Keep the Faith! Being a Follower 1c

The first goal of being a follower is learning how to reach in for self-examination. To do this, it is important that we not only learn how to study and pray but also how to meditate.  Eastern religions place a heavy humanistic emphasis upon meditation and, for that reason, many in the Christian world avoid this topic altogether. (This ministry has actually lost support from contributors because we teach that biblical meditation is spiritually essential.) The unfortunate truth is this, Christians have far too often allowed the world to steal and redefine many of the terms God has designed for us! It's time to reclaim the Divine blessings of meditation! 

Reaching In (Self-examination)
3. Meditate

The little boy was sitting quietly on the front porch step looking off into the darkness. A visitor approached the house and asked what he was doing.  

"Oh, I'm just thinking about my kite," said the little fellow.  

"I'm sorry," said the man.  "Did the wind carry it away?"  

"Oh, no," came the confident response. "It's still up there!"  

The man looked off in the same direction but saw only the darkness of night.

"Son," asked the man curiously, "how do you know that your kite is still up there?"  

"Oh that's easy," said the boy now pointing to the string running from his hand. "I can feel it tug at my finger."

Too often, life becomes so complicated and so filled with stress that thoughtful moments of quiet seem almost impossible. God needs for you to make time to sit on the front porch and, while staring off into the darkness, consider Him and His love for you. Allow Him the opportunity to tug at your heart. 

"Be still, and know that I am God."

The Psalmist wrote, "Be still, and know that I am God." (Psalm 46:10, NKJV)  In this small passage, we are given the classic definition of God-centered meditation. 

"Be still..." This phrase gives obvious emphasis to atmosphere and the need to take control of the conditions surrounding you. It requires time, calmness of spirit and focus. Jesus once said that a good place to pray was in your closet or private room. (Matthew 6:6) Meditation requires the same.  

"...and know" Biblical meditation is much more than just an exercise in relaxation. Meditation has at its center the goal of obtaining knowledge. In Psalm 119:15-16, 26-27 we find this description of meditation, "I will meditate on Your precepts, and contemplate Your ways. I will delight myself in Your statutes; I will not forget Your word... Teach me Your statutes. Make me understand the way of Your precepts; so shall I meditate on Your wonderful works." (NKJV) 

Meditation and Bible study are intimate partners in the pursuit of a deeper knowledge of God. Read from God's book and then give Him the opportunity to guide your thoughts, caress your heart, and create within you the convictions that He desires.  

"...that I am God." The wise man, Solomon, defined the purpose of life in this way, "Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God, and keep his commandments: for this is the whole duty of man." (Ecclesiastes 12:13, KJV) Nothing, absolutely nothing, is more important in all of your eternal existence than your pursuit of God and a relationship with Him. Meditation provides just a small glimpse of what full fellowship can be like. Do not neglect it. Take time. Calm yourself. Open His book. Reach deep within. Let God cradle your heart. 

Helpful Suggestions

Find a quiet place to which you can go when deep meditation and pondering is required. 

Like the muscles of your body, your brain requires exercise. Practice controlling your thoughts and training your mind to focus regardless of the conditions around you. 

Combine all three "reach in" steps. Study a passage of Scripture. Pray for God to direct your thoughts and meditate on His precepts.

Personal Assessment

Psalm 119:15-16, 26-27 (NKJV)"I will meditate on Your precepts, and contemplate Your ways. I will delight myself in Your statutes; I will not forget Your word... Teach me Your statutes. Make me understand the way of Your precepts; so shall I meditate on Your wonderful works." 

Define the words "precepts" and "statutes," then list three examples of ones that require a lot of meditation. 

What is the connection between the word "meditate" and the phrase, "I will not forget Your word"? 

The Psalmist says, "Teach me Your statutes." How does God teach us through meditation?  

Can meditation lead us to God-given revelations that are inconsistent with Scripture? 

Read the following passages and consider the application they should have in your life. 

Psalm 63:6-8
Psalm 119:47-48
Philippians 4:8 

Next time we will look at the first area of the next direction on our journey of being a follower - reaching out (fellowship). Until then, keep the faith!

Missed the beginning of the "Keep the Faith!" series? Check it out! 
Keep the Faith! Being an Observer

Also, don't forget the first two lessons in the "Being a Follower" section!
Keep the Faith! Being a Follower 1a: Study
                                                     1b: Prayer

Want to continue this study? Go to:
Keep the Faith! Being a Follower 2a: Attendance
                                                     2b: Involvement
                                                     2c: Belonging
                                                     3a: Being Like Him
                                                     3b: Being in Awe of Him
                                                     3c: Express Feelings for Him
                                                     4a: Being a Friend
                                                     4b: Being a Witness
                                                     4c: Providing a Message
Keep  the Faith! Being  a Leader  -  Introduction
                                                     1: Self-examination
                                                     2. Fellowship
                                                     3: Worship
                                                     4: Evangelism
                                                         Conclusion: Becoming a Complete Christian

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