In Touch 02-08-05

In Touch Daily Devotional
by Dr. Charles Stanley

Tuesday February 8, 2005
The Power of Biblical Meditation
Psalm 1:1-3

What is meditation? It is reading the Bible, listening to God, and asking Him to speak to our hearts. It means making ourselves available to Him for instruction and growth. To meditate requires time, outside silence, and inner quiet - three things that many of us unfortunately do not believe we must give to God. We are spiritually anemic because we keep busy running from one activity to the next.

But if we choose to meditate, God has great rewards for us. We learn to develop a quiet spirit no matter how stormy our surroundings. Inner calm is one character trait of Jesus Christ that we can appropriate as we become like Him.

Another positive result of meditation is that God deepens our hunger for Him. Many people wish they loved God more, and quiet time is the key. Try setting aside time with God every day for a week. You may have to try getting started more than once, but it will be worth it. God will do an amazing work - He will so satisfy the desires of your heart with Himself that you will want more time with Him.

Through meditation, our view of the Lord enlarges because we learn to see Him as He really is. We also see our problems and our needs in their proper perspective. Nothing is too big for our God. When we experience the living God, our discernment is sharpened and we learn to think as He thinks. The greatest reward of meditation is an increased sensitivity to God, His will, and His work in our life.

For resources related to this topic and many more, visit the "Exploring the Bible" section of intouch.org. www.intouch.org/exploring

Are you looking to take the next step in your spiritual walk? Enroll today in the Charles Stanley Institute for Christian Living - a free, virtual one-on-one mentoring program with Dr. Charles Stanley.  Register online today at www.charlesstanleyinstitute.com.