“I will meditate on your precepts and fix my eyes on your ways.” (Psalm 119:15, ESV)
Christians talk about prayer. They talk about devotions. They talk about worship. But one thing they don’t talk as much about is mediation. Meditation is something which we often associate with other religions. Buddhists meditate. Hindus meditate. But we don’t think about Christians mediating.
However, the Christian Scriptures are filled with references to meditation. Meditation is an important spiritual discipline that serves us well. But keep in mind that Christian meditation is unique and is not the same as meditation in other religions.
It comes down to the content of our mediation. Meditation is about fixing our mind on something. The question is: what it is that we are fixing our mind upon?
The goal of meditation in many other religions is to empty ourselves. It is to clear our minds of thoughts that we have been fixated upon. But the problem is that as we are emptied of our thoughts, we are left empty. The mind is left only to be filled once again with negativity and other concerns of life.
But the goal of Christian meditation is to have ourselves filled. It is to fill ourselves with thoughts of God and his glory. It is to open ourselves to have the Word and the Holy Spirit poured into us.
When we walk away from this type of mediation we don’t take away an empty mind only to once again be filled with all the cares of the world. Rather, when we walk away from meditating on the glory of God, we approach the cares of the world with a mind that is filled with greater things. We realize the challenges of the world are real. But we have a real God who is greater than any challenge we might face. Meditating on his goodness, grace, and glory gives us confidence for whatever comes your way.
I have an alarm on my watch that I set to go off three times each day. It buzzes on my wrist, so no one else is aware. When the alarm goes off, it is simply a reminder to set my mind on God. It is a quick reminder when I might be distracted or overwhelmed that I have a God who is on my side. It is a tool that helps me be mindful of where my mind is fixated and help me meditate on what is edifying and beneficial. What are some of the ways set reminders in your life to keep your mind fixated upon God?
Reflection
- Have you ever considered meditation as a Christian discipline?
- How have you benefitted from meditating on God’s Word?
- How do you remind yourself to meditate?
Leave a Reply