Meditation: Drawing Closer to God

by Mark Houpt

Meditation and solitude have always been challenging for me. When I hear those words, vivid images flood my mind—scenes of Eastern religions, serene yoga practices, or Catholic monks cloistered in a silent monastery. I envision these monks in their flowing robes, immersed in reading sacred texts all day long. Maybe it's my own bias, but I often see this as a heavy focus on absorbing the Word without translating it into action. All of that, not to mention that when I try and sit in silence or meditate, my mind floods and confuses with unneeded garbage, problems, plans for the day and even unwholesome items. Does this resonate with your perception of meditation too? If it does, have you, like me, shied away from the practice? If so, I challenge you to reconsider and join me on a recent spiritual journey to better understand the practice and rethink and relook at meditation. 

Understanding Christian Meditation 

Given the varied perceptions of meditation, it is crucial to understand what it means in our Christian walk and to determine if it is Scriptural. In Richard Foster's classic work "Celebration of Discipline," he presents meditation as a foundational practice for spiritual growth and deepening one's relationship with God. Foster emphasizes that meditation is not reserved for mystics or clergy but is accessible to every Christian, serving as an integral part of a vibrant spiritual life. 

Unlike Eastern meditation, which often aims to empty the mind, Christian meditation seeks to fill the mind with God's presence. This distinction was an eye-opener for me. Christian meditation involves a process of inner transformation, connecting believers more deeply with God. Foster clarifies that meditation is about hearing God's voice and obeying His Word.  

Biblical Foundations 

Meditation is deeply rooted in the Bible. Psalm 1:2 describes the righteous person as one who meditates on God's law day and night. Joshua 1:8 commands meditation on the Book of the Law, emphasizing the importance of focused reflection on God's words and works.  

This theme is further developed in the New Testament. Philippians 4:8 encourages believers to meditate on whatever is true, noble, right, pure, lovely, and admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy. Jesus Himself provides an example of solitude and meditation in Mark 1:35 (and Luke 5:16), where He rises early to pray in a solitary place, demonstrating the importance of quiet communion with God. 

This practice of withdrawing for focused reflection and prayer underlines the importance of setting aside time for intimate conversation with God. Similarly, Paul in Romans 12:2 urges believers to be transformed by the renewing of their minds, which involves meditative reflection on God's truths to align one's thoughts and actions with His will. 

The Purpose of Meditation 

The primary purpose of meditation is to enable believers to hear God's voice and obey His Word. Foster argues that meditation helps create the space to listen and be attuned to God's guidance. It is about cultivating an inner attentiveness to God's presence, leading to spiritual transformation and sanctification. 

The Process of Meditation 

Foster outlines several practical steps for engaging in meditation.  

Preparation: Find a quiet place free from distractions. Foster emphasizes the importance of a consistent time and place. 

Posture: Adopt a comfortable yet attentive posture.  

Focus: Choose a subject for meditation. This could be a passage of Scripture, a part of God's creation, or an aspect of Jesus' life. This has ensured my mind is not captured by the busyness of life. 

Methods of Meditation 

Foster introduces several methods to guide believers in their meditation practice. 

Scripture Meditation: This involves slowly reading and re-reading a passage of Scripture, allowing it to sink deeply into the heart and mind.  

Contemplative Prayer: This form of meditation is about simply being in God's presence, beyond words and thoughts. It is about resting in the knowledge of God's love and allowing that love to penetrate one's being. 

Challenges in Meditation 

Meditation can be challenging; it was and is so for me. The mind often wanders, and distractions are inevitable. Patience and persistence are key to its consistent practice. Foster highlights the importance of grace, reminding believers that meditation is not about perfection but about seeking God earnestly. 

Benefits of Meditation 

The benefits of meditation are manifold. 

Peace: Meditation fosters a sense of peace and calm that permeates one's entire being, enabling believers to face life's challenges with greater resilience. 

Clarity and Insight: Regular meditation sharpens one's spiritual insight, making it easier to discern God's will and direction. 

Deeper Relationship with God: At its core, meditation is about deepening one's relationship with God. This transforms every aspect of a believer's life. 

Empowerment for Service: Meditation equips believers for service by grounding them in God's presence, providing the strength and motivation needed to serve others selflessly. 

A Challenge to Embrace Meditation 

As you reflect on the discipline of meditation, I challenge you to join me and incorporate it into your daily routine. Start with just five minutes each day in a quiet place, focusing on a single verse from the Bible. Allow God's Word to dwell richly in you, and let His presence transform your heart and mind. Take up the practice of meditation this week and experience the profound peace and clarity that comes from spending intentional time with God. As you persist, you'll find your relationship with Him deepening, bringing a renewed sense of purpose and joy to your spiritual walk.