We continue to look at how to hear God's voice. We have already examined Bible study and devotional reading; today we look at a subject previously discussed: meditation. This is not a far eastern practice; it was a method used by many in the early church. New Age meditation seeks to empty the mind; Christian meditation seeks to fill the mind with Scripture. Joshua 1:8 says: "This book of the law shall not depart out of thy mouth; but thou shalt meditate therein day and night, that thou mayest observe to do according to all that is written therein: for then thou shalt make thy way prosperous, and then thou shalt have good success." This verse calls upon the reader to meditate day and night on the word. Meditate is a verb meaning to growl, to groan, to sigh, to mutter, or to speak. One can easily see that Christian meditation is an active exercise and not passive.
The Spurgeon Devotional Commentary explains the importance of meditation: "Before the Lord obedience is prosperity, and transgression is a root of bitterness. In order to [have]practical obedience, however, there must be a delight in the Lord's law. Those who forget to meditate soon cease to obey, in fact their heart has never been truly in accord with the divine statutes."
Today, select a verse and mull it over, consider it, and ponder it. Develop the habit of paying attention to Scripture. Don't be in a rush for if you do, you will miss the point. That point is that you will hear God's voice as you slowly and thoughtfully concentrate on the Word. That is Christian meditation and that is one way to hear from God.
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