1128) I was watching a Tedx Talk the other day about how our brains handle suffering presented by Dr. Amit Sood from the Mayo Clinic. Among other things that were fascinating, he spoke about, “hedonic adaptation” which means that after positive or negative events, we react to them but then return to more stable emotions.
So, in the early days of a relationship, it is easy to swing in one direction (or the other) and have this super-wonderful feeling (or not) but, eventually, these feelings return to a more stable position. (According to Sood, these “swings” can happen more than once but are not permanent.)
The reason this “Talk” has come to mind is, early in a relationship with someone, we can see that person coming toward us and delight flashes all over our faces, but as time passes, this is often not a regular occurrence. It’s not necessarily because you are displeased with this person, but rather, it’s because it’s part of “normal” for you now. This is not true with God.
The Psalmist tells us God always delights in us. When he sees us coming to him in prayer. When he hears us speak about him to others. When he sees us taking our responsibilities on this earth seriously. When he hears us ask forgiveness. Even when we cry out in anguish to him, God is delighted. Why? Because he wants an intimate relationship with his creation.
When we come to God, if we could see his face, it would be lit up with delight. Rejoice! Psalm 18:19
