With all the new age implications that are now attached to the word “meditation”, it can conjure up stereotypical cartoon-like pictures of swami-clad or shirtless ensembles, with cross-legged lotus positions, and people chanting “olm” over and over.
“Meditation” is a devotional exercise of reflection, or contemplation, particularly in regard to spiritual matters. It is something that is done with deliberate intent and a calmness of the heart.
Buddhists, and those practicing Hinduism, tend to use it as a form of training – calming and emptying the mind to a place where one would achieve an altered state of mind – often achieving it by focusing on a single object, as a means to an end.
Christians, on the other hand, desire to focus on the One who created them, and to contemplate the wonder of who, what, and all that He is – in other words, He gets the Glory and reverence that they believe is due Him.
“I will meditate on all your works and consider all your mighty deeds.” (Psalm 77:12, NIV)
“I meditate on your precepts and consider your ways.” (Psalm 119:15, NIV)
“Let me understand the teaching of your precepts; then I will meditate on your wonders.” (Psalm 119:27, NIV)
“May my meditation be pleasing to him, as I rejoice in the LORD.” (Psalm 104:34, NIV)
These psalms speak of “meditating” on the Word, or statues, of God; and indeed, they certainly confirm the need to participate with pro-active focus and thought – and to be engaged with both heart and spirit in such matters.
The last one confirms that it pleases Him when we do.
The bottom line? He gets our undivided attention – as individuals, or as a Church.
Remembering we, as His children, are the Church – we must clearly see that our individual hearts are where revival starts. Yes, the Church in its’ hunger and desire for revival, shouts that we must be seeking Him with “hunger and desperation” – and that is authentic and truthful; but, how often are we sitting down in the quiet to “meditate” and reflect on who He is, and simply just to listen to what He has to say to us? Are we allowing our hearts to be changed, as we focus on who He is, and not on who we are?
We are His treasures, and just as every parent loves it when their children want to focus and spend all their time with “mommy and daddy” for a cuddle – or to sit on a lap which is big enough to hold them in their safe place – He waits for His children to want to spend their time within His presence – all safely, completely, and passionately attuned to Him in body, soul, mind, spirit, will and emotions.
We need to expend our energies on Him, and let Him do the work of what He wants to accomplish through us. All with us not striving, but with peace and with ease, pursuing the very One who formed us in our mother’s womb, all for His own pleasure.
So, we can ask, we can expect, we can anticipate, and we can listen; but, will we just “be still and know that He is God”… and just focus on Him, and Him alone?
I don’t know about you, but I just thought maybe it might be a good thing to “meditate” on.