TargetPoint Vol 25 of 31Today's Verse/Thought: MEDITATION-Other Focus Themes
Psalm 119:15 I will meditate on Your precepts, and contemplate Your ways.
Life Implication:
Stop to think about the incredible works of God. Every created ASPECT OF THE UNIVERSE can become a focal point for effective meditation. Just like we Praised Him earlier for His works, these ponderings must always be directly in reference to God. Here we go beyond thinking on His works in order to Praise Him-we STOP and TAKE TIME TO MEDITATE and PONDER TOWARD HIS MAJESTY and the works He has done.
In TIMES OF DISTRESS AND DISCOURAGEMENT our hearts can be lifted up greatly by looking at the many blessings God has given us in previous days. This might be called, FOCUSING MEDITATION ON PAST VICTORIES. Just like Jeremiah in the midst of his complaints, he declares, This I recall to my mind, therefore, have I hope. It is because of the Lord's mercies that we are not consumed, because his compassions fail not. They are new every morning; great is thy faithfulness. (Lamentations 3:21-23) Sometimes a former experience will come alive with such reality that we can almost relive the experience. The END RESULT IS A NEW CONFIDENCE to face even the most difficult future.
And finally, FOCUS MEDITATION ON POSITIVE THOUGHTS. Like Paul told his Philippian friends, Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true . . . honest . . . just . . .pure . . .lovely . . .of good report . . . of virtue . . . of praise . . .think on these things. (Phil. 4:8) Meditating on these things removes our minds from heavy concerns of the day and helps us focus on the good stuff!
Life Application:
From the themes of God's Works, Past Victories, or Positive Thoughts, SELECT one of these themes. APPLY FULL ATTENTION to that specific area of spiritual thought. Allow your mind to wander within the framework of your chosen theme. PONDER ALL ASPECTS of the theme carefully in reference to God.
ASK YOURSELF QUESTIONS about this theme that might lead you to ponder the subject more deeply.
REMEMBER ABOVE ALL: God's Word is the necessary foundation for all meaningful spiritual thought. Bring Scripture into all phases of meditation.
Now that we've Meditated and Pondered His Greatness . . . we might just be ready to Listen and hear His voice . . .
Tomorrow In TargetPoint:
Listening, The Act of Mental Absorption