradigm after 35 years: Some things we now know about obedience to authority. Journal of Applied Social Psychology, 29(5), 955–978. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1559-1816.1999.tb00134.x Brown, F., Driver, S. R., & Briggs, C. A. (1906). A Hebrew and English lexicon of the Old Testament. Clarendon Press. https://archive.org/details/hebrewenglishlex00browuoft The Holy Bible, English Standard Version. (2016). Crossway. (Original work published 2001) Burger, J. M. (2009). Replicating Milgram: Would people still obey today? American Psychologist, 64(1), 1–11. https://doi.org/10.1037/a0010932 Caspar, E. A., Christensen, J. F., Cleeremans, A., & Haggard, P. (2016). Coercion changes the sense of agency in the human brain. Current Biology, 26(5), 585–592. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cub.2015.12.067 Caspar, E. A., Vuillaume, L., Magalhães De Saldanha da Gama, P. A., & Cleeremans, A. (2018). The influence of (dis)belief in free will on immoral behavior. Frontiers in Psychology, 9, Article 20. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2018.00020 Caspar, E. A., et al. (2020). Coercion reduces the neural processing of victims’ pain. Social Cognitive and Affective Neuroscience, 15(11), 1184–1194. https://doi.org/10.1093/scan/nsaa148 Crone, E. A., & Steinbeis, N. (2017). Neural perspectives on cognitive control development during childhood and adolescence. Trends in Cognitive Sciences, 21(3), 205–215. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tics.2017.01.003 Haggard, P. (2017). Sense of agency in the human brain. Nature Reviews Neuroscience, 18(4), 196–207. https://doi.org/10.1038/nrn.2017.14 Haney, C., Banks, W. C., & Zimbardo, P. G. (1973). Interpersonal dynamics in a simulated prison. International Journal of Criminology and Penology, 1, 69–97. Haslam, S. A., & Reicher, S. D. (2006). Rethinking the psychology of tyranny. Scientific American, 295(6), 68–73. Hollander, M. M. (2015). The repertoire of resistance: Non-compliance with directives in Milgram’s “obedience” experiments. British Journal of Social Psychology, 54(3), 425–444. https://doi.org/10.1111/bjso.12099 (PubMed) Milgram, S. (1963). Behavioral study of obedience. Journal of Abnormal and Social Psychology, 67(4), 371–378. https://doi.org/10.1037/h0040525 Milgram, S. (1974). Obedience to authority: An experimental view. Harper & Row. Packer, D. J. (2008). Identifying systematic disobedience in Milgram’s obedience experiments: A meta-analytic review. Perspectives on Psychological Science, 3(4), 301–304. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1745-6924.2008.00080.x (Association for Psychological Science) Nye, C. (2017, September 9). What does the Hebrew term “Shema” mean? Medium. https://medium.com/@chrisnye/what-does-the-hebrew-term-shema-mean-6fd3a1e5eeb2 Seyll, L., et al. (2025). When the brain says “No!”: An MRI study on the neural correlates of resistance to immoral orders. Cortex. (PubMed) Disclaimer: This podcast/letter is for informational purposes only. It contains general information, drawn from my experience, research, and best practices. It is not health care advice, and is not intended to replace the counsel of your health care provider. Consult your provider before starting any new treatments or making changes to your health routine. This message does not constitute a provider-patient relationship between us. If you are experiencing significant anxiety, distress, or need support, please seek care from a qualified healthcare professional. You may also consider reaching out to a licensed Christian counselor or pastor for additional support. Emails, portal messages, text messages, and other communications are not monitored and will not receive a response in an emergency or crisis, or regarding medical or therapy advice. These methods should never be used for medical advice, therapy, urgent, crisis, emergent, or time-sensitive concerns. If you are experiencing a medical or psychiatric emergency, are in crisis, have thoughts of harming yourself or others, or feel unsafe, call 911 (US), contact your local emergency services, or go to the nearest emergency room or hospital immediately. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit thechristianmindreset.substack.com

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  • S1 · E24
    July 22 · 54 min

    Psalm 23 Explained: The Neuroscience and Psychology of Rest

    The Christian Mind Reset | Episode 24, Season 1 Show Notes Psalm 23 is one of the most beloved passages in all of Scripture, but what if we’ve only scratched the surface of what David was teaching? In this episode of The Christian Mind Reset, we take a deep dive into Psalm 23, verse by verse, through the lens of both Scripture and neuroscience. Together, we’ll discover how the Good Shepherd leads us from fear to trust, from striving to surrender, from survival mode to soul rest. We’ll explore why sheep will only lie down when they feel safe, why they’re led beside still waters, what it means for God to restore our souls, and how every verse of Psalm 23 paints a beautiful picture of the rest Jesus later offers in Matthew 11 when He says, “Come to Me... and I will give you rest.” Along the way, we’ll examine what chronic stress does to the brain, nervous system, immune system, heart, and body, and why modern neuroscience confirms what Scripture has been teaching for thousands of years: we were never designed to live in constant survival mode. You’ll also learn about allostatic load, the body’s stress response, secure attachment, and how the presence of the Good Shepherd provides the safety our minds and bodies were created to experience. If you’ve been feeling anxious, overwhelmed, emotionally exhausted, burned out, or simply weary, this episode is an invitation to slow down, lift your eyes to the Shepherd, and discover the kind of rest that reaches far deeper than sleep. Because Psalm 23 isn’t simply about comfort. It’s about learning to trust the One who leads us beside still waters, restores our souls, walks with us through every valley, prepares a table in the presence of our enemies, and faithfully leads us all the way home. In This Episode • Psalm 23 explained verse by verse• What sheep teach us about anxiety, trust, and rest• The neuroscience and psychology of chronic stress and survival mode• Why your brain and nervous system need safety to truly rest• Matthew 11 and Jesus’ invitation to find rest for your soul• The Good Shepherd, secure attachment, and emotional resilience• How Scripture renews the mind and calms the anxious heart• Practical ways to rest in God’s presence this week Key Scriptures * Psalm 23 * Matthew 11:28–30 * Psalm 91:1 * Psalm 62:1 * John 10:11 * John 10:27 * Isaiah 26:3 * Proverbs 3:5–6 * 1 Peter 5:7 * Philippians 3:20 * Hebrews 12:2 * Hebrews 13:14 * Colossians 3:2 Connect with Dr. April Joy: Connect with Dr. April Joy: Substack: The Christian Mind Reset If you liked today’s episode, please subscribe, leave a review, follow, like, or share. You can find me on Instagram at @thechristianpsychnp and also on Instagram and Substack at The Christian Mind Reset for more Scripture, neuroscience, and practical tips for renewing your mind. Listen to The Christian Mind Reset on Apple, Spotify, and Substack. My eBook, The Christian Mind Reset: A 28-Day Psalms Guide to Biblical Meditation, Neuroscience, and Renewing Your Mind, is available in my Stan Store at https://stan.store/thechristianpsychnp and on my Substack. References American Psychological Association. (n.d.). Stress effects on the body. https://www.apa.org/topics/stress/body Arnsten, A. F. T. (2009). Stress signaling pathways that impair prefrontal cortex structure and function. Nature Reviews Neuroscience, 10(6), 410–422. https://doi.org/10.1038/nrn2648 Bar-Haim, Y., Lamy, D., Pergamin, L., Bakermans‐Kranenburg, M. J., & van IJzendoorn, M. H. (2007). Threat-related attentional bias in anxious and nonanxious individuals: A meta-analytic study. Psychological Bulletin, 133(1), 1–24. https://doi.org/10.1037/0033-2909.133.1.1 Bowlby, J. (1982). Attachment and loss: Vol. 1. Attachment (2nd ed.). Basic Books. (Original work published 1969) Coan, J. A., Schaefer, H. S., & Davidson, R. J. (2006). Lending a hand: Social regulation of the neural response to threat. Psychological Science, 17(12), 1032–1039. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1467-9280.2006.01832.x Cohen, S., & Wills, T. A. (1985). Stress, social support, and the buffering hypothesis. Psychological Bulletin, 98(2), 310–357. https://doi.org/10.1037/0033-2909.98.2.310 Dhabhar, F. S. (2014). Effects of stress on immune function: The good, the bad, and the beautiful. Immunologic Research, 58(2–3), 193–210. https://doi.org/10.1007/s12026-014-8517-0 Emmons, R. A., & McCullough, M. E. (2003). Counting blessings versus burdens: An experimental investigation of gratitude and subjective well-being in daily life. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, 84(2), 377–389. https://doi.org/10.1037/0022-3514.84.2.377 Grupe, D. W., & Nitschke, J. B. (2013). Uncertainty and anticipation in anxiety: An integrated neurobiological and psychological perspective. Nature Reviews Neuroscience, 14(7), 488–501. https://doi.org/10.1038/nrn3524 Harvard Health Publishing. (2022). The gut-brain connection. Harvard Medical School. https://www.health.harvard.edu Heinrichs, M., Baumgartner, T., Kirschbaum, C., & Ehlert, U. (2003). Social support and oxytocin interact to suppress cortisol and subjective responses to psychosocial stress. Biological Psychiatry, 54(12), 1389–1398. https://doi.org/10.1016/S0006-3223(03)00465-7 Keller, W. P. (1970). A shepherd looks at Psalm 23. Zondervan. Lazarus, R. S., & Folkman, S. (1984). Stress, appraisal, and coping. Springer. Mayo Clinic. (2024). Chronic stress puts your health at risk. https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/stress-management/in-depth/stress/art-20046037 McEwen, B. S. (1998). Protective and damaging effects of stress mediators. The New England Journal of Medicine, 338(3), 171–179. https://doi.org/10.1056/NEJM199801153380307 McEwen, B. S. (2017). Neurobiological and systemic effects of chronic stress. Chronic Stress, 1, 1–11. https://doi.org/10.1177/2470547017692328 Mikulincer, M., & Shaver, P. R. (2007). Attachment in adulthood: Structure, dynamics, and change. Guilford Press. Newberg, A. B., & Waldman, M. R. (2009). How God changes your brain: Breakthrough findings from a leading neuroscientist. Ballantine Books. Porges, S. W. (2011). The polyvagal theory: Neurophysiological foundations of emotions, attachment, communication, and self-regulation. W. W. Norton & Company. Segerstrom, S. C., & Miller, G. E. (2004). Psychological stress and the human immune system: A meta-analytic study of 30 years of inquiry. Psychological Bulletin, 130(4), 601–630. https://doi.org/10.1037/0033-2909.130.4.601 Southwick, S. M., & Charney, D. S. (2018). Resilience: The science of mastering life’s greatest challenges (2nd ed.). Cambridge University Press. Yao, Y., et al. (2024). Immunology of stress: A review. Journal of Translational Medicine. (Review article on stress, inflammation, and immune function.) Disclaimer: This podcast/letter is for informational purposes only. It contains general information, drawn from my experience, research, and best practices. It is not health care advice, and is not intended to replace the counsel of your health care provider. Consult your provider before starting any new treatments or making changes to your health routine. This message does not constitute a provider-patient relationship between us. If you are experiencing significant anxiety, distress, or need support, please seek care from a qualified healthcare professional. You may also consider reaching out to a licensed Christian counselor or pastor for additional support. Emails, portal messages, text messages, and other communications are not monitored and will not receive a response in an emergency or crisis, or regarding medical or therapy advice. These methods should never be used for medical advice, therapy, urgent, crisis, emergent, or time-sensitive concerns. If you are experiencing a medical or psychiatric emergency, are in crisis, have thoughts of harming yourself or others, or feel unsafe, call 911 (US), contact your local emergency services, or go to the nearest emergency room or hospital immediately This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit thechristianmindreset.substack.com

