Meditate on the Word
How do we find time to meditate on the word of God, to live in His peace, and create a season of joy?
This time of year, I find myself lost in the excitement of closing out the year and preparing for the holidays around the corner.
I am often darting from one room to another in thought: table decorations for the holidays, menus and refreshment lists, Christmas cards and notes, calls to family and friends…the list of daily items to complete keeps growing.
And then, of course, I misplace my reading glasses. Has this happened to you? It doesn’t seem to help that I have a back-up pair (or three). They’ve also wandered off. Right when I need them, I’ve lost them. I very ceremoniously begin “the search”. I tap the top of my head, my ears, my eyes, my neck, my jacket pockets, my pants pockets; I’ll even do it twice. I’m positive some of you know this motion. It’s a systematic “sweep” from head to toe.
It’s a motion of movements that reminds me of my days making and selling jewelry. “I make jewelry… from head to toe,” I would say to a customer with a “waterfall” of movements to show the sparkle and shine of hair barrettes, necklaces, bracelets, rings, belts and decorative clips for the shoe.
Head to toe. It’s the first place I start when I’ve lost something and it’s a motion I know well.
As I sit laughing at my motions, I am suddenly reminded of my new ritual: Meditating on the Word. At the start of each day, I focus on the word of God with these three words in mind: memorize, personalize, visualize. This morning, I had underlined this phrase from the scripture: “…we can now experience the endless love of God cascading into our hearts.” Romans 5:5 (TPT)
I take a deep breath and realize that the motion I am making is the cascade of God’s word. “God is always with me. He is always with us.” I feel his word washing through my body.
Today, when I was lost in thought, our Heavenly Father reminded me to slow down and remember my true focus. When there is uncertainty, we must learn to be patient and trust in Him for all things and to guide our way.
“Within your heart you can make plans for your future, but the Lord chooses the steps you take to get there.” Proverbs 16:9 (TPT)
Having the word of God within is like creating gold for the heart. I am at peace. My heart feels good. We can’t have true peace without God. With that thought, I remember to enjoy this busy time. Let’s raise our hands to the showers of his love.
“Open up my understanding to the ways of your wisdom and I will meditate deeply on your splendor and your wonders.” Psalms 119:27 (TPT)
Find joy in the word, for joy should be the perspective in everything we do.
“God is always with us. He is our Heavenly Father whose loving promises are always true, never failing…if we choose to believe.”
“Here’s what I’ve learned through it all: Don’t give up; don’t be impatient; be entwined as one with the Lord. Be brave and courageous, and never lose hope. Yes, keep on waiting—for he will never disappoint you!” Psalms 27:14 (TPT)
May I encourage you to take one step at a time as part of your daily exercise to memorize, personalize, visualize.
Here are some simple tips to begin your journey to create joy in all you do with letting the word of Our Heavenly Father cascade through your day:
1) Memorize a verse that speaks to you. Some say eat the word, so it becomes a sweet taste to your mouth and heart.
“I long for more revelation of your truth, for I love the light of your word as I meditate on your decrees.” Psalms 119:48 (TPT)
2) Personalize the verse to what is on your heart.
“His pleasure and passion is remaining true to the Word of ‘I Am,’ meditating day and night in the true revelation of light.” Psalms 1:2 (TPT)
3) Visualize the verse, open your eyes to your heart to see the wonderful love our Heavenly Father is showing you.
“Give thanks to the great God of the heavens! His tender love for us continues.” Psalms 136:26 (TPT)
Found my glasses!