Stop and MEDITATE :IT IS WRITTEN

Stop and MEDITATE :IT IS WRITTENMany Christian circles avoid the idea of meditation because of the New Age connotation. So, how do we as Christians meditate?

by Sue Le Marquand

23-06-2022 09:00

in Christian Connect

Learn how Christians meditate. Photo: PIXABAYS

From my experience, many Christian circles avoid the idea of meditation because of the New Age connotation.

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However, we know that Satan works by deception and his ploy is to counterfeit God's original design in various areas. He (Satan) has even tried to mimic the Trinity (Father, Son, and Holy Spirit) by representing himself as Satan, the Antichrist, and the False Prophet!

We must therefore be careful to discern the difference between God's design and Satan's plans to mimic this, so that we don't forego that which our Lord has given us for our refreshment and provision.

The Bible mentions meditate/meditation 23 times; 19 times of which are in the Psalms alone e.g., Psalms 1:1-3, 19:14, 104:34, 63:6, 119:15-16; 77:12, 143:5, 145:5 etc.

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When it mentions meditation, it often mentions obedience in the same context:

1 Blessed is the one who does not walk in step with the wicked or stand in the way that sinners take or sit in the company of mockers,2 but whose delight is in the law of the LORD, and who meditates on his law day and night. 3 That person is like a tree planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in season and whose leaf does not wither- whatever they do prospers.

Psalm 1:1-3 (NIV) So, how do we as Christians meditate? Firstly, let's look at the definition of meditation:

To think deeply about something; to focus one's mind for a period; to plan mentally; to consider or contemplate

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Thus, Christian meditation is our prayerful, structured attempt to become aware of and reflect upon the revelation of God e.g., through scripture; the attributes of His character; the meaning of His various Hebrew names and generally through His presence.

This draws us closer to Him and His fullness and enables us to get to know Him more intimately; love Him more dearly and follow Him more nearly - day by day!

In our fast paced, overloaded lifestyle today, our aim tends to be focussed on speed and productivity, leaving us overwhelmed and distracted, with little or no thinking/pondering time. Our souls just can't keep up and our spirits are parched, urgently in need of the thirst-quenching power of the Holy Spirit.

We need to make it a priority to take time daily to allow our spirits to commune with God - even Jesus needed this!

Practical pointers for meditation 1. Find a time to be quiet, alone, free from distractions, relaxed and comfortable 2. Have your Bible at hand as well as a journal/pencil to make notes as required 3. Take some deep breaths to quiet your heart and mind and be still before the Lord, letting go of all fears, worries, to do lists, hurts, guilt, and shame etc.

Instead, focus your attention on Him: His character and His presence.

4. Read His word - repeatedly if necessary. Allow each scripture to penetrate; write it down; memorise it. Don't just rely on the teaching gifts and revelations given to others but seek God for yourself.

5. Ask God to give you a rhema word: one that is specific to you. One that fills you with life, hope and light and instructs you as to the way forward

6. As you hear Him speak, respond!

Repent if there is conviction

Pray if there is confusion

Sing if there is adoration

Worship if there is amazement

Allow emotional and verbal involvement. Pray His word out loud back to Him, engaging your heart, your mind, and your will. Remember - there is power in the tongue!

As you daily focus on Him and the principles of His word, applying these truths to your life, He is busy changing you from one degree of glory to another. It is a slow and steady process, but take heart because He has promised to complete the good work that He has begun in you (Philippians 1:6) and His word will not return void (Isaiah 55:11).

You have the choice! You get to decide if you will allow the world to rule you or God!

If we don't take time to meditate on Him, we will be influenced by the world's thinking. Allow God the time to talk to you, to guide you and to fill you with more of Him.

PRAYER Abba, help us prioritize time in your presence.

Remind us that we are three-part beings: Spirit, soul, and body. Help us to pay attention to all three parts, so that we can become whole and complete lacking nothing.

We want the victory that is ours in Christ! Please keep reminding us to meditate on you. In Jesus name we pray.

Amen

ALSO READ: Daily devotion: Here's your Bible verse and prayer

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