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  • S1 · E23
    July 16 · 37 min

    Episode 23: The Neuroscience of Trust: Why Betrayal Hurts and How God Restores

    Episode 23, Season 1 Show Notes Have you ever wondered why betrayal hurts so deeply—or why it can feel so difficult to trust again? In this episode of The Christian Mind Reset, we explore what psychology, neuroscience, and Scripture reveal about trust, betrayal, and healing. You’ll learn how God designed the brain to learn from repeated experiences, why broken trust affects both the mind and body, and how the Psalmist's example in the Psalms points us toward lasting hope. We’ll discuss attachment, neuroplasticity, predictive processing, emotional memory, and the neuroscience of social pain, while keeping Scripture at the center of the conversation. Rather than using science to validate God’s Word, we’ll see how studying God’s creation helps us better appreciate His design. In this episode, you’ll learn: * Why trust is built through repeated experiences of faithfulness. * How attachment shapes our earliest understanding of safety and relationships. * Why betrayal feels physically painful and what neuroscience says about social rejection. * How the brain updates its expectations after relational wounds. * The role of neuroplasticity in healing after betrayal. * Why remembering God’s faithfulness is one of the most powerful biblical practices for renewing the mind. * The difference between biblical forgiveness and rebuilding trust. * Practical encouragement for learning to trust God while exercising wisdom in relationships. Key Scriptures Psalm 9:10 Psalm 77 Proverbs 3:5–6 Lamentations 3:22–23 Hebrews 10:23 Malachi 3:6 Hebrews 13:8 John 2:24 Psalm 147:3 Connect with Dr. April Joy: Connect with Dr. April Joy: Substack: The Christian Mind Reset If you liked today’s episode, please subscribe, leave a review, follow, like, or share. You can find me on Instagram at @thechristianpsychnp and also on Instagram and Substack at The Christian Mind Reset for more Scripture, neuroscience, and practical tips for renewing your mind. Listen to The Christiand Min Reset on Apple, Spotify, and Substack. My eBook, The Christian Mind Reset: A 28-Day Psalms Guide to Biblical Meditation, Neuroscience, and Renewing Your Mind, is available in my Stan Store at https://stan.store/thechristianpsychnp and on my Substack. References Ainsworth, M. D. S., Blehar, M. C., Waters, E., & Wall, S. (1978). Patterns of attachment: A psychological study of the strange situation. Lawrence Erlbaum Associates. Berg, J., Dickhaut, J., & McCabe, K. (1995). Trust, reciprocity, and social history. Games and Economic Behavior, 10(1), 122–142. https://doi.org/10.1006/game.1995.1027 Bowlby, J. (1982). Attachment and loss: Vol. 1. Attachment (2nd ed.). Basic Books. (Original work published 1969) Carter, S C. (2018). Oxytocin and Human Evolution. Current topics in behavioral neurosciences, 35, 291–319. https://doi.org/10.1007/7854_2017_18 Clark, A. (2013). Whatever next? Predictive brains, situated agents, and the future of cognitive science. Behavioral and Brain Sciences, 36(3), 181–204. https://doi.org/10.1017/S0140525X12000477 Eisenberger, N. I. (2012). The neural bases of social pain: Evidence for shared representations with physical pain. Psychosomatic Medicine, 74(2), 126–135. https://doi.org/10.1097/PSY.0b013e3182464dd1 Eisenberger, N. I., Lieberman, M. D., & Williams, K. D. (2003). Does rejection hurt? An fMRI study of social exclusion. Science, 302(5643), 290–292. https://doi.org/10.1126/science.1089134 Freyd, J. J. (1996). Betrayal trauma: The logic of forgetting childhood abuse. Harvard University Press. Friston, K. (2010). The free-energy principle: A unified brain theory? Nature Reviews Neuroscience, 11(2), 127–138. https://doi.org/10.1038/nrn2787 Froemke, R. C., & Young, L. J. (2021). Oxytocin, neural plasticity, and social behavior. Annual Review of Neuroscience, 44, 359–381. https://doi.org/10.1146/annurev-neuro-102320-102847 Hancock, P. A., Kessler, T. T., Kaplan, A. D., Brill, J. C., & Szalma, J. L. (2023). How and why humans trust: A meta-analysis and elaborated model. Frontiers in Psychology, 14, Article 1081086. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2023.1081086 Kandel, E. R., Koester, J. D., Mack, S. H., & Siegelbaum, S. A. (2021). Principles of neural science (6th ed.). McGraw Hill. Kosfeld, M., Heinrichs, M., Zak, P. J., Fischbacher, U., & Fehr, E. (2005). Oxytocin increases trust in humans. Nature, 435(7042), 673–676. https://doi.org/10.1038/nature03701 Lancaster, M. E., & Anbar, R. D. (2024, March 30). How oxytocin affects our relationships. Psychology Today. https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/understanding-hypnosis/202402/how-oxytocin-affects-our-relationships McGaugh, J. L. (2004). The amygdala modulates the consolidation of memories of emotionally arousing experiences. Annual Review of Neuroscience, 27, 1–28. https://doi.org/10.1146/annurev.neuro.27.070203.144157 Disclaimer: This podcast/letter is for informational purposes only. It contains general information, drawn from my experience, research, and best practices. It is not health care advice, and is not intended to replace the counsel of your health care provider. Consult your provider before starting any new treatments or making changes to your health routine. This message does not constitute a provider-patient relationship between us. If you are experiencing significant anxiety, distress, or need support, please seek care from a qualified healthcare professional. You may also consider reaching out to a licensed Christian counselor or pastor for additional support. Emails, portal messages, text messages, and other communications are not monitored and will not receive a response in an emergency or crisis, or regarding medical or therapy advice. These methods should never be used for medical advice, therapy, urgent, crisis, emergent, or time-sensitive concerns. If you are experiencing a medical or psychiatric emergency, are in crisis, having thoughts of harming yourself or others, or feel unsafe, call 911 (US), or contact your local emergency services, or go to the nearest emergency room or hospital immediately. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit thechristianmindreset.substack.com

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  • S1 · E22
    July 11 · 43 min

    Praise Is Spiritual Warfare: What David Knew About Worship, Neuroscience, and Renewing Your Mind

