Book Notes - Celebration of Discipline ch. 2

Noise, hurry, crowds.  That’s what the devil majors in, according to Foster.  But the very cure for the superficiality found within our culture, both secular and religious, is a willingness to recreate silence and the world of contemplation, or meditation.

In America?  Is it possible?  When we return to the states for deputation, we’re practically run over by the pace of the culture.  We have to make a concerted effort to keep our family sane and not become over committed, rushing in every direction and wearing ourselves out-  and with four kids who want to be involved it gets to be a challenge.  (I had a friend tell me that busyness seems to be a badge of honor these days).  I suppose that depends on who exactly one is trying to honor.

Making time for meditation is a must.  Not the eastern, close your eyes, cross your legs, hands outstretched “ommmm” thing.  Rather, biblical meditation. 

Here are more insights from the book:

Meditation is mentioned 58 times in the Bible and means:  

• listening to God’s Word
• reflecting on God’s works
• rehearsing God’s deeds
• ruminating on God’s law
• (and more)

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Some of those in the Bible that meditated:

• Isaac
• David
• Eli
• Elijah
• Isaiah
• Jeremiah
• Jesus

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.. What happens when we meditate?

• The omnipresence of the Lord moves from dogma to a radiant reality
• We create a space (emotional and spiritual) which allows Christ to construct an inner sanctuary in the heart.

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 How is Christian meditation different from Eastern and secular meditation?

• the continual focus on obedience and faithfulness most clearly distinguishes Christian meditation from the others.
• whereas Eastern meditation purposes to empty the mind, Christian meditation fills the mind
• Eastern meditation seeks to detach ourselves; Christian meditation detaches from the surrounding confusion in order to have a rich attachment to God.

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“The book of Acts is repeat with God’s people learning to live by hearing God’s voice and obeying His Word.  This is the biblical foundation of meditation.”  pg 18

There are several ways to meditate.  Naturally, on Scripture.  Read a verse or passage and internalize and personalize it.  Use your senses to smell the sea, hear the water, see the crowd, etc.  Enter the story as an active part.  Another way is on creation:  contemplate God’s handiwork as you look at the creation around you.  You can also gain prophetic perspective as you meditate on events of our time with the Bible in one hand and the newspaper in the other.  An interesting way mentioned is re-collection a.k.a. ‘centering down’.  You’ll have to read the book for that one!  (pg. 30).

I have purposed these last few days to meditate and I feel a greater peace and assurance than I have in recent months.  (And those of you who know me know the frustrations I’ve been facing with the uncertainties of when we will return to the field, where we will live, transitioning the kids classes, et cetera ad nauseam.)

“Meditation is not a single act….it is a way of life.  You will be constantly learning and growing as you plumb the inner depths.”  pg 32

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Possibly related posts: (automatically generated)

• Book Notes - Celebration of Discipline ch 1
• On the Bookshelf: Celebration of Discipline
• Thursday, March 13
• Block, Nov. 6 and 7