The Lost Spiritual Discipline
I think meditation is a lost spiritual discipline amongst western Christians. Our approach to Scripture is left-brain memorization instead of right-brain meditation. And I think it comprises our spiritual health. We have a deficiency in our diet because reading without meditating is like eating without digesting. We simply regurgitate the word instead of ingesting it. We're malnourished.
Meditation is a form of imagination.
In 1816, Sir David Brewster invented the first kaleidoscope. A kaleidoscope consists of fragments of colored glass that reflect light in an endless variety of colors and patterns. Isn't that what Scripture does? It reflects light in an endless variety of colors and patterns? If I had to describe Scripture in a word I might choose kaleidoscopic. I never cease to be amazed at the way different verses can inspire me in different ways at different times in my life.
Meditation is taking the time to turn the kaleidscope so we can appreciate different nuances of a text. I gaurantee this: the more time you take to look at a verse from a variety of angles the more God will reveal to you. It will help you internalize and personalize the truth. It will get the word into your spirit. Don't be in such a hurry to get through the word that the word doesn't get through you.
The phrase "look intently" in James 1 means to bend over or stoop down. We've got to humble ourselves and take a posture of submission when we read the word. Meditation is bending over to take a closer look.
For what it's worth, I'm meditating on Romans 12:1-3 today. I'm choosing a different passage each day this week to meditate on.
By the way, if you're looking for a good online Bible Study tool I'd recommend Bible Gateway.
Meditation is a form of imagination.
In 1816, Sir David Brewster invented the first kaleidoscope. A kaleidoscope consists of fragments of colored glass that reflect light in an endless variety of colors and patterns. Isn't that what Scripture does? It reflects light in an endless variety of colors and patterns? If I had to describe Scripture in a word I might choose kaleidoscopic. I never cease to be amazed at the way different verses can inspire me in different ways at different times in my life.
Meditation is taking the time to turn the kaleidscope so we can appreciate different nuances of a text. I gaurantee this: the more time you take to look at a verse from a variety of angles the more God will reveal to you. It will help you internalize and personalize the truth. It will get the word into your spirit. Don't be in such a hurry to get through the word that the word doesn't get through you.
The phrase "look intently" in James 1 means to bend over or stoop down. We've got to humble ourselves and take a posture of submission when we read the word. Meditation is bending over to take a closer look.
For what it's worth, I'm meditating on Romans 12:1-3 today. I'm choosing a different passage each day this week to meditate on.
By the way, if you're looking for a good online Bible Study tool I'd recommend Bible Gateway.
1 Comments:
Mark, thanks for drawing our attention back to the great gift of meditation. I've discovered that it's the richest way to experience Scripture. Even the best commentaries, books, and sermons can't compare with five minutes of chewing slowly on the Word of God. Other people's thoughts can filter Scripture through their own reflections, but when I meditate, I have the incredible experience of receiving insight directly from the Holy Spirit. What a great gift He has given us in the ability to meditate on His Word!
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