Meditation and Introspection Part I

35 And rising very early in the morning, while it was still dark, he departed and went out to a desolate place, and there he prayed. Mark 1:35 English Standard Version

Modern Western-Christianity does not place much emphasis on meditation. In this, we’ve departed from a long Biblical tradition. Perhaps we’re afraid of the eastern mystics. In their practice one meditates to lose oneself. In the Christian practice we meditate to hear from the Lord and find ourselves. Or perhaps we think that we’re so busy that we do not have time to slow down and be quiet, even for a few minutes. The world presses in with thousands of minor demands militantly clamoring for our attention, each claiming preeminence over the other. This incessant din rings in the ears of our soul drowning out the still small voice the old prophet heard on the mountain. If it’s not the legitimate cares and concerns of our lives, then often we habitually fill every waking moment with some sort of digital input, our cellphones or iPad constantly buzzing with the latest alert from whatever social media platform we use. In many cases, we’ve become afraid to be alone with our thoughts. We let the world control all our conscious moments, and for those who sleep with their cellphones, we let the world intrude upon our sleep. We’re fractured, distracted, and disoriented. We need quiet to mediate and commune with the Lord. If Jesus needed time alone, so do we. Here are some ways that will help you build the habit of meditation.

63 And Isaac went out to meditate in the field toward evening. And he lifted up his eyes and saw, and behold, there were camels coming. Genesis 24:63

I like this passage. Its simplicity pleases me. Isaac went out in the field for his quiet time. Even in those simpler times, Isaac felt the need to get away from the pressures of his day. We tend to look back and assume that things were easier back then. Perhaps they were, or perhaps we just do not know what it was like to live back then. There were many tasks back then that I do not worry about. I do not have to dig a well for water. I turn the tap and water, hot or cold, comes out. I do not worry about some band of marauding Canaanites carrying me off into captivity. So perhaps, their lives were not as simple or idyllic as I think. Whatever the cause, Isaac went out into his field to meditate. In a similar way, you and I need to find some sort of mental solitude for our meditation. Jesus went off to find solitude, so should we. Perhaps you have a quiet spot in your home or a nearby park. If the weather permits, a brisk walk through your neighborhood might afford you the solitude that you need. Be creative. We’re looking to remove distractions.

5 My soul will be satisfied as with fat and rich food,  and my mouth will praise you with joyful lips, 6 when I remember you upon my bed, and meditate on you in the watches of the night; Psalm 63:5-6 

In this passage we find the psalmist reflecting upon the goodness of God in the midst of the night. He takes a moment of quiet solitude and meditates. Sometimes we need to shut off the outside world. I rarely go anyplace without my phone. Even when I’m watching something on TV, I often make a quick check of my phone or iPad; consequently, I’m often distracted or divided. Here the psalmist takes a few undistracted moments to focus on the Lord. For you and me to truly meditate, we need to silence our phones or other digital devices. True meditation does not take place in a multitasking environment. God deserves our sole attention, not a sliver of time.

6 But when you pray, go into your room and shut the door and pray to your Father who is in secret. And your Father who sees in secret will reward you. Matthew 6:6

Meditation takes place best in solitude. We cannot successfully summon the focus to meditate when surrounded by the din of family or work. When we go into a “secret” quiet place we tell ourselves and the Lord something significant. When we make the effort to sequester ourselves, we say that He is worthy of the time and effort. Not all the things that clamor for our attention are frivolous. Some daily tasks need our attention. This morning, I had to sit down and pay our bills, a necessary task. When I go to meet the Lord in meditation, I need to leave the world behind, go to my secret place, and there commune with the Lord. 

All of these things are for our benefit, not the Lord’s. He does not need solitude or a lack of distractions, we do. Meditation puts me into a position where I can listen to the Lord. In a very real way, I tell the Lord that He is worthy, not something He needs to hear from me. It is something I need to say to myself. Meditating on the Lord helps me get in touch with His desires for me and for my life. It is a long neglected spiritual discipline that deserves reintegration into our daily walk with the Lord. 

Thought Questions:

1. What do you think of when someone mentions meditation, is it positive or negative?

2. Why do you think we shy away from meditation and introspection?

3. Do you think you could find the time in your day to spend fifteen minutes meditating?

4. What would you have to give up to meditate?

5. What do you think you would gain from spending time meditating?