Christian Meditation – Part One
“Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy—meditate on these things” Philippians 4: 8.
Meditating on the Scriptures is vital practice for maturing in the Christian life. As one anonymous writer said, “The Bible is not meant merely to inform but to transform.”
What is meditation? Consider this depiction of it by Thomas Brooks, a seventeenth-century church leader: “Remember that it is not hasty reading but serious meditation on holy and heavenly truths, that makes them prove sweet and profitable to the soul. It is not the mere touching of the flower by the bee that gathers honey, but her abiding for a time on the flower that draws out the sweet. It is not he that reads most but he that meditates most that will prove to be the choicest, sweetest, wisest and strongest Christian.”
Theologian J. I. Packer describes it this way: “Meditation is the activity of calling to mind, and thinking over, and dwelling on, and applying to oneself, the various things that one knows about the works and ways and purposes and promises of God… It is an activity of holy thought, consciously performed in the presence of God, under the eye of God, by the help of God, as a means of communion with God.”
Eastern meditation has frightened many Christians away from Christian meditation. Eastern meditation focuses on the inner self. Christian meditation focuses on the Lord and Scripture. That is a big difference. While avoiding the former form the latter form has been neglected.
Meditation involves finding a quiet place of solitude, getting alone and allotting time to do it. It is often simple but significantly selecting a Bible truth and concentrating on it by repeating it to yourself over and over. This allows the truth to be absorbed, leading to it becoming an instinctive truth and practice.
As a guide to what to meditate on consider the aspect of the text: “Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy—meditate on these things” Philippians 4: 8.
To establish the practice, select a text related to any one of these principles and focus on it over and over. Repetitiously think on what it means.
As you develop in the art you will find it to be a blessing and enriching.
Once more read this Post to enhance your understanding – – – and just do it.