[Muar Teaching 2/5]

A Call to Meditate

"This book of the Law shall not depart out of your mouth, but you shall meditate on it by day and by night, so that you may be careful to do according to all that is written in it. For then you shall make your way prosperous, and then you shall act wisely."
- Joshua 1:8 (MKJV)

"And don't for a minute let this Book of The Revelation be out of mind. Ponder and meditate on it day and night, making sure you practice everything written in it. Then you'll get where you're going; then you'll succeed."
- Joshua 1:8 (MSG Bible)

Just as Joshua was called to get back to the Word of God by meditating, we too are called to meditate.

ONLY through meditating and practicing what we have been called to do will we get to what we are aiming for and succeed. When we talk about meditating, some people get the wrong idea and think of sitting down, being still and just going "humm.....". Yes, granted meditation requires us to be quiet and in tune withe the Lord, but meditation can be very exciting! Through meditation, we are able to hear from God directly and receive exciting visions and revelations! Think of bible study as literally studying, while meditation is an interactive and personal tuition from God.

"But his delight is only in the Law of Jehovah; and in His Law he meditates day and night."
- Psalms 1:2 (MKJV)

How then do we meditate?
Now, the meaning of meditate can be broken down into 2 simple words.

Firstly, we have the word "Consider". This comes to no surprise to most of us as this is the common understanding of the word. It involves careful examination and observation of a subject with a view of truth.

The next word we have, is "Chew". That's right. Chew. Chew on the word of God. Now when we eat, if we always rush to just swallow our food, we will never enjoy our food to it's best. And of course it will bring forth other side effects such as choking or indigestion. Therefore, we should chew on the Word of God. Slowly savour it, keep chewing and thinking about what it means, don't rush yourself and when you finally think you are ready, swallow it.

Meditation is something that can't be rushed. Don't rush God. Slow yourself down from the hustle and bustle of life and just take time to listen to God. Many times we tend to expect God to wait for us by demanding, "GOD! SPEAK TO ME NOW! NOW I SAY, NOW!" Instead, let us just slow down and wait on God.

Meditation is now just a one time kind of thing. We are called to live a supernatural life. But how can we live a life like that? Let's take a look at Psalms 1:2.

Firstly, DELIGHT in His Word. Secondly, complete devotion to it. Notice that Psalms 1:2 as well as Joshua 1:8 talks about meditating "day and night". This is complete devotion. Just like a spouse, you do not love him or her only at certain times, but truly, day and night!

What are the techniques to meditation?

- Obtain a full observation and understanding of the word, and give yourself applications.
- Ask God what you can learn.
- Visualize and question the passage (Word for word, sentence by sentence) (eg. what does meditation mean? how can I choose to meditate in my walk? do I meditate? etc.)
- Crystallize what you have learnt and apply it into your daily walk.
- Re-visit (Always check back with yourself what you have learnt, and re-apply if needed)


Challenges to Meditation

1. Straying of Mind
A mind that easily strays often reveals a flickering heart. It shows us an issue of rival thrones and idols which compete against your time with God. Ask yourself and check your heart as to why your mind is straying to other things.

2. Spiritual Discouragement and Deception
This is an issue of a spiritual burnout. Renew and refresh yourself in God's presence.

3. Senselessness
This is when you somehow feel that you can't "feel" God. This is an issue of the spiritual realm. For example, where you meditate plays a big part. Can you imagine meditating in the middle of Geylang? How about at a prayer house instead? There is a difference in the spiritual realms of certain places such as strongholds or a stronger touch of the Lord's presence.

What now?

A lot has been said about meditation, so let’s really put in the effort to meditate constantly and seek the Lord! Should you have any questions regarding this topic or have things to discuss, feel free to post comments on this post itself. Just click the title “Muar Teaching 2/5” and you will be redirected.

Let’s all remember to APPLY what we have learnt here. Know that we may love God, but have absolutely no idea as to how to spend time with Him.

“It is not what you know, but what you do with what you know that matters.”- Ps Seng Lee