Issue 927 – Meditating – December 5, 2022
Someone took the time to build this rustic bench out of a fallen tree at a popular scenic viewpoint. It overlooks the confluence of the Clearwater River and North Thompson River near Clearwater, BC.
In the winter, you can usually see large ice floes circling where the waters meet. The rest of the year, you can see the clear water from the Clearwater River slowly merge into the muddier North Thompson.
It is a great spot to think or meditate at any time of the year.
Just sitting and meditating seems to be a lost virtue today. We are so “busy” with life that we seldom stop and take time to allow the busyness to be swept away and our minds and souls cleared.
In the Christian world, the idea of meditation has gotten a bad rap because of its association with the mystic side of eastern religions. In those religions, the goal is to empty your mind.
Christian meditation is stilling your body to actively concentrate your thoughts on the Lord, His Word and His will. The goal is not some form of “self” enlightenment but to draw closer in fellowship with the Lord.
I confess that I don’t do it nearly often enough, but when I have done it, I am amazed at how powerful the experience can be.
Meditation is an ancient practice and shows up in the Scriptures.
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 good success. Joshua 1:8
I will remember the deeds of the Lord; yes, I will remember your wonders of old. I will ponder all your work, and meditate on your mighty deeds. Psalm 77:11-12
Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. What you have learned and received and heard and seen in me—practice these things, and the God of peace will be with you. Philippians 4:8-9
Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in your sight, O Lord, my rock and my redeemer. Psalm 19:14
Even Jesus made it His practice to find those quiet times and places.
And rising very early in the morning, while it was still dark, he departed and went out to a desolate place, and there he prayed. Mark 1:34
But he would withdraw to desolate places and pray. Luke 5:16
Your meditation place doesn’t need to be a bench out by a river. I know people who use a quiet spot in their homes or sit in their vehicles on a lunch break. I know a busy mother who uses the bathroom as her refuge.
The setting isn’t nearly as crucial as being intentional about taking some solitary time to seek the Lord’s face.
I pray you find some time regularly to be still and know that He is God.
Be blessed
Hallelu Yah / Praise God
Kevin
Gleanings From The Word
Experience an extraordinary God in ordinary life.
Soli Deo Gloria (For the glory of God alone)
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Unless otherwise noted, all Scripture is from the English Standard Version (ESV).
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