Romans 15:13 Hope: Regulating Your Nervous System
365 Mental Health Devotional Challenge: Day 89
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Devotional
Romans 15:13
“May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him.”
Mental Health Insight – The word “trigger” is often discussed within the field of psychology, and is a HOT topic word especially on social media. However, did you know that Polyvagal Theory can come up with the opposite of the word “trigger” known as “glimmer”. A Glimmer is micro moments of safety, joy, and connection helping the nervous system regulate and build emotional resilience. Our brains have a natural bias for negativity, so we need to train them to look for these micro-moments of joy, peace, and safety! This Easter, as we celebrate the ultimate return of hope. The following is a simple step-by-step educational guide where one can find glimmers in their day to day life and allowing the “God of hope” to fill you with peace.
Step 1: Setting a Daily Intention One begins the day by deciding to look for goodness. By telling the brain to find three small moments of joy or safety, an individual shifts their mental focus from stress toward hope.
Step 2: Finding “Glimmers” The individual looks for “glimmers”. Tiny, everyday things that bring a quick sense of peace. This could be as simple as feeling the sun’s warmth, smelling fresh coffee, or hearing a bird sing.
Step 3: Pausing for 20 Seconds When a glimmer is found, the person stops to focus on it for at least 20 seconds. This pause is important because the brain needs that time to let the feeling sink in, which helps lower stress hormones like cortisol.
Step 4: Anchoring in Faith During that pause, the individual connects the peaceful feeling to God. By offering a short prayer of thanks, they acknowledge the Creator as the true source of their peace and comfort.
Reflection Question: What is one small, ordinary “glimmer” you have already experienced today that signaled safety or joy to your body?
Prayer: Dear God of hope, thank You for the ultimate joy and peace we celebrate this Easter season. My brain is so accustomed to looking for threats and triggers that I often miss the beautiful moments of safety You provide. Help me to slow down today and hunt for glimmers of Your goodness. As I notice these small moments, fill my weary mind with Your joy and anchor my heart in deep trust. Amen.
Book Recommendations
“Microjoys: Finding Hope (Especially) When Joy Is Hard” by Cyndie Spiegel – A beautiful, accessible guide to training your brain to notice and embrace tiny moments of hope and light, even in the midst of difficult seasons or grief.
“The Polyvagal Theory in Therapy” by Deb Dana, LCSW – (Educational Resource) The foundational clinical text that introduced the concept of “glimmers” and how mapping the nervous system can help individuals move from a state of survival into a state of safe connection.
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Closing Thoughts
You have completed Day 89 out of 365 Days of our 2026 Mental Health Devotional Challenge. We are at the last day of March! Time seems to be flying by. I have enjoyed seeing this community grow so much in the last few weeks and you all are doing such a fantastic job! What has been your favorite topic that we have covered so far this year? Let me know in the comments below!
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Think Like Christ Mental Health
Disclaimer
Educational and Spiritual Support Only I am not your therapist. The information provided on this blog—including book recommendations, worksheets, biblical insights, coping skills, or any other content on this blog—is for educational, informational, and spiritual encouragement purposes only. No Professional Relationship Interacting with this content, including leaving comments or sending direct messages, does not create a therapist-client relationship. This blog is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
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I have seen and especially heard the birds returning to our neighbourhood lately. Next time I hear a bird song, I will remember to sit with it for awhile and not just dismiss it. I will remember to thank God for the ‘glimmer’ of the bird song.
My small glimmer today was smelling a candle. I cleaned everything today and scrubbed my floors and once that candle was lit I felt joy and happiness. The way candles smell, warm baths and comfy sheets to me as well as a Good book or the Bible especially while raining or in the mountains is my ultimate joy and comfort and I get that euphoria feeling! I love bad weather and Gods beautiful creation and his beautiful creatures!