Life is often noisy and full of distractions
Concerns and problems flood our minds. There is always so much to do! But, God wants the very best for you but you just have to know how to recognize it and lay hold of it.
If you’ve ever said to yourself, “I don’t even have time to think,” then you know how hard it is to concentrate when you’re being bombarded from all sides. It’s even harder to focus on God when we can’t take time to renew our minds and refresh our spirits by quiet reflection. God doesn’t often shout to get our attention. Instead, He usually speaks to us in “a still small voice” (1 Kings 19:12, NKJV).
So, what can we do to put ourselves in a position to hear God’s voice? We have to make time in our daily lives to get quiet. David said of the Lord in Psalm 23:2, “He leads me beside quiet waters.” Today I want to encourage you to find those quiet waters where you can get alone with the Lord. It may be a room in your house, outside under the trees, or some other place where you can shut out the noise and distractions of the world for just a few precious minutes. The key to renewing your mind, body and spirit is to develop the habit and discipline of meditating on the Word of God every day — even if it is for just a moment.
To meditate simply means to reflect on the same thing over and over again, visualize it and let the meaning of it sink deep down into your heart. Meditation is a spiritual practice that’s encouraged throughout Scripture. The key is to draw on God’s wisdom found in the Scriptures. In fact, the Bible is filled with the blessings and benefits of meditating on its principles. I have four of these benefits that I want to share with you today:
1. Meditating on God’s Word will give you spiritual success.
God told Joshua, “Study this Book of the Law continually. Meditate on it day and night so you may be sure to obey all that is written in it. Only then will you succeed” (Joshua 1:8, NLT). God’s definition of success in life is to know Him better. One way we do that is to read and understand His Word!
2. Meditating on God’s Word will help you keep your heart right before Him.
“The word of God is living and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart” (Hebrews 4:12, NIV). We need to evaluate our thoughts, deeds and motives each day, confessing any wrong attitudes or actions (1 John 1:9). The Bible gives us clear direction on how to live. It is a mirror that accurately shows us where our hearts really are.
3. Meditating on God’s Word will give you insights and wisdom that will guide you at every turn in your life.
“I have more insight than all my teachers, for I meditate on your statutes” (Psalm 119:99, NIV). There is supernatural wisdom that comes from meditating on God’s Word. It will strengthen you, guide you and give you hope and victory in every situation!
4. Meditating on Scripture will help you fill your mind with the things of God.
“Fix your thoughts on what is true and good and right. Think about things that are pure and lovely, and dwell on the fine, good things in others. Think about all you can praise God for and be glad about” (Philippians 4:8, TLB). Since we can only think about one thing at a time, meditating on God’s love and goodness leaves no room for wrong thinking.
There are incredible riches available when we invest in our relationship with God by spending time in His life-giving Word. We have God’s promise that, “No good thing will He withhold from those who walk uprightly” (Psalm 84:11, NKJV). This Scripture tells us that the Lord has good things waiting for you, but you have to do your part ... you have to walk uprightly. We walk uprightly when we live according to the principles of His Word.
Let me encourage you to find a quiet place where you can be still, hear the voice of the Lord and gain the strength you need to fight the good fight of faith. Take time every day in God’s presence, praying and filling your mind with Scripture. The exciting thing about meditating on God’s Word is that even when you leave your quiet place and start another busy day, your mind and spirit are still processing what you read — which means the benefits of meditating on Scripture influence your whole day!
As we walk this life of faith together, we need to remember how many have yet to experience the peace that comes from having a personal relationship with the living Savior. Your prayers and gifts to support this ministry enable us to share this Good News of Jesus with millions of people here in America and all around the world. Thank you so much for your support ... and be assured God is using your gifts to sow seeds of life, hope and blessing every day.
Be encouraged today. I believe that your very best days are ahead. Days filled with more joy, peace, encouragement, healing, restoration and hope.