Meditation, from Mom

Meditation.  Just the works gets me quaking.  I find the thought of meditating intimidating and slightly terrifying.  I just can't seem to get this practice to be a practice!  My mind cannot help but wander off in ten different directions when I try to meditate on God's Word, and His presence.  I try, and give up.  Try and give up.  I always wonder if I had paid more attention to this discipline if I'd  be further along in my faith walk.  That being said, I will continue to keep at it.  Mom did a bit of meditating on meditating and she wrote about it in her journal.  This is going to be a two or three parter!  Here's what she discovered. 

Meditate--to encourage.

2 Timothy 3:14-17  But you must remain faithful to the things you have been taught. You know they are true, for you know you can trust those who taught you.  You have been taught the holy Scriptures from childhood, and they have given you the wisdom to receive the salvation that comes by trusting in Christ Jesus.  All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful to teach us what is true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives. It corrects us when we are wrong and teaches us to do what is right.  God uses it to prepare and equip his people to do every good work.

Psalm 1:2  But they delight in the law of the Lord, meditating on it day and night.

Meditation suggests a constant state of communion and fellowship with God.  Meditate day and night.  Meditate in reverence of God.

Meditation should involve lifting ones heart heavenward, be God focused, should begin with a quite spirit and expectant heart. It should involve seeking God purposely and with consideration and allow God the opportunity to respond to our needs and inquiries. 

Why is meditation important? 

• It encourages holiness in our hearts.
• In quiet submission, God can speak to us directly, revealing His true character and providing insights to guide  and direct us.
• Leads to contentment
• Spending time alone with God will bring peace and renewal to our spirit.

Our burdens and cares must be placed prayerfully in His hands daily.  Meditation should incorporate time to mentally release anxiety and to exchange it for God's peace.  Meditation can help us realize the needs of others.  As we lift up our own needs, we also begin to pray for those around us, at home, our family, our church, and work.  Ask God to reveal their individual needs. 

Read His Word, the Bible, listen and talk to Him. 

From me.

What a list of benefits!  There is so much blessing in focusing our hearts and minds on the Lord.  It really is worth the effort to learn this discipline.  But the thought of it still scares me!  I think its the whole thought of being still and quiet and not "doing" something.  I sure want to get back to trying though!

I hope and pray this first part of Mom's ruminations on meditation start a flutter of excitement in your hearts for this practice. 

Lord, teach us to meditate.  Teach us to focus our attention on You.  Make this real, make this alive to us.  In Jesus Name, amen.

Start today!!