“HOW TO MEDITATE ON THE LORD”
2. Samuel 7:18
Then King David went in and sat before the LORD and said, “Who am I, O Lord GOD, and what is my house, that you have brought me thus far?
Today, we are going to learn some basic principles on how to meditate on the Lord. Let’s begin with a clear-cut definition of what “MEDITATION” really is. J.I. Packer gives us a definitive definition.
“Meditation is the activity of calling to mind, and thinking over, and dwelling on, and applying to oneself, the various things that one knows about the works and ways and purposes and promises of God. It is an activity of holy thought, consciously performed in the presence of God, under the eye of God, by the help of God, as a means of communion with God.”
He elaborates on how this works in practice:
“Its purpose is to clear one’s mental and spiritual vision, and to let the truth make its full and proper impact on one’s mind and heart. It is a matter of talking to oneself about God and oneself: it is, indeed, often a matter of arguing with oneself, reasoning oneself out of moods of doubt and unbelief into a clear apprehension of God’s power and grace.”
With the help of Dr. Charles Stanley, here is a simple outline on how to have a session of Meditation on the Lord. Select a quiet place, turn off the TV, make sure you’re alone. Today’s verse focuses on the phrase “KING DAVID WENT IN AND SAT BEFORE THE LORD”…If you have a favorite chair, sit in it, get comfortable, and remember that God is not looking at your posture; He’s looking into your heart. (NOTE) What I mean is this, you don’t have to kneel, I still have trouble since I have had a total knee replacement.
REVIEW THE PAST: (Review the ways God has delivered you in the past, look for a pattern.)
REFLECT UPON GOD: (Reflect upon His Greatness, His Grace, and His Goodness.)
REMEMBER GOD’S PROMISES: (Remembering the promises God has given to us in His Word will cause our faith to grow, and our fears to dissolve.)
MAKE A REQUEST: (Listen to David’s request during his meditation on the Lord.) 2Sa 7:29 Now therefore may it please you to bless the house of your servant, so that it may continue forever before you. For you, O Lord GOD, have spoken, and with your blessing shall the house of your servant be blessed forever.”
THINK ABOUT IT:
J.I Packer describes meditation as “talking to oneself about God and oneself” and “reasoning oneself out of moods of doubt and unbelief.”
