πβ¨ Embracing the Power of Meditation: A Biblical Perspective ππ§ββοΈ
UNBELIEVABLY, I've gotten a handful of hateful DM's over the last 24 hrs ...
Embracing the Power of Meditation: A Biblical Perspective
UNBELIEVABLY, over the last 24 hrs I've received a handful of angry DM's about our use - no, actually MY USE - I am the CEO, after all - of the word "meditate" in our descriptive copy used for Renewed Mind Radio (
). So, here I am to ACCURATELY clear the air (again
).
Meditation is NOT "New Age Occultist" (quote from one of the more spicy DM's) - it's "ANCIENT AGE HOLY"!
Now, I 100% concede that *WHAT* you meditate on makes all the difference between beneficial & suspect - sure, fine. But, if you know me AT ALL - you know I'm not about ANY of that shady stuff and won't promote it
However, it seems to me that WAY too many Christians are MORE THAN WILLING to hand over THE POWER TO DEFINE MEANING to entities who are... well, let's just say "OTHER than God". Blows my mind every time. Seriously.
First of all, there are WELL over 50 Bible verses spanning the Old & New Testaments that directly communicate the concept or actual practice of meditation. I can only - and usually do - highlight this in ONE sentence:
"When was the last time YOU were out herding sheep all day and night & had nothing more to do in your life than to sit under a tree and think about your relationship with your Creator?" (and wonder why He doesn't "speak" to you
)
Exactly.
It's the disconnectedness from our own Spirit that is the lie. It's the "busyness" of the life thrust upon is that is the deception. Yet, so many who claim a connection to God through Christ often - and loudly - stand in agreement with the enemy of our souls when it comes to this topic of meditative contemplation and taking ownership and stewardship of our own mental health.
Allow me to simply leave this here:
"Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirableβif anything is excellent or praiseworthyβthink about such things." - Philippians 4:8
Guarding our hearts / minds is nothing new. In fact, it's important! "Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it." - Proverbs 4:23
So, yeah - I'll debate anyone who comes at me with an accusation about the importance of meditation and other ways we should guard our minds / hearts. We absolutely DO NOT have to accept the deception that we are casual, passive observers in a world beyond our control. THAT IS A LIE.
The true deception is that we are imagined to be cogs in a wheel of someone else's making. God says we are so precious He knows the number of every hair on our heads, knew us before we were formed in our mother's womb and has plans to prosper us in beautiful, eternal ways.
"The World" is not going to ever support that. Surely, you *know and understand* this by now. (Do some Google research on the phrase "Cognitive Dissonance"
)
In the midst of our busy lives, finding moments of stillness and reflection can be a source of great spiritual strength - which we all desperately need. The Bible, a timeless guide regardless of what authority you ascribe to it, is replete with references to the practice of meditation, emphasizing its profound significance.
Psalm 1:2 reminds us, "But his delight is in the law of the Lord, and in His law, he meditates day and night." This verse highlights the transformative power of immersing ourselves in God's Word through meditation.
Joshua 1:8 encourages us: "This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do according to all that is written in it." Meditating on God's word equips us to walk in His ways.
Psalm 19:14 beautifully portrays the essence of meditative prayer: "Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in your sight, O Lord, my rock, and my redeemer."
In our hectic world, these biblical references invite us to pause, reflect, and find solace in meditation. As we quiet our minds and open our hearts to God's ACTUAL presence in our lives, we can experience transformation, peace, and a deeper connection with our Creator. Committing to nurturing our souls through meditation or contemplation, allows the LIVING GOD to guide our path in the face of all opposition.
In the final words of some of my detractors on this subject:
"God said it. I believe it. That settles it."
DO YOUR OWN HOMEWORK BEFORE YOU ADOPT ANY BELIEF.
Period.
Love you all,
Nicole