by Kevin Burton
What a shame that we as Christians would need such a reminder, but at times we all do.
We all want to spend time with those we love, and God is no different. In today’s message, Dr. Charles Stanley, founder of In Touch Ministries, will use the word meditation. That’s fine, but one can meditate on anything.
His point is the importance of spending quality time alone with God. Here’s Dr. Stanley, on what that might look like:
“Have you ever felt the presence of God—so near, so clear, and absolutely beyond human description?”
“In those moments, it feels like He has put His loving arms around you, saying, I take you as you are; I love and accept you. That feeling of pure, divine acceptance is something you can experience through personal meditation with the Lord.”
“Godly meditation is a period of time set aside to contemplate the Son of God and listen to Him,” Stanley wrote. “It’s a time marked by stillness (Ps. 46:10), by giving God room to speak to your heart, so He can build and equip you for the richness He intends for your life.”
“Here are some ways to make biblical meditation part of your life:”
Review and reflect.
“The first step in meditating on God is reviewing your past. How has He operated in your life? What patterns can you discern in the way He’s interacted with you over time? When and where have you observed His greatness, grace, and goodness?”
“I have no doubt that working through these questions will begin to address the heartaches, obstacles, criticisms, and burdens you’re struggling with.”
“And with enough practice, you’ll find they’ll start to dissipate in the presence of an omnipotent God who has already proven that He loves and accepts you.”
Recognize the requirements for meditating upon the Lord.
“In Psalm 62:5 David said, ‘My soul, wait in silence for God only, for my hope is from Him.’ In quiet, restful silence, let God do the speaking. You’ll discover the way He moves in your spirit, impressing Himself on your mind.”
“Our biggest struggle is often about focus,” Stanley wrote. “If you have that problem, turn to the Psalms and pray for the Lord to narrow your focus to what He’s saying to you.”
Remember God’s promises and make a request.
“As we sit before the Lord in meditation, it isn’t entirely about listening.”
“After David experienced the victory of God in his struggle with Saul and the unifying of the kingdom, he came before the Lord with this request: ‘Now therefore, may it please You to bless the house of Your servant, that it may continue forever before You’ (2 Sam. 7:29).”
“It was a tremendous request for the Lord’s blessing that flowed from David’s awareness of how God operates and what He had promised.”
“Think about the promises of God and consider which of them may hold the answer to a challenge you’re facing right now. Then, confident in the promise you’ve chosen, make your request.”
Enjoy the rewards of being secluded and still before the Lord.
“As meditation becomes more natural to you, the things that worry you will slowly lose their power,” Stanley wrote.
“Your view of everything— yourself, others, tasks, heartaches, and burdens—will gradually transform. This is partly a result of your trust growing, but also because you’ll begin to see things as Jesus sees them.”
“He promised: ‘Peace I leave with you; My peace I give to you …’ (John 14:27).”
“As you spend time with God, that peace will replace your anxieties. As a result, the presence of Christ will grow within you, giving you a beautiful, new attitude in life.”
“Of all the benefits of meditation, the most important is this: you will experience the power of God. When time alone with Jesus Christ is your ultimate priority, it saturates every facet of your life. Not only in your spirit, but in your body.”
“I can’t explain it,” Stanley wrote, “but if you will be still before God, He will energize you, give you a spiritual dynamic, and make you effective in the lives of others.”
“Friend, begin the habit of meditation this week. God wants you to focus your attention on Him, to love and believe Him, so that you can enjoy all the good He’s prepared for you to receive.”
“If for whatever reason, you’ve been hesitant to spend time with God, remember there’s nothing about you that comes as a surprise to Him. The Lord knows you fully, and yet He remains gentle, merciful, and full of love for you.”
