MEDITATION

The hurried, stressful pace of modern times has, for many people, all but destroyed the practice of meditation. Yet is one of the most necessary of all spiritual exercises. Prayer, Bible reading and public worship are all essential, but let us not forget the necessity of a quiet time of reflection and listening for the "still small voice" to speak to us.


From an anonymous writer we read: "By meditation I can converse with God, solace myself on the bosom of the Savior, bathe myself in the rivers of divine pleasure, tread the paths of my rest, and view the mansions of eternity."


Jeremy Taylor adds: "... according as we neglect meditation, so are our prayers imperfect, - meditation being the soul of prayer and the intention of our spirit."


In Hebrews 4:2 we read: "... the word preached did not profit them, not being mixed with faith in them that heard it." In that passage, the loss to the hearers was caused by unbelief. So often, in the case of modern hearers, the distracted mind, the hurried pace and a lack of serious attention to spiritual concerns all combine to cause us to fail to profit from what we have heard. Let us remember the words of Jesus, "Let these sayings sink down into your ears ..." (Luke 9:44).


Meditation may be primarily an analyzing or rethinking of a truth one has read or heard preached, or a continuous and concentrated thinking upon a passage of Scripture, or a deliberate dwelling upon the majesty, goodness, or grace of God. It may be a fixing of the mind in solemn reflection upon the price of our redemption, the love that brought it, and the blessings that flow from it. It is the spiritual digestion of mighty truths. It ponders the path of duty and the obligations of service.


This contemplation turns to communion, a blending of spirits, as the Spirit speaks to us, and the stream of devotion is filled with loving thoughts of God. In this relationship the spirit of confidence grows strong, and determination and courage are renewed.


Sometimes the chapters we had planned to read for the day are turned into a single verse, as the mind is arrested by some compelling thought. The Book may be temporarily closed, but the windows of the soul are opened and the soul is lifted heavenward, possibly in a wordless prayer of desire for more of God and His unsearchable riches in Christ.


Some solitude is essential for soul culture - not the reclusive attitude that withdraws completely from society and from service, but the "coming apart" for a time to be alone with our Lord. In some cultures and in some lives, it is difficult to find a quiet place of solitude. What then? If we cannot find the ideal, let us not forsake the whole idea of maintaining vital contact with God.

All comments are welcome and appreciated. If you have any suggestions or requests, please let me know.


pastoricholland@gmail.com