"Meditate" November 8 Readings: Ezekiel 23-24, Titus 3, Psalm 119:145–152, Proverbs 27:12–13

Today's Readings - Ezekiel 23-24, Titus 3, Psalm 119:145–152, Proverbs 27:12–13

Devotional - Meditate

When I say the word meditate, what comes to your mind? I'm guessing that you think of some kind of eastern mystic sitting with legs crossed chanting "om" - something like that. There is nowhere in the Bible that commands or recommends that kind of practice.

But we are told to meditate. Psalm 119:148 speaks of this practice.

I am awake through each watch of the night
to meditate on your promise.

There's nothing transcendental about that kind of meditation. Biblical meditation isn't about chanting or attaining some otherly-worldly consciousness. It is just taking a break from the routine, the hustle and bustle of life to think about what God has said, to consider thoroughly, deeply, and systemically what God's word is saying so that you can apply it fully.

We are a hurried people, rushing around from commitment to commitment with little time to stop and think. And we are a noisy people, with phones going and music playing and iPods, iPads, tablets, and smartphones to distract us always. In a world like this, stopping to think is not a common event. But i is essential to spiritual growth. We must take time to chew on the Word of God, to consider all of its deep claims, to carefully apply the Word to our lives.

If your Christian life is stuck in neutral, gunning the engine might not be your best strategy. Stop. Pray. Think. Meditate. Spend time with God - much time. Slow down and focus your mind on the things which are above until your mind aligns with the mind of God and your heart beats with his.

You cannot microwave holiness or rush the process of conformity to Christ. It takes time.

It is a great thing to read the Bible daily and to pray through lists of prayer needs. But we must also be careful to stop and think deeply about what it says, letting the Spirit take the truths deep into our souls and accomplish his amazing work of transformation in us.

Father, help me to slow down - in mind as well as body - to take the time to consider your Word in all its glory and power. 

Think and Pray

Which of the readings spoke most powerfully to you today?
Is the Spirit of God moving you to repent of something you are doing, to begin something new, or to change something about your life as a result of your readings? What?


We used to sing the hymn, "Sweet Hour of Prayer." The hour in that song was not simply sixty minutes on your knees, but an extended time before the Lord.
Do you regularly take time with God? Do spend "sweet hours of prayer? Of meditation on the word of God?