When we use the term meditate, what first comes to mind? I must admit I see someone sitting in a lotus position, hands folded in front of them and chanting. Sorry, but sometimes my mind is so cliched. But, I know there are others like me.
Philippians 4:8-9 gives us a whole different picture of meditation. It says, "Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report. If there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy--meditate on these things. The things which you learned and received and heard and saw in me, these do, and the God of peace will be with you."
With all the instability and violence in our world it's easy to become fearful or jaded. And peace, well it can be hard to find when our very lives are threatened. And the day to day troubles steal our tranquility. When we focus on our difficulties or the evil that might touch us or our loved ones we lose sight of The One who knows it all and who watches over us. If we're not on guard our days will be stolen from us.
I looked up the word meditate in the Webster's dictionary. It explains the word this way -- "To engage in thought or contemplation. To plan in the mind; intend."
So it would seem that the apostle Paul is saying we should not only set our minds on what is good, but to plan how we will think or what we will do according to what we see in him, and then the God of peace will be with us. So if we're wondering where our peace has gone, maybe we ought to take a closer look at where our thoughts reside.
What has captured your thoughts today? Are there troubles that tear your mind from God and His goodness, from the noble and true things around you? Then drag your thoughts back to what is good, noble, true, pure, and lovely and remember the things Paul did. It will change your the tempor of your spirit and change your day. It might even change your life.
Grace and peace to you from God.
Bonnie
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amen amen amen--preach it sister! I'm rapidly losing my patience with Xtians in my life who are SUCH downers 'n gloom 'n doom--grrrr. Especially with political stuff. I quote this vs till I'm blue in the face and will continue to do so--until I'm with Jesus! Have a marvelous mom's day--we will. loveyou! patti
ReplyDeletePatti, you always are one to smile and look at the bright side of life.
ReplyDeletePraise the Lord!
Bonnie