“Be still and know that I am God…” Psalm 46:10

Meditation

I am a slow processor. When I shop I want to see what all my options are before I make a purchase. I don’t buy the first thing I see that strikes my fancy. In decision-making I want to research and review options, pray about it and give myself time for thoughtful consideration. I don’t make snap decisions. I am in no hurry to decide or choose. I listen more than I speak, because I am busy mulling over what has been spoken. I don’t usually make conversation off the top of my head—although I have been known to put my foot in my mouth! I am the turtle and not the rabbit. I read the Bible slowly, carefully, thoughtfully, and prayerfully.

Scripture is too rich and too deep to rush through just to complete a chapter or tick the box for being in the Word. I would rather read a verse and plumb its depths, allowing the Holy Spirit to minister to my thirsty soul, than to consume verse and chapter and walk away not remembering what I read, let alone what it meant.

When I discovered the spiritual discipline of meditation, it was right up my alley. The meditation of a Christian believer engages both mind and soul. It is a time of being still before God that we might be attentive to Him and dive deeper into the richness of His Word to our hearts.

Meditation means to ponder, to muse, to consider, to reflect. It takes us beyond merely reading God’s Word.  We stop to intimately encounter God in His Word. We are still as our thoughts embrace the nuance and meaning, the purpose and beauty of holy scripture. Meditating on God’s Word makes it part of our thought patterns and internal makeup. We will find if we meditate on scripture it will be there when Satan attacks. It will be there when circumstances overwhelm. It will be there replacing panic with peace. It will be there because we have digested it to the point that now it is part of who we are in our essential being.

I think of it as a casual conversation with an acquaintance compared to a heart-to-heart talk with a beloved friend. Meditation takes us beyond “How are you?” “I’m fine” exchanges into more meaning, more beauty, and more intimacy in relationship. Insights come to mind as God’s wisdom unfolds. Encouragement, peace, direction, instruction and more flows out of the Word of God coming alive within our souls. Linger there. Meditate quietly with your soul.

“Be still and know that I am God.”

Father, when we come and meet with You, we will find You there already waiting. And as we spend time in Your presence, Your Spirit will open our thoughts and our hearts to grasp the wonders of Your truth. You are near. Blessed is Your name. Amen.