cchrisholland

Is meditation compatible with the Christian life?

Yes, if it’s the right kind. Meditation as the Bible describes clarifies cloudy judgment, establishes proper boundaries and measures forward progress. The Bible teaches this principle:

“⁸Finally, 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.” – Phil. 4:8 NKJV

Unlike eastern style meditation, which focuses on emptying the mind, the Bible teaches us to think deeply on scripture and let the Holy Spirit fill our minds with eternal truth.

“I will meditate on Your precepts, and contemplate Your ways. I will delight myself in Your statutes; I will not forget Your word.” – Psalm 119:15-16 NKJV

Your thought life matters. It’s just that simple. If you want your life to be different, you must be willing to think different. Prayerfully ask this today;

What are some things I know that are; True? Noble? Just? Pure? Lovely? Good? Virtuous? Praiseworthy? And those are thoughts worth pondering!

There may be a desire to have a conversation with someone who needs encouragement, a relationship with Christ, or loving admonishment, but intimidation shows up and crowds out the confidence. Are you worried you’ll say the wrong things or worse yet, not have an answer at all? Take heart; you’re not the only one who struggles sometimes on the battlefield. Most believers would have to admit feeling that way at times, but consider this; Romans 8:37 says;

“…we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us”.

Pause for a moment and ponder that. You’re a super-victor by way of the strong, battle-proven arm of someone who loves you. He’s not going to abandon you on the field of conflict. As a matter of fact, He’s the tall One standing beside you among the smoke and chaos. Look in His direction today, realize His faithfulness and draw strength from His power. And if you don’t have the answers; just be honest, say you don’t, then talk about the One who does.

Don’t confuse knowledge with wisdom.

Saul the Pharisee was a guy who knew the scriptures. As a matter of fact; with his many years of study and memorization, he probably mumbled the Torah in his sleep. After his encounter with the risen Christ on the road to Damascus; the text that previously made perfect sense in his mind, no longer fit together as before. His “knowledge files” needed some additional notes and Jesus did just that for him.

God took him away to Arabia for three years to complete his training and reorder his thinking (Gal. 1:15-18). But if he already knew the scriptures so well, why did God set him aside for three years? What else was there to learn? The answer is perspective…God’s perspective, and that usually takes time. James reminds us this way:

“If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God who gives liberally and without reproach and it will be given to you.” – James 1:5

Knowledge is good, wisdom is better, and God’s wisdom is best.

Are you wise? You probably didn’t answer yes because most people aren’t so bold as to refer to themselves as wise. However, consider what the Bible lists as the criteria for someone to be considered wise:

“The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom…” – Proverbs 1:7 NKJV

And later this is also included:

“…and the knowledge of the Holy One is understanding.” – Proverbs 9:10 NKJV

Wisdom is about seeing things God’s way. Knowing the Lord is to be aligned with Him. When a person embraces God as the source of absolute truth, there is by default an admission of not having all the answers. That’s the point of being teachable and opportunities for true learning open up. “Fearing the Lord” is maintaining a healthy respect for Him and His unique position as King over all creation. Reading, studying, praying, listening, trusting, asking, sharing; it’s all part of knowing Him and learning about His views on life, death, work, leisure, pleasure, relationships, and the future.

Seek to know Him more and your wisdom will increase as well. Are you praying to be wise today…according to His definition?

Who needs you today? As Paul was building on his statement to be “living sacrifices”, he mentioned this:

“Rejoice with those who rejoice, weep with those who weep.” – Romans 12:15 NKJV

So who needs you today? You have the opportunity to be part of improving someone’s personal weather forecast from “rainy” to “partly sunny”. Through a simple note, text, or comment, your words can be influential. A compliment can lift a spirit, encouragement can motivate a tired soul, a loving challenge can alter a future and asking forgiveness can soften a heart. Proverbs 25:11 reminds us:

“A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold in settings of silver”

It’s not rocket science, but your friend probably doesn’t need a scientist as much as they need you.