Devotionals

Meditation

Introduction

Have you ever stopped and wondered how close you are in your relationship with God or how you could improve it? This devotional can help you to become stronger in your faith by discussing devotion to God by meditating on His Word. The word 'meditating' might throw you off, so try and keep an open mind of the word (pretend like you have no idea what it is). With an open mind and heart, let's dive in to this devotional.

The main thing that we're focusing on today is faithfulness and devotion to God by studying His Word as much as you can so you can live by it. Basically, read the Bible. It can help you grow spiritually and serve as an act of worship to God by obeying Him and His commands. We're going to be looking at Joshua 1:8, so here it is.

"Keep this Book of the Law always on your lips; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful."
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While this was spoken back in a time where God's people were wandering around in the wilderness for many years, it still applies to us today. God loves us and wants us to succeed in life, but to do that we need to read His Word and follow His ways. This is where mediation comes in. Before we move on, I want you to think about whatever pops into your mind when you hear the word 'meditate'. Got it? Keep that in your head as we move forward.

First, let's define the word 'meditate'. It is to "think deeply or focus one's mind for a period of time, in silence or with the aid of chanting, for religious or spiritual purposes or as a method of relaxation". Now, let's summarize with that long definition means. A simpler definition of the word 'meditate' could be "think deeply or focus for any given amount of time". Okay, I want you to go back to whatever it is that pops into your head when you hear the word 'meditate'. Has your view of the word changed?

Whenever I hear the word 'meditate', I tend to think of someone sitting crisscross apple sauce style with their hands out to the sides forming circles with their fingers. If you can't visualize what I'm terribly describing, please refer to the media section of this devotional. You should see a picture that accurately describes my interpretation of the word, at least until now.

Now I can see that meditating can be as simple as sitting in your room alone reading your Bible. That's it. It doesn't have to be some big thing where you light candles and come up with some fancy prayer to God. Start by thinking of a day where you may have more time than usual. Schedule off a portion of time for God (don't make other plans for that time). When that date comes, spend time with God in whatever way you feel brings you closer to Him. This could be through praising Him through singing songs, reading the Bible, prayer, etc.

Lastly, I want to mention that being still is another way to praise God. Psalm 46:10 reminds us, "Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth."" While this verse might not be telling us to literally be still, it's reminding us to not be so busy. Being still allows us to reflect on the day we've had or the day we're going to have. It also allows us to meditate on God's word.

I want to close this devotional by mentioning a song by Mandisa called Unrestrained. I've added it to the media section because I believe that it strongly relates to devotion to God. It's such a beautiful and powerful song that describes what it's like to give your life to God and praise Him through meditation and following His ways. I hope this devotional has helped you to grow in some way and that you have a wonderful day. Keep the faith!