    Episode 22, Season 1 Show Notes Can praise actually change the way we experience a battle? What if God commands us to praise not only because He is worthy, but because He designed worship to strengthen His people? In this episode of The Christian Mind Reset, we explore the powerful connection among praise, worship, prayer, singing, and the renewing of the mind, drawing on both Scripture and neuroscience. Looking at the lives of David, Jehoshaphat, Paul and Silas, and Samuel, we’ll discover why praise is far more than an emotional response to victory. It is a spiritual discipline that helps us remember God’s faithfulness even as the battle is still before us. We’ll examine the neuroscience of attention, attentional bias, emotional memory, and the brain’s attentional filtering system, including the Reticular Activating System (RAS), to better understand why fear naturally captures our focus. We’ll also explore what research reveals about prayer, worship, singing, gratitude, lifting our hands, embodied cognition, and how these practices influence attention, emotional regulation, stress, and resilience. Finally, we’ll unpack the biblical meaning of an Ebenezer, why God repeatedly commands His people to remember, and how praise becomes an act of spiritual warfare that shifts our attention from fear to God's faithfulness. Whether you’re walking through anxiety, disappointment, unanswered prayers, grief, spiritual warfare, or a season of waiting, I pray this episode encourages you to remember that praise is not pretending your pain doesn’t exist. It is choosing to worship the God whose character never changes. In This Episode * Why praise is spiritual warfare * Why God commands us to sing * The neuroscience of praise and worship * Prayer and focused attention * Singing, stress, mood, and the immune system * Why lifting our hands matters * Embodied cognition and worship * David’s pattern of remembering God’s faithfulness * The neuroscience of attention and attentional bias * The Reticular Activating System (RAS) and the brain’s attentional filtering system * The amygdala, hippocampus, and emotional memory * Neuroplasticity and renewing the mind * Jehoshaphat and praising before the battle * Paul and Silas worshiping in prison * Ebenezer: Remembering God’s faithfulness * Practical ways to worship while you’re still waiting Scriptures Referenced Psalm 27 Psalm 34 Psalm 63 Psalm 77 Psalm 103 Psalm 134 Isaiah 26:3 Colossians 3:2 Romans 12:2 Hebrews 13:8 1 Samuel 7:12 2 Chronicles 20 Acts 16 Neuroscience & Psychology Concepts Attentional bias • Reticular Activating System (RAS) • Attention networks • Emotional regulation • Neuroplasticity • Amygdala • Hippocampus • Emotional memory • Focused attention • Prayer and the brain • Singing and worship • Embodied cognition • Gratitude • Secretory immunoglobulin A (sIgA) • Cortisol • Christian psychology • Faith and neuroscience Connect with Dr. April Joy: Connect with Dr. April Joy: Substack: The Christian Mind Reset If you liked today’s episode, please subscribe, leave a review, follow, like, or share. You can find me on Instagram at @thechristianpsychnp and also on Instagram and Substack at The Christian Mind Reset for more Scripture, neuroscience, and practical tips for renewing your mind. Listen to The Christiand Min Reset on Apple, Spotify, and Substack. My eBook, The Christian Mind Reset: A 28-Day Psalms Guide to Biblical Meditation, Neuroscience, and Renewing Your Mind, is available in my Stan Store at https://stan.store/thechristianpsychnp and on my Substack. References Bar-Haim, Y., Lamy, D., Pergamin, L., Bakermans-Kranenburg, M. J., & van IJzendoorn, M. H. (2007). Threat-related attentional bias in anxious and nonanxious individuals: A meta-analytic study. Psychological Bulletin, 133(1), 1–24. https://doi.org/10.1037/0033-2909.133.1.1 Barsalou, L. W. (2008). Grounded cognition. Annual Review of Psychology, 59, 617–645. https://doi.org/10.1146/annurev.psych.59.103006.093639 Beck, R. J., Cesario, T. C., Yousefi, A., & Enamoto, H. (2000). Choral singing, performance perception, and immune system changes in salivary immunoglobulin A and cortisol. Music Perception, 18(1), 87–106. Draganski, B., Gaser, C., Busch, V., Schuierer, G., Bogdahn, U., & May, A. (2004). Neuroplasticity: Changes in grey matter induced by training. Nature, 427(6972), 311–312. https://doi.org/10.1038/427311a Fancourt, D., Williamon, A., Carvalho, L. A., Steptoe, A., Dow, R., & Lewis, I. (2016). Singing modulates mood, stress, cortisol, cytokine and neuropeptide activity in cancer patients and carers. ecancermedicalscience, 10, 631. https://doi.org/10.3332/ecancer.2016.631 Fredrickson, B. L. (2001). The role of positive emotions in positive psychology: The broaden-and-build theory of positive emotions. American Psychologist, 56(3), 218–226. https://doi.org/10.1037/0003-066X.56.3.218 Kreutz, G., Bongard, S., Rohrmann, S., Hodapp, V., & Grebe, D. (2004). Effects of choir singing or listening on secretory immunoglobulin A, cortisol, and emotional state. Journal of Behavioral Medicine, 27(6), 623–635. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10865-004-0006-9 McGaugh, J. L. (2004). The amygdala modulates the consolidation of memories of emotionally arousing experiences. Annual Review of Neuroscience, 27, 1–28. https://doi.org/10.1146/annurev.neuro.27.070203.144157 Newberg, A. B. (2014). The neuroscientific study of spiritual practices. Frontiers in Psychology, 5, 215. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2014.00215 Posner, M. I., & Petersen, S. E. (1990). The attention system of the human brain. Annual Review of Neuroscience, 13, 25–42. https://doi.org/10.1146/annurev.ne.13.030190.000325 Thomas Nelson. (2017). The NKJV Study Bible (2nd ed.). Thomas Nelson. Disclaimer: This podcast/letter is for informational purposes only. It contains general information, drawn from my experience, research, and best practices. It is not health care advice, and is not intended to replace the counsel of your health care provider. Consult your provider before starting any new treatments or making changes to your health routine. This message does not constitute a provider-patient relationship between us. If you are experiencing significant anxiety, distress, or need support, please seek care from a qualified healthcare professional. You may also consider reaching out to a licensed Christian counselor or pastor for additional support. Emails, portal messages, text messages, and other communications are not monitored and will not receive a response in an emergency or crisis, or regarding medical or therapy advice. These methods should never be used for medical advice, therapy, urgent, crisis, emergent, or time-sensitive concerns. If you are experiencing a medical or psychiatric emergency, are in crisis, having thoughts of harming yourself or others, or feel unsafe, call 911 (US), or contact your local emergency services, or go to the nearest emergency room or hospital immediately This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit thechristianmindreset.substack.com

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  • S1 · E21
    July 5 · 24 min

    Why Disappointment Hurts: What the Bible and Neuroscience Reveal

    Episode 21, Season 1 Show Notes Why does disappointment hurt so deeply? Whether it’s an unanswered prayer, a broken relationship, a diagnosis you never expected, or a dream that feels out of reach, disappointment has a way of shaking not only our hearts but also our understanding of God. In this episode of The Christian Mind Reset, we explore what happens in the brain when our expectations collide with reality, and how God’s Word offers hope amid unmet expectations. Together we’ll look at the neuroscience of disappointment, including prediction error, dopamine, the lateral habenula, hopelessness, neuroplasticity, and the brain’s remarkable capacity for resilience. We’ll spend time in Psalm 22, where David cries out with complete honesty, “My God, My God, why have You forsaken Me?” We’ll see why Jesus quoted those very words from the cross and what they teach us about bringing our disappointment to God without losing our faith. We’ll also discover how Psalm 34 reminds us that God’s goodness is not determined by our circumstances, but by His unchanging character. Finally, we’ll explore how Scripture and neuroscience beautifully agree that our repeated thoughts shape how we experience life, and how the Holy Spirit renews our minds as we continue to bring our disappointments back to the Lord. If you’ve ever wondered where God is in your waiting, this episode is for you. In this episode, we’ll discuss: • Why disappointment affects both the brain and the heart• The neuroscience of prediction error, dopamine, and unmet expectations• The role of the lateral habenula in disappointment and hopelessness• David’s honest prayer in Psalm 22• Why Jesus quoted Psalm 22 from the cross• How hopelessness changes our thinking—and how Scripture corrects it• Psalm 34 and trusting God’s character over our circumstances• Neuroplasticity, perseverance, and renewing your mind• Biblical declarations and a guided prayer for seasons of disappointment Key Scriptures Psalm 22Psalm 34Psalm 30:5Psalm 62:5Romans 5:3–5Romans 8:28Romans 12:2Lamentations 3:22–23Philippians 1:6Matthew 27:46 Mentioned Research Liu, R. T., Kleiman, E. M., Nestor, B. A., & Cheek, S. M. (2015). The hopelessness theory of depression: A quarter-century in review. Matsumoto, M., & Hikosaka, O. (2007). Lateral habenula as a source of negative reward signals. Schultz, W., Dayan, P., & Montague, P. R. (1997). A neural substrate of prediction and reward. Touroutoglou, A., Andreano, J. M., Dickerson, B. C., & Barrett, L. F. (2020). How the anterior mid-cingulate contributes to achieving goals. Cortex, 123, 12–29. Connect with Dr. April Joy: Connect with Dr. April Joy: Substack: The Christian Mind Reset If you liked today’s episode, please subscribe, leave a review, follow, like, or share. You can find me on Instagram at @thechristianpsychnp and also on Instagram and Substack at The Christian Mind Reset for more Scripture, neuroscience, and practical tips for renewing your mind. Listen to The Christian Min Reset on Apple, Spotify, and Substack. My eBook, The Christian Mind Reset: A 28-Day Psalms Guide to Biblical Meditation, Neuroscience, and Renewing Your Mind, is available in my Stan Store at https://stan.store/thechristianpsychnp and on my Substack. References Schultz, W., Dayan, P., & Montague, P. R. (1997). A neural substrate of prediction and reward. Science, 275(5306), 1593–1599. Link Matsumoto, M., & Hikosaka, O. (2007). Lateral habenula as a source of negative reward signals in dopamine neurons. Nature, 447(7148), 1111–1115. Link Liu, R. T., Kleiman, E. M., Nestor, B. A., & Cheek, S. M. (2015). The hopelessness theory of depression: A quarter century in review. Clinical Psychology: Science and Practice, 22(4), 345–365. Link Thomas Nelson. (2017). The NKJV Study Bible (2nd ed.). Thomas Nelson. Touroutoglou, A., Andreano, J., Dickerson, B. C., & Barrett, L. F. (2020). The tenacious brain: How the anterior mid-cingulate contributes to achieving goals. Cortex, 123, 12–29. Link Disclaimer: This podcast/letter is for informational purposes only. It contains general information, drawn from my experience, research, and best practices. It is not health care advice, and is not intended to replace the counsel of your health care provider. Consult your provider before starting any new treatments or making changes to your health routine. This message does not constitute a provider-patient relationship between us. If you are experiencing significant anxiety, distress, or need support, please seek care from a qualified healthcare professional. You may also consider reaching out to a licensed Christian counselor or pastor for additional support. Emails, portal messages, text messages, and other communications are not monitored and will not receive a response in an emergency or crisis, or regarding medical or therapy advice. These methods should never be used for medical advice, therapy, urgent, crisis, emergent, or time-sensitive concerns. If you are experiencing a medical or psychiatric emergency, are in crisis, having thoughts of harming yourself or others, or feel unsafe, call 911 (US), or contact your local emergency services, or go to the nearest emergency room or hospital immediately This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit thechristianmindreset.substack.com

