Spiritual Meditation

Introduction:

Back in the 70’s, TM (Transcendental Meditation) was first introduced to the Western world by its founder, Maharishi Mahesh Yogi, as a scientifically sound, nonreligious psychological exercise designed to relieve stress, to bring peace to the inner man, thereby having a positive effect on society, and to enable the advanced practitioner to participate in astral projection (his soul leaving his body) and levitation. But TM is nothing more than Hinduism, which denies the biblical Godhead, the Deity of Christ, the doctrines of the atonement, sin, and salvation by grace through the sacrifice of Jesus Christ. It replaces resurrection with reincarnation, and grace, faith and obedience to the Gospel, with man made works.

Some brethren became negative concerning ‘meditation’ because of TM, but the Scripture’s abound with examples and exhortations to be deeply involved in ‘meditation’.

I. What is Meditation?

A. Definition: Hebrew (O.T.) – “To mutter, to muse, to talk with oneself, to meditate. Greek (N.T.) – “To care for, be diligent in, to ponder, to imagine, to practice.” Meditation involves a practice of thinking with oneself, using one’s mind to ponder various things, to be involved in thought.

B. We need to remember that our Creator knows what our thoughts are:

Amos 4:12,13.

C. Isaac meditated: Genesis 24:63; “And Isaac went out to meditate in the field at the eventide..”

D. God told Joshua: Joshua 1:6-9. Meditation of God’s Law helps us to apply it to our lives!

E. ISBE – “The lack of meditation is a great want in our modern religious life”

It seems that Satan is always looking for ways to fill every second of our passing day with worldly things, TV, radio, movies, recreational activities,

you name it! Hardly any time left for ‘spiritual meditation’!! Would we want God to consider OUR meditation? Psalms 5:1.

II. But WHAT are we to meditate upon?

A. God and His Works: Psalms 63:1-8 (Prayer is a natural consequence of spiritual meditation; Psalms 77:10-15; 143:5, 6;

Isaiah 40:21-31; 43:10-13; 44:18-24; 45:9-13, 18, 21-25.

1. His Attributes: Psalms 103

B. God and His Law: Psalms 1:1-3; 119:15, 16, 23, 24, 48, 61, 78, 83, 140-144, 176, 97, 99, 148.

C. Examples from the inspired apostle Paul:

1. Philippians 4:8, 9

2. I Timothy 4:15

3. Colossians 3:1-4

III. How well have I applied God’s Word to my life today?

Self-inspecting meditation:

1. In the workplace?

2. In the home, with my family?

3. With my brethren?

4. How did I use the time in this day?

a. Prayer?

b. Bible study?

c. Meditation on spiritual things?

IV. Conclusion

Let us all make every effort to put more spiritual meditation into our daily lives. Remember: “Draw nigh to God, and He will draw nigh to you…” James 4:8.

Let us say: “Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in Thy sight, O Jehovah, my Rock, and my Redeemer” Psalm 19:14.