In continuing with the theme of discussing the Characteristics of a Christian, I think about the book “Celebration of Discipline: The path to spiritual growth”, by Richard Foster, where he outlines spiritual practices found in Scripture that promote spiritual growth and a deeper relationship with God. Foster notes however that the spiritual disciplines themselves do not necessarily transform us, but rather they “allow us to place ourselves before God so that He can transform us” (Foster, Celebration of Discipline, p.7). The first discipline Foster discusses is meditation. The author begins the discussion on meditation by making a clear distinction between Biblical meditation and Eastern meditation, which is what many people think about when they hear the word meditation. Foster notes that “Eastern meditation is an attempt to empty the mind; Christian meditation is an attempt to fill the mind” (p.20). Instead of purging the mind of thoughts in an attempt to connect to the cosmic world, the Christian is called to meditate and fill the mind with God (Philippians 4:8 “Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence and if anything worthy of praise, think about these things” (NASB).
Foster describes meditation as “the ability to hear God’s voice and obey his word” (p.17) and a central method for hearing the Creator’s voice is through meditating on scripture. “How can a young man keep his way pure? By keeping it according to Your word. With all my heart I have sought You; Do not let me wander from Your commandments. I have treasured Your word in my heart, so that I may not sin against You. Blessed are You, Lord; Teach me Your statutes. With my lips I have told of All the ordinances of Your mouth. I have rejoiced in the way of Your testimonies, as much as in all riches. I will meditate on Your precepts and regard Your ways. I shall delight in Your statutes; I will not forget Your word” (Psalm 119:9-16).
For me, meditation on God’s word goes beyond a daily reading of the scripture, and therefore I encourage a solitary space where the distractions of life are minimized. When I spend time specifically reading the Bible there is more of a tendency to focus primarily on understanding the bigger concepts in what is being presented, or how these chapters and verses fit into the whole story of the gospel. And yes, there is a level of personal application to facilitate my own spiritual understanding and growth. But when I really meditate on scripture, I tend to focus primarily on a verse or maybe a few verses and to ask God to speak directly to my heart through His words. This may also include exploring commentaries on the verses for better understanding and application. But to be honest, meditation can be much more challenging than finding time to read a few chapters to the Bible, as really being alone with God is not always easy. For although meditation can sometimes bring such joy and happiness to my heart, at other times it may be convicting and hard to accept. And in those times of meditation that are difficult, I know that His word is speaking directly to those areas in my life that are difficult to surrender to His will (Hebrews 4:12-14 “For the word of God is living and active, and sharper than any two-edged sword, even penetrating as far as the division of soul and spirit, of both joints and marrow, and able to judge the thoughts and intentions of the heart. And there is no creature hidden from His sight, but all things are open and laid bare to the eyes of Him to whom we must answer”).
But those challenging times in meditation is where I grow. And what have I learned even from discussing the Christian characteristic of meditation? I need to continue to spend more time in faithful meditation and to be much more mindful during those times as to where God is speaking to my heart.
“Blessed is the person who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked, nor stand in the path of sinners, nor sit in the seat of scoffers! But his delight is in the Law of the Lord, and on His Law he meditates day and night. He will be like a tree planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in its season, and its leaf does not wither; And in whatever he does, he prospers.
The wicked are not so, but they are like chaff which the wind blows away. Therefore the wicked will not stand in the judgment, Nor sinners in the assembly of the righteous. For the Lord knows the way of the righteous, But the way of the wicked will perish” (Psalm 1).
NOTE: I recommend Foster’s “Celebration of Discipline” for anyone who has not read it. And if you have read that book, I then recommend “Life with God; Reading the Bible for spiritual transformation” also by Foster, which delves deeper into spiritual discipline and transformation, and it is in my top 10 books list.