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  • S1 · E20
    July 1 · 20 min

    Waiting on God | The Neuroscience of Waiting, Biblical Hope, and Renewing Your Mind

    Episode 20, Season 1 Show Notes Why is waiting on God so difficult? If you’ve ever wondered why unanswered prayers feel so emotionally exhausting, why uncertainty can trigger anxiety, or why waiting can feel harder than receiving bad news, you’re not alone. In this episode of The Christian Mind Reset, we explore how neuroscience and Scripture together help us understand one of the hardest parts of the Christian life: waiting. You’ll discover why the brain naturally struggles with uncertainty, how our minds are wired to seek closure, and why seasons of waiting can leave us feeling discouraged even when our faith remains strong. We’ll also examine how God designed the brain to change through neuroplasticity and how renewing our minds with His truth can shape our experience of seasons of uncertainty. Then we’ll turn to Psalm 27, following David’s journey from the cave to the crown. Together we’ll study the beautiful Hebrew word qāvâ, often translated as “wait,” which means to bind together or become intertwined. David’s story reminds us that waiting is not passive—it is an invitation to become more deeply connected to God as He prepares us for what lies ahead. Whether you’re waiting for healing, restoration, direction, reconciliation, or an answer to prayer, this episode will encourage you to trust God’s timing, renew your mind, and remember that His silence is never His absence. In This Episode * Why uncertainty feels so stressful to the brain * The neuroscience of waiting and anxiety * Intolerance of uncertainty * Dopamine, anticipation, and delayed expectations * Neuroplasticity and renewing your mind * David’s years of waiting before becoming king * The Hebrew meaning of qāvâ * Psalm 27 and learning to wait with courage * Practical ways to renew your mind while you wait * Biblical declarations and a closing prayer Key Scriptures * Psalm 27:14 * Psalm 130:5–6 * Isaiah 40:31 * Romans 12:2 * Numbers 23:19 Connect with Dr. April Joy: Connect with Dr. April Joy: Substack: The Christian Mind Reset If you liked today’s episode, please subscribe, leave a review, follow, like, or share. You can find me on Instagram at @thechristianpsychnp and also on Instagram and Substack at The Christian Mind Reset for more Scripture, neuroscience, and practical tips for renewing your mind. Listen to The Christian Min Reset on Apple, Spotify, and Substack. My eBook, The Christian Mind Reset: A 28-Day Psalms Guide to Biblical Meditation, Neuroscience, and Renewing Your Mind, is available in my Stan Store at https://stan.store/thechristianpsychnp and on my Substack. References Clark, A. (2013). Whatever next? Predictive brains, situated agents, and the future of cognitive science. Behavioral and Brain Sciences, 36(3), 181–204. https://doi.org/10.1017/S0140525X12000477PMID: 23663408. (PubMed) Draganski, B., Gaser, C., Busch, V., Schuierer, G., Bogdahn, U., & May, A. (2004). Neuroplasticity: Changes in grey matter induced by training. Nature, 427(6972), 311–312. https://doi.org/10.1038/427311aPMID: 14737157. (PubMed) Dugas, M. J., Gagnon, F., Ladouceur, R., & Freeston, M. H. (1998). Generalized anxiety disorder: A preliminary test of a conceptual model. Behaviour Research and Therapy, 36(2), 215–226.PMID: 9613027. (PubMed) Dugas, M. J., & Robichaud, M. (2007). Cognitive-behavioral treatment for generalized anxiety disorder: From science to practice. Routledge. Gross, J. J. (1998). The emerging field of emotion regulation: An integrative review. Review of General Psychology, 2(3), 271–299. https://doi.org/10.1037/1089-2680.2.3.271 (Sage Journals) Hsu, M., Bhatt, M., Adolphs, R., Tranel, D., & Camerer, C. F. (2005). Neural systems responding to degrees of uncertainty in human decision-making. Science, 310(5754), 1680–1683. https://doi.org/10.1126/science.1115327PMID: 16339445. (PubMed) Kolb, B., & Gibb, R. (2011). Brain plasticity and behaviour in the developing brain. Journal of the Canadian Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, 20(4), 265–276.PMID: 22114608. (PubMed) Masicampo, E. J., & Baumeister, R. F. (2011). Consider it done! Plan making can eliminate the cognitive effects of unfulfilled goals. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, 101(4), 667–683. https://doi.org/10.1037/a0024192 McEwen, B. S. (2007). Physiology and neurobiology of stress and adaptation: Central role of the brain. Physiological Reviews, 87(3), 873–904. https://doi.org/10.1152/physrev.00041.2006PMID: 17615391. (PubMed) Mischel, W., Shoda, Y., & Rodriguez, M. I. (1989). Delay of gratification in children. Science, 244(4907), 933–938.PMID: 2658056. (PubMed) Ochsner, K. N., & Gross, J. J. (2005). The cognitive control of emotion. Trends in Cognitive Sciences, 9(5), 242–249. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tics.2005.03.010PMID: 15866151. (PubMed) Schultz, W., Dayan, P., & Montague, P. R. (1997). A neural substrate of prediction and reward. Science, 275(5306), 1593–1599.PMID: 9054347. (PubMed) Thomas Nelson. (2017). The NKJV Study Bible (2nd ed.). Thomas Nelson. Disclaimer: This podcast/letter is for informational purposes only. It contains general information, drawn from my experience, research, and best practices. It is not health care advice, and is not intended to replace the counsel of your health care provider. Consult your provider before starting any new treatments or making changes to your health routine. This message does not constitute a provider-patient relationship between us. If you are experiencing significant anxiety, distress, or need support, please seek care from a qualified healthcare professional. You may also consider reaching out to a licensed Christian counselor or pastor for additional support. Emails, portal messages, text messages, and other communications are not monitored and will not receive a response in an emergency or crisis, or regarding medical or therapy advice. These methods should never be used for medical advice, therapy, urgent, crisis, emergent, or time-sensitive concerns. If you are experiencing a medical or psychiatric emergency, are in crisis, having thoughts of harming yourself or others, or feel unsafe, call 911 (US), or contact your local emergency services, or go to the nearest emergency room or hospital immediately This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit thechristianmindreset.substack.com

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  • S1 · E19
    June 28 · 41 min

