Opening Prayer

“Lord, thank You for this moment. Help us to slow down, to breathe, and to notice Your presence here and now. Quiet our anxious thoughts and open our hearts to you. Amen.”

Bible

Psalm 118:24 -"This is the day that the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it."

Discussion

1.  What do you think it means to rejoice and be glad in a day, even when it doesn’t feel joyful?

2.  Can you recall a recent moment when you felt truly present—aware of God’s goodness in the moment? What was that like?

3.  What kinds of thoughts or distractions tend to pull you away from the present day?

4.  How might focusing on this day change the way you respond to stress or anxiety?

5.  What would rejoicing in today look like for you?

Brain

Lesson

1.      Suffering and anxiety are from our thoughts- thoughts that are often not about the present. We long for the past or worry about the future. We think things should be different than they are. The present isn’t the problem. It is our thoughts about the present that cause us suffering.

2.      When we truly focus on the present moment and rejoice and be glad in this day, in this moment, without negative thoughts – do you still suffer?

Let go of what should be and rejoice in the now.

3.      The brain is connected with neuropathways. The more we think a certain way, the stronger these pathways become. When we struggle with anxiety, it is often a habit of anxious thoughts and body responses. When we practice being present, we strengthen the “being present” pathway, and the suffering and anxiety pathways get weaker.

Activity

1. Start by taking 3 deep breaths. Then identify 5 things you see, 4 things you feel, 3 things you hear, 2 things you smell, 1 thing you taste
2. Listen to the song Holy Ground by Charity Gayle. “This is holy ground. We’re standing on holy ground. For the Lord is present. And where He is is holy”

Tools

1. Practice being in the present moment- use your 5 senses – sight, tough, hearing, smell, and taste
   Do this when you are in the moment or throughout the day to strengthen neuropathways
2. Use scripture to strengthen your mental gymnastics and live in the present moment. Keep “this is the day the Lord has made. Let us rejoice and be glad” in your back pocket to call upon to help you. Or Psalm 46:10 “Be still and know that I am God.” Or choose your another.

Closing Prayer

“Lord, thank You for this day You have made. Help us to stay present in each moment, to see Your goodness around us, and to rejoice even in small things. Quiet our anxious thoughts and remind us that You are here, now, and that is enough. May Your peace guard our hearts and minds as we go. Amen.”