Make Space For What Matters: Meditation

Here is the devotional:

Work. School. Relationships. Health issues. Bills. Global pandemics. With so much going on in our lives, it’s easy to get distracted from the things we actually want our lives to be about.

So pause for a moment and take a deep breath. As you exhale, envision laying down whatever worries or distractions that are competing for your attention. Then, focus on these words: 

The Spirit of God has made me, and the breath of the Almighty gives me life. Job 33:4 ESV

Think about that verse for a moment. Re-read it slowly and pay attention to every word.

As you reflect on that passage, consider this: your breath is sustained by the One who breathed you into existence. Although life may feel overwhelming at times, you are never far from the God who created and called you by name.

Pause again.

What you just walked through was a simple example of Scripture meditation. Meditation is referred to multiple times in the Bible as a way for followers of God to refocus and reflect on His words.

Meditation is not something that can be done in our own strength. It involves drawing near to God and asking Him to make His thoughts and ways known to us.

Biblical meditation helps us see our circumstances from a holy perspective because we are allowing what is holy to influence our perspectives. When we choose to set aside time to meditate on Scripture, we are choosing to shift our focus onto God and His Word and off of ourselves and our world. We are allowing God to transform our thoughts and reshape our worldviews.

So as you prepare for the weeks ahead, try intentionally fixing your mind on God and His Word every day.

Take Action: Get God’s Word into you during Lent by memorizing every Verse of the Day. As you do this, pay attention to any words or phrases that stand out to you, and ask God to clarify what He wants you to learn from that verse.

Here are the scriptures referenced:

This book of the law shall not depart out of thy mouth; but thou shalt meditate therein day and night, that thou mayest observe to do according to all that is written therein: for then thou shalt make thy way prosperous, and then thou shalt have good success.
Joshua 1:8 KJV

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Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.
Philippians 4:8 KJV

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I will meditate in thy precepts, and have respect unto thy ways.
Psalm 119:15 KJV

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My meditation of him shall be sweet: I will be glad in the Lord.
Psalm 104:34 KJV

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Consider what I say; and the Lord give thee understanding in all things.
2 Timothy 2:7 KJV

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Here are Stu’s thoughts:

To meditate on God’s Word is not something new to me. I just never called it meditating.

I have always just read God’s Word and pondered on ways to implement it into my life.

But when you look up the word meditate it says this…think deeply or focus one’s mind for a period of time, in silence or with the aid of chanting, for religious or spiritual purposes or as a method of relaxation.

I’m not into chanting and to be honest most of the time I am reading my Bible there is music in the back ground as it helps me think.

Silence to me is loud. and I guess that is their point here to an extent.

I do sit and think deeply on scripture. For sometimes you need to think deeply as certain scripture references more than it shows at face value. Especially Song of Solomon as it shares the beauty of God’s creation in the surrounding area to that of the Bride and Groom as each of them speak.

But I’m not here to discuss this awesome book at moment.

We are here to challenge ourselves to make space for what matters and making time for God’s Word really does matter!

So as you sit down to read your Bible ask the Lord to clear your mind of worldly clutter and give your heart and mind his full attention. Allowing time to meditate on the scriptures and as well as what the Holy Spirit is speaking to you.