    The Neuroscience of Letting Go | Renewing Your Mind Through Biblical Surrender

    Episode 19, Season 1 Show Notes Why is letting go so difficult? If you’ve ever found yourself replaying painful memories, holding onto regret, struggling with control, or wondering why you keep returning to the same fears even after you’ve prayed about them, you’re not alone. In this episode of The Christian Mind Reset, we will examine how the biblical invitation to let go is brought into sharper focus by neuroscience and psychology, uncovering the ways God has intricately fashioned the mind to encounter freedom through the practice of surrender. We will consider how the brain encodes emotionally significant experiences, why uncertainty so often unsettles us, how cycles of rumination can entrap the mind, and how the reality of neuroplasticity echoes the biblical promise that our minds can be renewed. Yet long before neuroscience named these processes, Scripture was already inviting us to release burdens we were never created to bear in isolation. Together, we will trace the stories of Samuel, David, Paul, and ultimately Jesus, recognizing that biblical surrender is not denial or passivity, but a profound trust in the character of God—a trust that enables us to entrust what is heavy into His hands. We will also linger with Psalm 46, reflecting on what it means to hear God say, ‘Be still, and know that I am God,’ and how the Hebrew word raphah invites us to loosen our grip and cease striving. If you find yourself struggling to release the past, anxiety, grief, shame, fear, disappointment, control, or unanswered prayer, my hope is that this episode will remind you: the God who formed your mind is faithful to renew it. In This Episode • Why letting go is so difficult from a neuroscience perspective • Predictive processing and why the brain anticipates future threats • The roles of the amygdala, hippocampus, and prefrontal cortex • Emotional memory and why painful experiences are easier to remember • Memory reconsolidation and how healing changes our relationship to painful memories • Rumination, the default mode network, and repetitive thinking • Fear extinction, neuroplasticity, and renewing the mind • The psychology of control, grief, and uncertainty • Samuel mourning Saul (1 Samuel 16) • David’s response after the loss of his son (2 Samuel 12) • Paul’s encouragement to forget what lies behind (Philippians 3) • Psalm 46 and the biblical invitation to “Be still” • The Hebrew word raphah and the practice of releasing our grip • Jesus in Gethsemane as the ultimate picture of surrender Key Scriptures Psalm 46 1 Samuel 16:1 2 Samuel 12:15–23 Philippians 3:13–14 Romans 12:2 1 Peter 5:7 Matthew 11:28–30 Luke 22:42 Connect with Dr. April Joy: Connect with Dr. April Joy: Substack: The Christian Mind Reset If you liked today’s episode, please subscribe, leave a review, follow, like, or share. You can find me on Instagram at @thechristianpsychnp and also on Instagram and Substack at The Christian Mind Reset for more Scripture, neuroscience, and practical tips for renewing your mind. Listen to The Christian Min Reset on Apple, Spotify, and Substack. My eBook, The Christian Mind Reset: A 28-Day Psalms Guide to Biblical Meditation, Neuroscience, and Renewing Your Mind, is available in my Stan Store at https://stan.store/thechristianpsychnp and on my Substack. References Bar, M. (2009). The proactive brain: Memory for predictions. Philosophical Transactions of the Royal Society B: Biological Sciences, 364(1521), 1235–1243. Carleton, R. N. (2016). Fear of the unknown: One fear to rule them all? Journal of Anxiety Disorders, 41, 5–21. Friston, K. (2010). The free-energy principle: A unified brain theory? Nature Reviews Neuroscience, 11(2), 127–138. Fullana, M. A., Harrison, B. J., Soriano-Mas, C., et al. (2018). Neural signatures of human fear conditioning and fear extinction: A meta-analysis of fMRI studies. Biological Psychiatry, 84(8), 579–593. Hamilton, J. P., Farmer, M., Fogelman, P., & Gotlib, I. H. (2015). Depressive rumination, the default mode network, and the dark matter of clinical neuroscience. Biological Psychiatry, 78(4), 224–230. Kolb, B., & Gibb, R. (2011). Brain plasticity and behaviour in the developing brain. Journal of the Canadian Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, 20(4), 265–276. LeDoux, J. E. (2000). Emotion circuits in the brain. Annual Review of Neuroscience, 23, 155–184. McGaugh, J. L. (2004). The amygdala modulates the consolidation of memories of emotionally arousing experiences. Annual Review of Neuroscience, 27, 1–28. Nader, K., & Hardt, O. (2009). A single standard for memory: The case for reconsolidation. Nature Reviews Neuroscience, 10(3), 224–234. Pessoa, L. (2008). On the relationship between emotion and cognition. Nature Reviews Neuroscience, 9(2), 148–158. Phelps, E. A., Delgado, M. R., Nearing, K. I., & LeDoux, J. E. (2004). Extinction learning in humans: Role of the amygdala and vmPFC. Neuron, 43(6), 897–905. Thomas Nelson. (2017). The NKJV Study Bible (2nd ed.). Thomas Nelson. Disclaimer Disclaimer: This podcast/letter is for informational purposes only. It contains general information, drawn from my experience, research, and best practices. It is not health care advice, and is not intended to replace the counsel of your health care provider. Consult your provider before starting any new treatments or making changes to your health routine. This message does not constitute a provider-patient relationship between us. If you are experiencing significant anxiety, distress, or need support, please seek care from a qualified healthcare professional. You may also consider reaching out to a licensed Christian counselor or pastor for additional support. Emails, portal messages, text messages, and other communications are not monitored and will not receive a response in an emergency or crisis, or regarding medical or therapy advice. These methods should never be used for medical advice, therapy, urgent, crisis, emergent, or time-sensitive concerns. If you are experiencing a medical or psychiatric emergency, are in crisis, having thoughts of harming yourself or others, or feel unsafe, call 911 (US), or contact your local emergency services, or go to the nearest emergency room or hospital immediately. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit thechristianmindreset.substack.com

    • Transcript
  • S1 · E18
    June 24 · 18 min

    Why Loneliness Hurts: The Neuroscience of Social Connection and What the Bible Says About Being Alone

    Eisode 18, Season 1 Show Notes Loneliness is more than an emotion. It affects the brain, the body, and the way we experience the world. In today’s episode of The Christian Mind Reset, Dr. April Joy explores the neuroscience, psychology, and biblical perspective on loneliness. You’ll learn why social rejection activates some of the same brain regions involved in physical pain, how chronic loneliness impacts stress hormones and overall health, and why God designed human beings for connection. Dr. Joy will discuss research on loneliness from neuroscientists such as Naomi Eisenberger and John Cacioppo, explore the surprising health benefits of strong relationships, and examine what Scripture teaches about friendship, community, and God’s presence during lonely seasons. We’ll look at Genesis 2:18, Psalm 27, Psalm 34, David and Jonathan’s friendship, and the role of the church in helping us move from isolation toward connection. Whether you’re walking through a season of loneliness, grieving a relationship, struggling to find community, or simply wanting to understand God’s design for human connection, this episode offers hope, practical encouragement, and biblical truth. In This Episode * What loneliness does to the brain * Why social rejection can feel physically painful * The role of the dorsal anterior cingulate cortex (dACC) * John Cacioppo’s research on chronic loneliness * Cortisol, inflammation, and the stress response * Loneliness in Gen Z and older adults * Why healthy relationships improve mental and physical health * Genesis 2:18 and God’s design for community * David and Jonathan’s friendship * The importance of church community and belonging * How God remains present when we feel alone * Practical steps toward building healthy relationships Key Scriptures * Genesis 2:18 * Ecclesiastes 4:9-12 * Proverbs 18:24 * Proverbs 27:17 * Psalm 27:10 * Psalm 34:18 * Hebrews 10:24-25 * 1 Thessalonians 5:11 * Matthew 28:20 * Hebrews 13:5 Key Takeaways * Loneliness is both a psychological and biological experience. * The brain processes social pain using some of the same neural networks involved in physical pain. * Chronic loneliness can increase stress, inflammation, and emotional distress. * Strong relationships are associated with better emotional health, resilience, and longevity. * God created human beings for connection and community. * Friendship is one of God’s gifts for encouragement, support, and growth. * Even when human relationships are absent, God’s presence is not. * Healing from loneliness often begins with one small step toward connection. Practical Challenge This week: * Spend time meditating on Psalm 27:10. * Reach out to one person through a text, phone call, or invitation. * Pray specifically for godly friendships and community. * Move beyond attending church and toward belonging by joining a group, volunteering, or introducing yourself to someone new. Connect with Dr. April Joy: Connect with Dr. April Joy: Substack: The Christian Mind Reset If you liked today’s episode, please subscribe, leave a review, follow, like, or share. You can find me on Instagram at @thechristianpsychnp and also on Instagram and Substack at The Christian Mind Reset for more Scripture, neuroscience, and practical tips for renewing your mind. My eBook, The Christian Mind Reset: A 28-Day Psalms Guide to Biblical Meditation, Neuroscience, and Renewing Your Mind, is available in my Stan Store at https://stan.store/thechristianpsychnp References Baek, E. C., Hyon, R., López, K., Du, M., Porter, M. A., & Parkinson, C. (2021). Lonely individuals process the world in idiosyncratic ways. Nature Communications, 12, 639. Cacioppo, J. T., & Cacioppo, S. (2018). The growing problem of loneliness. The Lancet, 391(10119), 426. Cigna. (2020). Loneliness and the workplace: 2020 U.S. report. Dunn, R. S. (2025). When you don’t have the words: Praying the Psalms. Lexham Press. Eisenberger, N. I., Lieberman, M. D., & Williams, K. D. (2003). Does rejection hurt? An fMRI study of social exclusion. Science, 302(5643), 290–292. Holt-Lunstad, J., Smith, T. B., & Layton, J. B. (2010). Social relationships and mortality risk: A meta-analytic review. PLoS Medicine, 7(7), e1000316. Koenig, H. G. (2012). Religion, spirituality, and health: The research and clinical implications. ISRN Psychiatry, 2012, 278730. National Institute on Aging. (2024). Loneliness and social isolation — tips for staying connected. Rote, S., & Hill, T. D. (2014). Religious attendance and loneliness in later life. The Gerontologist, 54(1), 39–50. Thomas Nelson. (2017). The NKJV Study Bible (2nd ed.). Thomas Nelson. Disclaimer: Disclaimer: This podcast/letter is for informational purposes only. It contains general information, drawn from my experience, research, and best practices. It is not health care advice, and is not intended to replace the counsel of your health care provider. Consult your provider before starting any new treatments or making changes to your health routine. This message does not constitute a provider-patient relationship between us. If you are experiencing significant anxiety, distress, or need support, please seek care from a qualified healthcare professional. You may also consider reaching out to a licensed Christian counselor or pastor for additional support. Emails, portal messages, text messages, and other communications are not monitored and will not receive a response in an emergency or crisis, or regarding medical or therapy advice. These methods should never be used for medical advice, therapy, urgent, crisis, emergent, or time-sensitive concerns. If you are experiencing a medical or psychiatric emergency, are in crisis, having thoughts of harming yourself or others, or feel unsafe, call 911 (US), or contact your local emergency services, or go to the nearest emergency room or hospital immediately. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit thechristianmindreset.substack.com

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  • S1 · E17
    June 23 · 21 min

