Stones in the River – Rewiring for Healing

Scripture: Joshua 4: 6–7"…In the future, when your children ask you, ‘What do these stones mean?’ tell them that the flow of the Jordan was cut off… These stones are to be a memorial to the people of Israel forever."

God could have told the Israelites to simply remember with their hearts. But instead, He told them to place stones—visible, weighty reminders of what He had done. These weren’t just ordinary rocks. They were markers of miracles, signs of sacred transition, memorials for the movement of God.

In Joshua 4, the Jordan River stopped flowing—cut off from its usual path—so God’s people could walk into promise. But before moving on, He asked them to place twelve stones in that riverbed. Why? Because we are prone to forget. Not just spiritually—but even biologically.

Here’s where it gets amazing. Modern neuroscience has shown that your brain can be rewired. When you interrupt old thought patterns—like fear, shame, or hopelessness—it’s like placing a stone in a river. The brain’s “flow” tries to go its usual route, but the obstacle forces it to reroute. Over time, with repeated interruption and redirection (like Scripture, prayer, worship, community, or new habits), the old neural pathways weaken, and new, life-giving paths form.

MRI studies reveal this truth:

• Neuroplasticity shows that the brain physically reshapes in response to healing habits.

• Daily meditation on truth, especially with Scripture, has been shown to shrink the amygdala (fear center) and grow the prefrontal cortex (reasoning and faith).

• New connections literally grow, just like God grows something new in us.

So what does this mean spiritually? It means your healing is real. Your effort matters. Your transformation—however slow or messy— is sacred.

Like those stones in the Jordan, your healing becomes a legacy. Every time you interrupt a trauma loop, every time you choose truth over a lie, every time you declare God’s faithfulness instead of staying stuck—you are laying a stone. Not just for you, but for your children and their children. For generations.

You can do hard things. Not because you're strong—but because He is. Not because healing is instant—but because He makes a way, even through rivers.

Daily SEEDS Check-In

Scripture (S)Read Joshua 4 again slowly. What verse or word stands out to you? How does it speak to where you are right now?

Exercise (E)What movement brings you joy? If you're unsure, commit to just 5 minutes of walking today. This is a brain hack—most times, you’ll keep going. But your goal is just 5 minutes. Record how long you moved and how you felt. Do this each day this week.

Eating (E)Can you add one whole food today? A fresh veggie or a glass of water? Pick something that supports your body. If you typically struggle with hydration, start there. If vegetables are lacking, add one a day this week. Simple, doable steps.

Doctor/Wellness (D)This pillar is weekly. If you scheduled a needed appointment—great! You’ve completed this pillar. It might also mean simply remembering to take your daily supplements, vitamins, or medications with consistency. The goal is to find what speaks to you and is doable.

If you're someone who over-checks or gets stuck in worry, your goal is to catch the cycle. Notice when you're tempted to overthink, research, or spiral. When you catch it, pause and say: "Yay! I noticed. I am safe and healthy. I’ll revisit this next week if needed." Then redirect to something life-giving: a walk, a puzzle, a playful moment, a chapter of a good fantasy book. That is your wellness work for the day also.

Self-care/Sleep (S)What’s one thing you can do to care for yourself tonight? Maybe you wind down earlier, take a bath, pause for silence, or do something fun and light. Self-care can look like rest, creativity, laughter, or stillness—pick one and enjoy.

Reflection Questions:

1. What "old river" of thought have you been flowing in?

2. What’s one “stone” you can place today—truth, Scripture, or an action—that interrupts that flow?

3. Who in your life needs to see your healing stones and hear your story?

Prayer: Lord, thank You for stopping the river so I could walk forward. Teach me to place stones—reminders of Your faithfulness—wherever You’ve moved in my life. Help me rewire my mind through Your Word and Your Spirit. May my healing leave a legacy for others to follow. In Jesus’ name, amen.