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Huuummmm...mmmmeditate

When we hear "meditate," we think yoga, Buddhism, incense, cross-legged, Zen music, and bamboo. Or at least that's what comes to my mind. This is due to the influence of Buddhism/Daoism in Hollywood, but also comes from my (and maybe your) Asian background. Our extended family is heavily Buddhist and I have seen a good bit of that style of meditation.

It is strange to read passages in Scripture calling me to meditate because I use to link that word to the Buddhism! So what is Biblical meditation? Although there are many directions, I'll focus us on one. First, let's examine these two verses:

I remember the days of old;
    I meditate on all that you have done;
    I ponder the work of your hands.
-Psalm 143:5

On the glorious splendor of your majesty,
    and on your wondrous works, I will meditate.

-Psalm 145:5

One way to meditate upon God is to remember His work. King David writes this looking back at what God has done. Why is this important? Is the purpose of it to reminisce? How has "thinking about the good ol' days" ever helped anyone? 

There was a rough day in the fire academy where we were put to the test physically, but also mentally. As people were starting to crack and want to give up, the Fire Instructors ran up and yelled in their ear, "What's the hardest thing you've gone through?!" The recruit would cry and mumble something. Cancer. Death of someone. Dropped out of school. Fired from a job. Divorce. Etc.... to which the Fire Instructor screamed back, "Well, you survived that and pulled through, didn't you?! You'll get through this, now get back in there!"

What a weird encouragement, yet so incredibly effective. Our past can sometimes act as a springboard that propels us forward. 

But there is a huge difference here. We were told to look within ourselves and find that inner strength. What we see in Psalms is similar yet totally different. King David looks back at his worst days (and boy does he have a few!), and remembers what GOD did. 

Seeing God's perfect track record enables David to trust Him with the future. Seeing God's perfect strength enables David to trust Him with his weaknesses and flaws. Seeing God's grandness enables David to see how small his problems are in comparison. 

Meditation helps strengthen our faith to move forward because God has already proven He is able to keep His promises to us. It is not "blind faith" since we know WHOM it is that we are trusting.

Meditate upon what He has done. This may be in your own personal life! Remember how God has pulled you through when you [insert a dark time]. More importantly, look to the Cross. Remember how God was able to pull Jesus from the grips of death and resurrected Him to eternal life. That same promise goes to you. He is able. 

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