    Anger, Neuroscience, and Biblical Truth: What the Bible Really Says About Anger

    Episode 17, Season 1 Show Notes Anger, Neuroscience, and Biblical Truth: What the Bible Really Says About Anger Is anger always sinful? Many Christians have been taught that anger is something to avoid, suppress, or feel guilty about. Yet Scripture tells a different story. Ephesians 4:26 says, “Be angry, and do not sin.” Even Jesus experienced anger without sinning, and God repeatedly invites His people to bring their emotions honestly before Him. In today’s episode of The Christian Mind Reset, Dr. April Joy explores anger through the lenses of neuroscience, psychology, Scripture, and theology. You’ll learn why anger is often a protective emotion, what happens in the brain during experiences of injustice and unfairness, and how neuroscience confirms the biblical distinction between feeling anger and acting on it. We’ll examine the fascinating research of Klimecki and colleagues on anger and emotional regulation, look at Jesus’ righteous anger in Mark 3, explore Jonah’s struggle with anger and disappointment, and reflect on David’s wisdom in Psalm 37. If you’ve ever struggled with resentment, bitterness, frustration, or guilt about being angry, this episode will help you understand how God designed emotions and how to process anger in a healthy, biblical way. In This Episode * What anger actually is from a neuroscience perspective * The difference between anger and aggression * Why suppressing anger often makes it worse * The role of the prefrontal cortex in emotional regulation * Jesus’ example of righteous anger * Jonah’s anger toward God’s mercy * Psalm 37 and trusting God with justice * Practical steps for processing anger biblically * Scripture declarations for emotional healing Key Scriptures * Psalm 4:4 * Psalm 7:11 * Psalm 37:8 * Mark 3:5 * Jonah 4:4 * Ephesians 4:26-27 * James 1:19-20 * Romans 12:19 * Hebrews 12:15 * 2 Timothy 1:7 Connect with Dr. April Joy: Connect with Dr. April Joy: Substack: The Christian Mind Reset If you liked today’s episode, please subscribe, leave a review, follow, like, or share. You can find me on Instagram at @thechristianpsychnp and also on Instagram and Substack at The Christian Mind Reset for more Scripture, neuroscience, and practical tips for renewing your mind. My eBook, The Christian Mind Reset: A 28-Day Psalms Guide to Biblical Meditation, Neuroscience, and Renewing Your Mind, is available in my Stan Store at https://stan.store/thechristianpsychnp References Denson, T. F., Pedersen, W. C., Ronquillo, J., & Nandy, A. S. (2009). The angry brain: Neural correlates of anger, angry rumination, and aggressive personality. Journal of Cognitive Neuroscience, 21(4), 734–744. https://doi.org/10.1162/jocn.2009.21051 Dunn, R. S. (2025). When you don’t have the words: Praying the Psalms. Lexham Press. Klimecki, O. M., Sander, D., & Vuilleumier, P. (2018). Distinct brain areas involved in anger versus punishment during social interactions. Scientific Reports, 8(1), 10556. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-018-28863-3 Shimbo, D., et al. (2024). The effects of negative emotions on vascular function. Journal of the American Heart Association Thomas Nelson. (2017). The NKJV study Bible (2nd ed.). Thomas Nelson Disclaimer: This podcast/letter is for informational purposes only. It contains general information, drawn from my experience, research, and best practices. It is not health care advice, and is not intended to replace the counsel of your health care provider. Consult your provider before starting any new treatments or making changes to your health routine. This message does not constitute a provider-patient relationship between us. If you are experiencing significant anxiety, distress, or need support, please seek care from a qualified healthcare professional. You may also consider reaching out to a licensed Christian counselor or pastor for additional support. Emails, portal messages, text messages, and other communications are not monitored and will not receive a response in an emergency or crisis, or regarding medical or therapy advice. These methods should never be used for medical advice, therapy, urgent, crisis, emergent, or time-sensitive concerns. If you are experiencing a medical or psychiatric emergency, are in crisis, having thoughts of harming yourself or others, or feel unsafe, call 911 (US), or contact your local emergency services, or go to the nearest emergency room or hospital immediately. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit thechristianmindreset.substack.com

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  • S1 · E16
    June 22 · 24 min

    Comparison, Contentment, and Keeping Your Eyes on God | Neuroscience, Psychology, and Psalm 73

    Episode 16, Season 1 Show Notes Why does comparison steal our peace so quickly? In today’s episode of The Christian Mind Reset, we explore the psychology, neuroscience, and biblical perspective on comparison, envy, contentment, and keeping our eyes on God. Using Psalm 73 as our anchor passage, we walk through Asaph’s honest struggle with comparison and discover how looking at everyone else’s life distorted his perspective. Long before psychologists studied social comparison, Scripture described what happens when we measure our lives against others. We’ll discuss Social Comparison Theory, the impact of social media on mental health, what neuroscience reveals about the brain’s reward system and social comparison, and why gratitude and worship help restore perspective. We’ll also look at Peter's comparison of himself to John, Paul’s teaching on examining our own work, and the invitation to run our own race with endurance. If you’ve ever felt behind, overlooked, discouraged, or tempted to compare your life to someone else’s, this episode is for you. In This Episode • Psalm 73 and the psychology of comparison • Why comparison often leads to discouragement and envy • Leon Festinger’s Social Comparison Theory • Social media, comparison, and mental health • The neuroscience of comparison and the brain’s reward system • Why the brain naturally notices what appears missing • Peter, John, and Jesus’ response to comparison • The vineyard workers and comparison-driven resentment • Contentment as a learned skill • Gratitude as an antidote to comparison • The Comparison Audit exercise • Daily declarations and prayer Key Scriptures Psalm 73:3 Psalm 73:17 Psalm 73:25–26 Psalm 16:6 John 21:20–22 Galatians 6:4–5 Hebrews 12:1–2 2 Corinthians 10:12 Ecclesiastes 4:4 Philippians 1:6 Philippians 4:11 Matthew 20:1–16 Key Takeaways Comparison distorts perspective. Worship restores perspective. Nothing changed about Asaph’s circumstances. Nothing changed about God’s faithfulness. What changed was where Asaph fixed his attention. Comparison asks, “Why them?” Faith asks, “Lord, what have You entrusted to me?” Comparison focuses on what is missing. Gratitude helps us remember what God has already provided. Connect with Dr. April Joy: Connect with Dr. April Joy: Substack: The Christian Mind Reset If you liked today’s episode, please subscribe, leave a review, follow, like, or share. You can find me on Instagram at @thechristianpsychnp and also on Instagram and Substack at The Christian Mind Reset for more Scripture, neuroscience, and practical tips for renewing your mind. My eBook, The Christian Mind Reset: A 28-Day Psalms Guide to Biblical Meditation, Neuroscience, and Renewing Your Mind, is available in my Stan Store at https://stan.store/thechristianpsychnp Resources The Christian Mind Reset Podcast The 28-Day Christian Mind Reset Guide Substack Articles on Neuroscience, Psychology, and Biblical Meditation References Emmons, R. A., & McCullough, M. E. (2003). Counting blessings versus burdens: An experimental investigation of gratitude and subjective well-being in daily life. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, 84(2), 377–389. https://doi.org/10.1037/0022-3514.84.2.377 Festinger, L. (1954). A theory of social comparison processes. Human Relations, 7(2), 117–140. Fliessbach, K., Weber, B., Trautner, P., Dohmen, T., Sunde, U., Elger, C. E., & Falk, A. (2007). Social comparison affects reward-related brain activity in the human ventral striatum. Science, 318(5854), 1305–1308. Hunt, M. G., Marx, R., Lipson, C., & Young, J. (2018). No more FOMO: Limiting social media decreases loneliness and depression. Journal of Social and Clinical Psychology, 37(10), 751–768. Krasnova, H., Wenninger, H., Widjaja, T., & Buxmann, P. (2013). Envy on Facebook: A hidden threat to users’ life satisfaction. Proceedings of the International Conference on Information Systems. Takahashi, H., Kato, M., Matsuura, M., Mobbs, D., Suhara, T., & Okubo, Y. (2009). When your gain is my pain and your pain is my gain: Neural correlates of envy and schadenfreude. Science, 323(5916), 937–939. Wood, A. M., Froh, J. J., & Geraghty, A. W. A. (2010). Gratitude and well-being: A review and theoretical integration. Clinical Psychology Review, 30(7), 890–905. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cpr.2010.03.005 Thanks for reading The Christian Mind Reset's Substack! Subscribe for free to receive new posts and podcasts, and support my work. Disclaimer Disclaimer: This podcast/letter is for informational purposes only. It contains general information, drawn from my experience, research, and best practices. It is not health care advice, and is not intended to replace the counsel of your health care provider. Consult your provider before starting any new treatments or making changes to your health routine. This message does not constitute a provider-patient relationship between us. If you are experiencing significant anxiety, distress, or need support, please seek care from a qualified healthcare professional. You may also consider reaching out to a licensed Christian counselor or pastor for additional support. Emails, portal messages, text messages, and other communications are not monitored and will not receive a response in an emergency or crisis, or regarding medical or therapy advice. These methods should never be used for medical advice, therapy, urgent, crisis, emergent, or time-sensitive concerns. If you are experiencing a medical or psychiatric emergency, are in crisis, having thoughts of harming yourself or others, or feel unsafe, call 911 (US), or contact your local emergency services, or go to the nearest emergency room or hospital immediately. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit thechristianmindreset.substack.com

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  • S1 · E15
    June 19 · 25 min

    Perfectionism, Anxiety, and God's Grace | Neuroscience, Psychology, Bible, and The Anxious Generation

