"I will meditate on all your works and consider all you mighty deeds." Psalm 77:12
When we need comfort, encouragement , strength, and hope, two processes in particular can help us move forward even when we feel totally immobilized. Each day we should take appropriate time for meditation and consideration. But, in order for them to work, consideration must be longer than a fleeting thought and meditation must involve the truths of the Word of God.
In the past, I attended a Catalyst West Conference that drew together 4-5 thousand young leaders (I say that because less than a thousand of us were over 40), at Mariner's church. The purpose of the event was to have us consider the theme of "An Unusual Tomorrow", and how to meditate on our part in it. We were soundly challenged to take a fresh look from very different perspectives at trends, technology, the changing role of the church and culture, all impacting us dramatically today. The very definition of our goal meant we did a lot of consideration and meditation. I sure did.
Let me give you a couple of clues about consideration. In order to effectively consider you must be willing to listen, willing to learn and willing to stretch your definitions and limitations. A couple of clues about meditation. You absolutely must empty yourself before true meditation can begin. Meditation must be done exclusively about the truth of God's word. No need to meditate about your feelings, your navel or any other interesting or contemplative subjects. Always be sure to be especially silent following meditation to assure that the truth has had time to filter down into your spirit.
Consideration and meditation often, when done well, lead me to tears or reflection, but invariably bring me to focus on the Lord and the Lord alone. It is not analysis. The Psalmist has been through a lot, just like us. We must take the time to consider and meditate like he does in order to come to the same conclusions. It is imperative to focus on the works and deeds of God and to remember His great love and wonderful grace toward us. This is what we should consider and meditate about.
Consideration and meditation often, when done well, lead me to tears or reflection, but invariably bring me to focus on the Lord and the Lord alone. It is not analysis. The Psalmist has been through a lot, just like us. We must take the time to consider and meditate like he does in order to come to the same conclusions. It is imperative to focus on the works and deeds of God and to remember His great love and wonderful grace toward us. This is what we should consider and meditate about.
If we want real comfort, encouragement, strength and hope, it is the consideration of what He has done, is doing and will do coupled with meditating on the truth of His word that will bring us to spiritual convergence in whatever crisis, great or small. I hope you find some more time for Him today, even if you don't have many crises or issues at the moment. Remember.... sometimes it is the consistent consideration and meditation on who He is and His truth that averts many of our emotional and out of control reactions to what happens to us. We have much to learn in Him and I pray that we will make spiritual disciple part of our everyday experience.
In Him as always, Pastor Fred
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