Meditation

In Timothy Keller’s book about prayer, he makes a distinction between Bible Study, Prayer, and Meditation. 

He says Bible Study is about learning the truth or declaring the truth to others, while prayer focuses on God himself as the immediate object. Meditation, on the other hand, is about affecting our minds and hearts with love, delight, and humility. In meditation, we fix, force, and order our thoughts about the truth.

He then provides questions to guide us in meditation: What does this teach me about God and His character? About human nature, character, and behavior? About Christ and His salvation? About the church or life among the people of God?

So, I went back to a verse I read yesterday and did this exercise:

“Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it.” Proverbs 4:23

What does this teach me about God and His character?

God is so secure in Himself that He did not create me as a robot but gave me the power to choose. He is so loving that He does not leave me in the dark about what could cause me to stumble. He tells me the key is in my heart and cautions me to be diligent with it. It’s like He gives me a cheat sheet on how to succeed.

About human nature, character, and behavior?

The fact that God has to tell me to be cautious and diligent suggests that such qualities are not inherent in human nature but flow from my spiritual nature. My heart tends to want what is against God and could lead me astray, so I must guard it. When I think of guarding, I think of police, soldiers, and security walls. My heart is fragile; it requires intentionality and a plan to protect it. It may not be visible to others, but it must be my priority.

About Christ and His salvation?

Salvation is a matter of the heart. Working out my salvation with trembling does not happen automatically; it requires diligence.

About the church or life among the people of God?

God does not make choices for me. He has given me the willpower to choose. To make good choices, I must be intentional about what I meditate on. Choices are the fruit of my heart. I must apply diligence when it comes to issues of my heart. Humans are complex, but that complexity can be managed through growing a pure and wise heart.

Suddenly, spending time with Him is joyous and not a chore.