Psalm 19:14 ESV
Philippians 4:4-7 ESV
Many people think this is crazy, but I love meditating…it’s one of my favorite things to do.
What’s great about meditation is that you begin with a clean slate.
When I first started meditation years ago I was seeing a Spiritual Director. He was honest and funny. He knew when I was holding something back.
I had read several books on meditation practices and I told him that my experience with meditation wasn’t quite like what I read in the books. See, in books they described it as quiet and serene.
When I tried to meditate it felt like a battle was going on.
Years later I now know that the battle was IN me.
My Spiritual Director told me I needed to let go.
I asked, “of what?”
He said, “Everything.”
Years ago I wasn’t sure how to do that. I had to learn how to relax and give God access. I don’t mean partial access. I’m talking about full access.
I had to learn how to invite God in and let God take over my thoughts.
Psalm 19:14 says, “Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in your sight, O Lord, my rock and my redeemer.”
The words of my mouth needed to say, “Come.”
It couldn’t be a partial invitation. I needed to really mean it. I had to want it.
I think that was the battle.
The battle was IN me. I had to give up control to God.
I’m not sure why that was difficult, but gradually I wanted God more and more. I wanted to go deeper with God. I wanted it to be all about God. I wanted God to be in control of my life.
It took time but it was worth it!
Now when I sit down to meditate I sit still. I take deep regular breaths. I open my mind to God and to everything God has for me. I speak my favorite name for God, which is Papa. I ask Papa to come.
Then the peace comes. That’s because God is always waiting for us. We often think we are waiting for God but it’s the other way around.
We learn from Philippians 4:4-7: “Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say rejoice. Let your reasonableness be known to everyone. The Lord is at hand; do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be make known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Jesus Christ.”
The Apostle Paul made it clear…the Lord is right here…God is at hand. We do not need to be anxious about anything. All we need to do is call on the name of the Lord and speak our requests. Even though God already knows our requests we need to speak them for our own benefit. Then once we give our requests to God we will have peace.
When I was twenty something and I was struggling with something my dad usually knew I was wrestling with something. Even though he knew, he would wait for me to tell him about it. Once I told my dad about my problem, I knew he would help me.
After I told him, I could relax because I knew we would solve it together. After my dad passed I wasn’t sure how I’d get by without him. Eventually I learned how to go to God and wait. That’s when I really grew up because I started going to God first.
Now, 35 years later once I sit with God and I let go of what I’m struggling with I know somehow it will be okay.
The good news is that even when I’m in a crowded room filled with people I can meditate. Even if there are screaming children who are playing, I can meditate. Even if I’m in a room full of barking dogs, I can meditate.
That didn’t happen immediately.
It took time and practice.
That’s why it’s classified as a Spiritual Practice. We learn as we practice…
Today’s Spiritual Practice is: Meditate
Sit comfortably. Call on God. Speak the name that you call God. Breathe deeply and let your breathing be regular and steady. Continue to speak God’s name. Rest in God and wait for God to move you. God may speak to you or you may feel the presence of God. Give the Spirit control. Stay in that place for as long as you want.
In God, Deborah
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