    Episode 15, Season 1 Show Notes Why does perfectionism leave so many of us feeling exhausted, anxious, and never quite good enough? In today’s episode of The Christian Mind Reset, Dr. April Joy explores the psychology, neuroscience, and biblical perspective on perfectionism. We discuss how perfectionism differs from healthy striving, why it is often rooted in fear rather than excellence, and how perfectionistic thinking can contribute to anxiety, procrastination, burnout, and chronic self-criticism. Drawing from research by Thomas Curran, Paul Hewitt, Gordon Flett, Kristin Neff, and others, we examine why perfectionism has increased dramatically in recent decades and why many young adults report greater pressure than ever before to perform, achieve, and avoid mistakes. We also explore how perfectionism affects the brain, activating stress responses that can make mistakes feel like threats rather than opportunities for growth. From a biblical perspective, we look at the story of Martha in Luke 10 and discover how Jesus responded not with condemnation, but with compassion. We also spend time in Psalm 103, reflecting on the comforting truth that God knows our frame and remembers that we are dust. If you have ever struggled with feeling like you must earn your worth, prove yourself, or get everything right before you can rest, this episode is for you. In This Episode • The difference between healthy striving and unhealthy perfectionism • Why perfectionism is often driven by fear of failure, criticism, and rejection • The neuroscience of perfectionism, stress, and threat perception • Why perfectionism and procrastination often go together • What recent research says about the rise of perfectionism in young adults • The connection between perfectionism, anxiety, depression, and burnout • Martha, Mary, and the pressure to perform • Self-compassion through a Christian lens • Psalm 103 and God’s compassion for our humanity • Practical strategies for overcoming perfectionism • Guided declarations and prayer Key Scriptures Luke 10:41–42 Psalm 103:13–14 Romans 3:23 Philippians 1:6 Romans 15:7 Colossians 3:23 Matthew 11:28–30 Hebrews 12:2 Connect with Dr. April Joy: Connect with Dr. April Joy: Substack: The Christian Mind Reset If you liked today’s episode, please subscribe, leave a review, follow, like, or share. You can find me on Instagram at @thechristianpsychnp and also on Instagram and Substack at The Christian Mind Reset for more Scripture, neuroscience, and practical tips for renewing your mind. My eBook, The Christian Mind Reset: A 28-Day Psalms Guide to Biblical Meditation, Neuroscience, and Renewing Your Mind, is available in my Stan Store at https://stan.store/thechristianpsychnp Disclaimer Disclaimer: This podcast/letter is for informational purposes only. It contains general information, drawn from my experience, research, and best practices. It is not health care advice, and is not intended to replace the counsel of your health care provider. Consult your provider before starting any new treatments or making changes to your health routine. This message does not constitute a provider-patient relationship between us. If you are experiencing significant anxiety, distress, or need support, please seek care from a qualified healthcare professional. You may also consider reaching out to a licensed Christian counselor or pastor for additional support. Emails, portal messages, text messages, and other communications are not monitored and will not receive a response in an emergency or crisis, or regarding medical or therapy advice. These methods should never be used for medical advice, therapy, urgent, crisis, emergent, or time-sensitive concerns. If you are experiencing a medical or psychiatric emergency, are in crisis, having thoughts of harming yourself or others, or feel unsafe, call 911 (US), or contact your local emergency services, or go to the nearest emergency room or hospital immediately. References Benedetto, L., et al. (2024). Well-Being and Perfectionism: Assessing the Mediational Role of Self-Compassion in Emerging Adults. Curran, T., Pose, P. M., & Hill, A. P. (2026). Perfectionism is accelerating over time: A cross-temporal meta-analytic review of 35 years of college student data. Psychological Bulletin. Egan, S. J., Wade, T. D., & Shafran, R. (2014). Perfectionism as a transdiagnostic process: A clinical review. Galloway, R., et al. (2022). Meta-analysis of CBT interventions for perfectionism. Discussed in recent reviews showing CBT reduces perfectionism, anxiety, and depression symptoms. Haidt, J. (2024). The Anxious Generation The anxious generation: How the great rewiring of childhood is causing an epidemic of mental illness. Penguin Press. Hewitt, P. L., & Flett, G. L. (1991). Perfectionism in the self and social contexts: Conceptualization, assessment, and association with psychopathology. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, 60(3), 456–470. Neff, K. D. (2003). Self-compassion: An alternative conceptualization of a healthy attitude toward oneself. Self and Identity, 2(2), 85–101. Limburg, K., Watson, H. J., Hagger, M. S., & Egan, S. J. (2017). The relationship between perfectionism and psychopathology: A meta-analysis. Journal of Clinical Psychology, 73(10), 1301–1326. https://doi.org/10.1002/jclp.22435 Smith, M. M., Sherry, S. B., Saklofske, D. H., Mushquash, A. R., & Flett, G. L. (2017). Clarifying the perfectionism–procrastination relationship: A meta-analysis. Journal of Research in Personality, 70, 57–70. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jrp.2017.04.002 This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit thechristianmindreset.substack.com

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  • #14
    June 19 · 17 min

    Control, Fear, and Faith | The Neuroscience of Worry, Anxiety, and Trusting God

    Episode 14, Season 1 SHOW NOTES Why is it so hard to let go? Why do we replay conversations, overthink decisions, strive for perfection, try to keep everyone happy, worry about tomorrow, and attempt to manage outcomes that haven’t even happened yet? In today’s episode of The Christian Mind Reset, Dr. April Joy explores the connection between fear, control, anxiety, perfectionism, people-pleasing, neuroscience, psychology, and biblical faith. Many of us believe that if we can just plan enough, prepare enough, perform well enough, keep everyone happy enough, analyze enough, or worry enough, we will finally feel safe. Yet neuroscience shows that the brain often seeks control to reduce uncertainty and calm fear. Unfortunately, control rarely produces lasting peace. In this episode, you’ll learn about the psychology of control, the neuroscience of uncertainty, and the fascinating concept known as the illusion of control—a cognitive bias first described by psychologist Ellen Langer that explains why humans often overestimate their ability to influence outcomes that are actually beyond their control. We’ll also explore what Scripture says about surrender, trust, and faith through the story of Sarah, the wisdom of the Psalms, and Jesus’ powerful teaching: “Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about its own things” (Matthew 6:34). Together we’ll discuss: • The connection between fear, anxiety, and control• How perfectionism and people-pleasing can be attempts to create safety• The neuroscience of uncertainty and the brain’s need for predictability• The amygdala, fear, and threat detection• The neuroscience of worry, rumination, and overthinking• The Illusion of Control (Ellen Langer, 1975)• Why control often feels safer than trust• Sarah’s struggle with God’s timing• Psalm 131 and the quieted soul• Psalm 46:10 and the biblical invitation to let go• The difference between preparation and worry• How faith differs from certainty• Practical declarations for renewing your mind• A guided Christian breath prayer for surrender Whether you struggle with anxiety, overthinking, perfectionism, people-pleasing, fear of the future, uncertainty, intrusive thoughts, worry, trust issues, or difficulty surrendering control to God, this episode will encourage you to shift your focus from controlling outcomes to trusting the God who holds them. Key Scriptures Psalm 46:10 Psalm 55:22 Psalm 131:1–3 Proverbs 3:5–6 Isaiah 26:3 Matthew 6:25–34 Matthew 11:28–30 1 Peter 5:7 Romans 8:28 2 Timothy 1:7 Resources The 28-Day Christian Mind Reset Guide: A Psalms-Based Journey Through Biblical Meditation, Neuroscience, and Renewing Your Mind The Christian Mind Reset Podcast Substack articles on neuroscience, psychology, neuroplasticity, biblical meditation, anxiety, fear, perfectionism, people-pleasing, and renewing the mind Follow Dr. April Joy for Christian mental health education, neuroscience insights, and biblical encouragement. Connect with Dr. April Joy: Connect with Dr. April Joy: Substack: The Christian Mind Reset If you liked today’s episode, please subscribe, leave a review, follow, like, or share. You can find me on Instagram at @thechristianpsychnp and also on Instagram and Substack at The Christian Mind Reset for more Scripture, neuroscience, and practical tips for renewing your mind. My eBook, The Christian Mind Reset: A 28-Day Psalms Guide to Biblical Meditation, Neuroscience, and Renewing Your Mind, is available in my Stan Store at https://stan.store/thechristianpsychnp Disclaimer Disclaimer: This podcast/letter is for informational purposes only. It contains general information, drawn from my experience, research, and best practices. It is not health care advice, and is not intended to replace the counsel of your health care provider. Consult your provider before starting any new treatments or making changes to your health routine. This message does not constitute a provider-patient relationship between us. If you are experiencing significant anxiety, distress, or need support, please seek care from a qualified healthcare professional. You may also consider reaching out to a licensed Christian counselor or pastor for additional support. Emails, portal messages, text messages, and other communications are not monitored and will not receive a response in an emergency or crisis, or regarding medical or therapy advice. These methods should never be used for medical advice, therapy, urgent, crisis, emergent, or time-sensitive concerns. If you are experiencing a medical or psychiatric emergency, are in crisis, having thoughts of harming yourself or others, or feel unsafe, call 911 (US), or contact your local emergency services, or go to the nearest emergency room or hospital immediately. References Langer, E. J. (1975). The illusion of control. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, 32(2), 311–328. https://doi.org/10.1037/0022-3514.32.2.311 Thomas Nelson. (1982). The Holy Bible, New King James Version. Thomas Nelson. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit thechristianmindreset.substack.com

