Charles Stanley - Requirements for Effective Meditation

It’s hard to find moments of quiet in a world that is so loud. But when we tune out the blaring televisions and beeping phones and every other diverting noise, we find a refuge in God. He is always there, waiting for us with the comfort of a listening ear, the wisest of words, and the most loving of hearts.

What do you consider important in your life? Is it something you spend, save, wear, or drive? All the good things and activities of this world cannot be compared with the value of your personal relationship with Jesus Christ because it determines everything else in your life. If you believe this is true, then meditation on God and His Word should be the priority of your life.

Godly meditation requires time alone with the Lord, listening to what He is saying in His Word, thinking deeply about it, and moving forward in obedience. We see an example of this in David’s life after the prophet Nathan told him that God was going to establish his kingdom forever. Second Samuel 7:18-19 records a small portion of his response to this amazing revelation from the Lord. As David sits before the Lord, he tries to digest the message delivered to him through Nathan the prophet, and praises God who so graciously gave him this promise.

“Then David the king went in and sat before the Lord, and he said, ‘Who am I, O Lord God, and what is my house, that You have brought me this far? And yet this was insignificant in Your eyes, O Lord God, for You have spoken also of the house of Your servant concerning the distant future. And this is the custom of man, O Lord God.’”

In the same way, we too need to sit before the Lord as we contemplate what He has said to us in His Word. This is the most important segment of time we can spend in any given day. The all-sufficient, omnipotent, eternal Creator of all things is worthy of our praise and attention every day. He is our heavenly Father who loves His children unconditionally and has called us into fellowship with Himself, and meditation is the way we avail ourselves of this awesome privilege.

Although many other concerns and activities vie for our attention, there must be a time in the day when we close off all the noise and distractions in order to concentrate on the Lord and what He has to say to us. Meditation begins with confession of sin so we can receive cleansing and come to God with a pure heart. It’s a time to read His Word, ask questions, bring our requests before Him, seek His will, and simply enjoy being with Him.