What Do You Meditate On?

Did you know that everyone spends time in meditation?

Wait - I can probably guess what you're thinking: "I don't meditate" might be your response. Another popular one is "meditation is hokey - I don't believe in it." Well, guess what.

Everyone meditates.

The problem is, most of the meditating we do runs counter to a productive, happy life. Most of us meditate on the things we don't have (lack of money or relationships). Many of us meditate on things that can lead to painful family situations (things like pornography or extreme anger). Some of us literally spend hours every day meditating on revenge or how badly we've been hurt.

So you see, everyone meditates.

In Richard Foster's book "Celebration of Discipline" he talks about Christian meditation:

"The Hebrew words that convey the idea of meditation...are used some fifty-eight times (in scripture). These words have various meanings: listening to God's word, reflecting on God's works, rehearsing God's deeds, ruminating on God's law, and more. In each case there is stress upon changed behavior as a result..."

Meditation leads to a change in behavior. This makes sense - if you spend every waking hour contemplating revenge, your behavior will begin to reflect this. However, if you take some time every day and try to meditate on positive thoughts, this will also affect you, but in positive ways.

But how do we meditate?

You can try picking out one verse in the Bible that means a lot to you and repeating it over and over again, sitting somewhere with your eyes closed, or while taking a walk.

Another method Foster recommends is the "palms down, palms up" method: "begin by placing your palms down as a symbolic indication of your desire to turn over any concerns you may have to God. Inwardly you may pray, "Lord, I give to you my anger toward John. I release my fear of my dentist appointment this morning. I surrender my anxiety over not having enough money to pay the bills this month." Whatever it is that weighs down your mind...release it...After several moments of surrender, turn your palms up as a symbol of your desire to receive from the Lord...I would like to receive your divine love...your peace about the dentist...your patience...your joy."

A third kind of meditation can be done by simply observing creation and reflecting on it.

You will meditate today - what will you meditate on? The noise and concerns and commotion that the world forces on you? Or will you be more deliberate and direct your mind for good?

Determined to set and reach your mental goals? Try reading Richard Foster's "Celebration of Discipline" and applying some of his other disciplines to your life.