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  • S1 · E13
    June 18 · 23 min

    Intrusive Thoughts, Taking Thoughts Captive, and the Neuroscience of Renewing the Mind

    SHOW NOTES Have you ever had a thought enter your mind that felt disturbing, unwanted, or completely inconsistent with who you are? Many Christians experience intrusive thoughts and immediately feel fear, guilt, or shame. They wonder if the thought means something about their character, their faith, or their relationship with God. But what if the presence of a thought is not the same thing as agreement with a thought? In today’s episode of The Christian Mind Reset, Dr. April Joy explores intrusive thoughts through the lens of Scripture, neuroscience, and psychology. You’ll learn what intrusive thoughts are, why they occur, what happens in the brain when unwanted thoughts become “sticky,” and how biblical principles align with what we know about attention, thought patterns, and neuroplasticity. We’ll discuss the neuroscience behind intrusive thoughts, including the role of the amygdala (the brain’s alarm system), the hippocampus (memory processing), and the prefrontal cortex (reasoning and decision-making). We’ll also examine Daniel Wegner’s famous “White Bear” studies and why trying to force thoughts away often makes them more noticeable. Most importantly, we’ll explore what Scripture teaches about taking thoughts captive, renewing the mind, and finding freedom from shame. Today’s episode reminds us that we are not defined by every thought that enters our minds. Our identity is found in Christ. In This Episode • What intrusive thoughts are and why they are often misunderstood • The difference between a thought, a temptation, and an action • The neuroscience of intrusive thoughts explained in simple language • Daniel Wegner’s thought suppression research and the “White Bear” experiments • Why fighting a thought can sometimes make it feel stronger • Psalm 139 and the comfort of being fully known by God • What 2 Corinthians 10:5 means when it says to “take every thought captive” • Neuroplasticity and how repeated focus shapes the brain • Practical ways to respond to unwanted thoughts • Biblical truths for overcoming shame and fear Key Scriptures Psalm 139:1-3 Psalm 139:23-24 Philippians 4:8 2 Corinthians 10:5 Romans 8:1 Romans 8:6 2 Timothy 1:7 1 Peter 5:7 Hebrews 4:15 Key Takeaway The thought that arrives is not your identity. Not every thought deserves your attention, agreement, or fear. Scripture teaches us to examine our thoughts, compare them against truth, and redirect our minds toward what is good, true, and praiseworthy. Through God’s Word, the renewing work of the Holy Spirit, and intentional focus, we can learn to respond to unwanted thoughts with wisdom rather than shame. Connect with Dr. April Joy: Connect with Dr. April Joy: Substack: The Christian Mind Reset If you liked today’s episode, please subscribe, leave a review, follow, like, or share. You can find me on Instagram at @thechristianpsychnp and also on Instagram and Substack at The Christian Mind Reset for more Scripture, neuroscience, and practical tips for renewing your mind. My eBook, The Christian Mind Reset: A 28-Day Psalms Guide to Biblical Meditation, Neuroscience, and Renewing Your Mind, is available in my Stan Store at https://stan.store/thechristianpsychnp Disclaimer Disclaimer: This podcast/letter is for informational purposes only. It contains general information, drawn from my experience, research, and best practices. It is not health care advice, and is not intended to replace the counsel of your health care provider. Consult your provider before starting any new treatments or making changes to your health routine. This message does not constitute a provider-patient relationship between us. If you are experiencing significant anxiety, distress, or need support, please seek care from a qualified healthcare professional. You may also consider reaching out to a licensed Christian counselor or pastor for additional support. Emails, portal messages, text messages, and other communications are not monitored and will not receive a response in an emergency or crisis, or regarding medical or therapy advice. These methods should never be used for medical advice, therapy, urgent, crisis, emergent, or time-sensitive concerns. If you are experiencing a medical or psychiatric emergency, are in crisis, having thoughts of harming yourself or others, or feel unsafe, call 911 (US), or contact your local emergency services, or go to the nearest emergency room or hospital immediately. References Anderson, M. C., & Green, C. (2001). Suppressing unwanted memories by executive control. Nature, 410(6826), 366–369. Harvard Health Publishing. (2024). Managing intrusive thoughts. Harvard Medical School. Norman, L. J., Taylor, S. F., Liu, Y., Radua, J., Chye, Y., & de Wit, S. J. (2019). Error processing and inhibitory control in obsessive-compulsive disorder: A meta-analysis. Biological Psychiatry, 85(9), 713–725. Thomas Nelson. (1982). The Holy Bible, New King James Version. Thomas Nelson. Wegner, D. M., Schneider, D. J., Carter, S. R., & White, T. L. (1987). Paradoxical effects of thought suppression. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, 53(1), 5–13. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit thechristianmindreset.substack.com

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  • S1 · E12
    June 17 · 19 min

    Identity in Christ, Limiting Beliefs, and Renewing Your Mind | The Christian Mind Reset

    Episode 12, Season 1 SHOW NOTES Have you ever felt like God is disappointed in you? Have you ever confessed a sin, asked for forgiveness, and yet still found yourself replaying the same mistake over and over again? Many Christians know they are forgiven in their heads, but continue to live as though they are condemned in their hearts. In today’s episode of The Christian Mind Reset, Dr. April Joy explores the difference between conviction and condemnation through the lenses of Scripture, psychology, and neuroscience. We’ll discuss how shame can become part of our identity, why the brain tends to rehearse painful memories and failures, and how condemnation often keeps us hiding from the very God who invites us to come near. We’ll also explore what research teaches us about self-condemning beliefs and how repeatedly identifying ourselves by our failures can shape the way we see ourselves. Most importantly, we’ll look at what God’s Word says. Through David’s prayer of repentance in Psalm 51, we’ll discover that God’s response to a repentant heart is not rejection but restoration. We’ll examine Paul’s journey from persecutor to apostle and the life-changing truth found in Romans 8:1: “There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.” If you’ve been carrying guilt, shame, regret, or the feeling that you have somehow gone too far for God’s grace, this episode is for you. Your failure is not your identity. Your shame is not your identity. Your diagnosis is not your identity. Your past is not your identity. If you belong to Christ, your identity is found in Him. Join us as we learn how to release condemnation, receive God’s grace, and renew our minds with what He says is true. In This Episode • The difference between conviction and condemnation • Why shame often becomes an identity instead of an emotion • What neuroscience teaches about self-beliefs and rumination • David’s response to failure in Psalm 51 • Paul’s transformation from persecutor to apostle • How to stop defining yourself by your past • Practical ways to renew your mind with God’s truth Key Scriptures Psalm 51 Romans 8:1 John 3:16–17 Romans 5:8 1 John 1:9 Psalm 103:12 2 Corinthians 5:21 1 Corinthians 6:11 Philippians 3:13–14 Revelation 12:10 Resources If you’re following along with The Christian Mind Reset series, my companion eBook, The Christian Mind Reset: A 28-Day Psalm Guide to Biblical Meditation, Neuroscience, and Renewing Your Mind, is available in my Stan Store. The guide includes daily Scripture readings, reflections, journaling prompts, practical exercises, neuroscience insights, and biblical meditation tools designed to help you renew your mind through God’s Word. Connect with Dr. April Joy: Connect with Dr. April Joy: Substack: The Christian Mind Reset If you liked today’s episode, please subscribe, leave a review, follow, like, or share. You can find me on Instagram at @thechristianpsychnp and also on Instagram and Substack at The Christian Mind Reset for more Scripture, neuroscience, and practical tips for renewing your mind. My eBook, The Christian Mind Reset: A 28-Day Psalms Guide to Biblical Meditation, Neuroscience, and Renewing Your Mind, is available in my Stan Store at https://stan.store/thechristianpsychnp Disclaimer Disclaimer: This podcast/letter is for informational purposes only. It contains general information, drawn from my experience, research, and best practices. It is not health care advice, and is not intended to replace the counsel of your health care provider. Consult your provider before starting any new treatments or making changes to your health routine. This message does not constitute a doctor-patient relationship between us. If you are experiencing significant anxiety, distress, or need support, please seek care from a qualified healthcare professional. You may also consider reaching out to a licensed Christian counselor or pastor for additional support. If you are in crisis, having thoughts of harming yourself or others, or feel unsafe, please call 911 or go to your nearest emergency room immediately. References Beck, A. T. (1976). Cognitive therapy and the emotional disorders. International Universities Press. Gilbert, P. (2005). Compassion: Conceptualisations, research and use in psychotherapy. Routledge. Kross, E., & Ayduk, O. (2011). Making meaning out of negative experiences by self-distancing. Current Directions in Psychological Science, 20(3), 187–191. Longe, O., Maratos, F. A., Gilbert, P., Evans, G., Volker, F., Rockliff, H., & Rippon, G. (2010). Having a word with yourself: Neural correlates of self-criticism and self-reassurance. NeuroImage, 49(2), 1849–1856. Pennebaker, J. W., & Beall, S. K. (1986). Confronting a traumatic event: Toward an understanding of inhibition and disease. Journal of Abnormal Psychology, 95(3), 274–281.\ Tangney, J. P., & Dearing, R. L. (2002). Shame and guilt. Guilford Press.Thomas Nelson. (2022). The Holy Bible, New King James Version (NKJV). Thomas Nelson. (Original work published 1982). This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit thechristianmindreset.substack.com

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