Christ-followers journey through their life on this side of heaven and sometimes wonder, “Is this all there is?” Emphatically, we can say “No!” In fact, we can say “no” regardless of where you are in your relationship with Christ. No matter if you are just starting out, are looking to rediscover your “first love,” or are closer than you’ve ever been before in communion with you Savior, there’s more. So much more.
In a review of what’s gone before in this series, consider these things. First, the best things in life are found in relationships—first and foremost in our relationship with God. That is where the best things in life begin. Second, when we start in a relationship with the Lord, He then gives us this thing that is eternal life. Not only is it life that has not end, it is also a life that God intends to be lived in abundance on this side. God has “granted to us everything pertaining to life and godliness” if we have placed faith and trust in Him. We are called to work out our salvation, and thereby discover the abundant life we have been promised.
So where do we start? How do we begin to “work out” the salvation we have been freely given?
Proverbs 23:7 says, “For as a man thinks within himself, so he is.” So, the things that you think, the things that you allow yourself to dwell on, the stuff that occupies your mind, those are what is helping to shape the kind of person you are, and consequently the kind of life you experience. This leads to one of the historically key disciplines of the healthy spiritual life, that of meditation.
Meditation may bring certain negative images to the minds of many Christ-followers of various traditions. In Eastern religions, meditation often involves a certain posture and the chanting of a mantra, with the goal in mind as the emptying of the mind of thought in order to reach a stage of enlightenment, bliss or nirvana.
That’s not what we’re talking about.
Instead of emptying our minds, when we Christ-followers meditate, we are trying to fill our minds with the things of God. Our goal is to attune ourselves with the moving of the spirit not only in our hearts, but in our minds—leading to renewal. Here’s what the Scripture says about meditation:
- “And Isaac went out to meditate in the field toward evening;” Genesis 24:63
- “Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in Thy sight, O Lord, my Rock and my Redeemer.” Psalm 19:14
- “When I remember Thee on my bed, I meditate on Thee in the night watches, for Thou hast been my help, and in the shadow of Thy wings I sing for joy. My soul clings to Thee; Thy right hand upholds me.” Psalm 63:6-8
- “My eyes anticipate the night watches, that I may meditate on Thy word.” Psalm 119:148
- “On the glorious splendor of Thy majesty, and on Thy wonderful works, I will meditate.” Psalm 145:5
Do you see that? All they’re saying is that they THOUGHT about God’s Word. They spent time thinking about God’s majesty—about the wonderful works of God. This is something we need more of. We need to fill our mind with the truths of God’s Word and think about those truths. We need to bring to mind how wonderful and awesome God is and we need to spend time thinking about it. That’s meditation.
- “This book of the law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do according to all that is written in it; for then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have success.” Joshua 1:8
- “He said to him, ‘Love the lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the first and great commandment.’” Matthew 22:37
- “Set your mind on the things above, not on the things that are on earth.” Colossians 3:2
- “Finally, brethren, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is of good repute, if there is any excellence and if anything worthy of praise, let your mind dwell on these things.” Philippians 4:8
Meditation on the truths of God—letting your thoughts dwell on the words of God—thinking about the wonderful works of God—is something that God wants us to do. It is something God will bless. How did the Psalmists get to be the way they were? How did they become so full of faith? How did their faith become so vital and alive? How did they become so productive and steadfast and confident and consistent and fulfilled? They started by taking delight in the word of God. They valued it. They studied it. The appreciated it. And because of that, they meditated on it day and night. They regularly, consistently thought about God Word—letting it occupy their thoughts.
How can you start? Memorizing Scripture is a good place to begin. Another is to pick a verse for the day or the week and throughout the day think about what the Lord is saying through His Word. Get some Scripture songs and periodically listen to them, or as you are listening to your usual musical fare, focus on what the lyrics are saying and compare/contrast those words with Scripture. Develop a “God consciousness.” Again, not in the Eastern religious terms, but as you go through your day and meet people, see God’s creations, learn new things, hear news on the radio, hear about other’s needs—reflect on what God has said in His word about what you’ve seen or experienced.
Here’s the key about meditation—there’s really no wrong way to do it, as long as it is focused on God and centered in His Word.
Begin developing the habit today.
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