It has been a while since I last posted. All I can say in defense is: life happens. I have decided on a modest proposal of one post a week.

One thing that has really caught my interest in the last few weeks has been the theme of Christian meditation. With such Scripture as the Psalm 145:5, “On the glorious splendor of your majesty, and on your wondrous works, I will meditate.” Or Psalm 119:148, ” My eyes are awake before the watches of the night, that I meditate on your promise.” I have an impression that meditation is a dying art (much like letter writing), but why is that?

The world with all its cares and distractions that it readily foists upon us cannot be a good reason for such neglect. Neither should our lack of interest be strong enough to excuse us from such a godly task (I fear it speaks more to our own laziness or worse still, lack of saving grace).

I confess my own lack of discipline in carrying out Scriptural meditation. It was an art that was greatly treasured amongst the Puritans. Working not only to transform their minds and conform their hearts, but to equip them to face life realistically and maturely . We cry that we are much too busy and yet such godly men were not any less busier. The real question is: How committed am I to establishing this relationship with God? That is what it is, a relationship. If the relationships we deal with everyday seem complicated, why should we expect anything less in our relationship with God? How does meditation fit into all of this though? I like to think of it as both listening and working on understanding what is being said when another is speaking. A husband could not hope to know his wife if every time he asks: “How are you doing?”, he proceeds to hide behind the newspaper as she tries to talk. Communication takes listening, focus and concentration. Meditation ascribes to all three of these criteria. We listen to what God is saying in His Word. We focus on what is being said and not allow the world to distract our minds from listening. We concentrate by being singular in our attention as we seek understanding (a mind seeking understanding).

Would your devotional life be different if you knew that God commanded that you meditate on His Word? We find such a command in Joshua 1:8

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.

May I recommend to you to work through the book of Psalms which is rich with both imagery and metaphor. A book that keenly and effectively touches every aspect of the Christian life, both grief and triumphs, and joy and righteous indignation. It would always be good to start off small and focus on one topic like God’s love or Christ’s sacrifice. Be open and honest with what is happening in your life and offer up those cares to Christ who is seated at the right hand of the Father. Prayer is made rich after the rains of meditation have fallen so pray often. You will find your faith to be more vibrant and your devotion and walk that much stronger. Grace to you.