Psalms 5:1
I had a healthy fear of meditation. Growing up Independent Fundamental Christian I was taught to fear many things, one being meditation. I was taught to believe a transcendental state made the soul vulnerable to demonic possession. I was also taught it impossible for a “true Christian” to be demon possessed because their body was sealed with the Holy Spirit of God. Since only “open” vessels could be filled the “true” Christian need never worry. However, this knowledge was of little comfort because I carried a secret I dared not share with anyone. I was gay and being gay meant I could never be a “true” Christian. This revelation of myself came early in childhood; so the inner torment began its rage well before I reached the ripe old age of 10. Fast forward 40 years and now I am person who has reconciled her sexual orientation with her faith. I make no apologies to anyone. Thank God, He has given me peace.
There are tons of verses in God’s Word promoting meditation. Presently I’m blogging about my journey through the book of Psalms. Today, as I pause upon chapter 5 verse 1, I read the words of David, the Psalter, “Give ear to my words, O Lord, consider my meditation.”
Hallelujah, Christians can meditate! Not only can we meditate, but such practice brings all kinds of benefits into the Christian life! Benefits not limited only to the spiritual but to the to the physical as well. Consider Proverbs 4:20-22,
“My son, attend to my words; consent and submit to my sayings. Let them not depart from your sight; keep them in the center of your heart. For they are life to those who find them, healing and health to all their flesh.”
Joyce Meyer says of these verses,
“In these verses, the writer used the words, attend to my words, which is another way of exhorting us to meditate. I love the fact that God not only frequently tells us to meditate—to ponder seriously—His Word, but He frequently promises results. It’s as if God says, “Okay, Joyce, if you meditate, here’s what I’m going to do for you.” In this passage, the promise is life and health. Isn’t that amazing? It’s even a promise that when you contemplate and brood over the Bible, it will affect your physical body.”
God’s Word is ALIVE, and knowing this fills my heart with joy and excitement. We have such power right at our finger tips and many are unaware of this truth. I know I’ve been guilty. I so easily forget the magical…mystical gifts God has given to us as his children. I don’t have to be afraid of these gifts. I can claim their supernatural power every day of my life if I so desire! I love II Timothy 1:7 that says, “For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.” I no longer have to entertain childhood fears because I know those fears never came from God in the first place. Jesus Christ has given me freedom!
Joyce Meyer also writes,
(sorry to keep referencing her…but she has had such an impact upon my spiritual life)
“Recently when I meditated on several passages in the Bible, I realized God was showing me that the Word has hidden treasures in it—powerful, life-giving secrets—which God wants to reveal to us. They are there for those who muse, ponder, and contemplate the Word of God.”
And this,
“As you study the Bible and meditate on what God says about you, you will be able to recognize the fears in your life that are holding you back and overcome them by seeing yourself in Christ. Then you will find you have whatever you need to do what you are created to do.”
My Prayer: Jesus, you have made me a wonderful creation. Thank you for all I am in You! I pray as David did so long ago… “O Lord consider my meditation.” Please strengthen my faith as I meditate on your words. Help me to be still and to hear your voice. Help me to become all you have created me to be. In the powerful name of Jesus, my Lord, Amen.
For more information about Christian meditation check out these links:
The World Community For Christian Meditation
Redhead Reflections 