"Meditation"

"He went out to the field one evening to meditate, and as he looked up, he saw camels approaching" (Genesis 24:63).

A pigeon walks the way it does so it can see where it's going. Because it can't adjust its focus as it moves, the pigeon actually has to bring its head to a complete stop between steps in order to refocus.

In our spiritual walk with the Lord we have the same problem as the pigeon. We have a hard time seeing while we're moving. We also need to stop between steps -- to refocus on where we are in relation to the world and the will of God. That's not to say we have to stop and pray and meditate about every little decision in life. But certainly our walk with the Lord needs to have built into it a pattern of "stops," which enable us to see more clearly before moving on.  That's describes the nature of meditation.

The book of Genesis chronicles the lives of the great patriarchs; Abraham, Isaac and Jacob. Among these three Isaac is certainly written about the least as far as experiences.  But today's verse gives us a glimpse into his character.  The occasion was the return of his father's servant with Rebekah, who was to become his wife.

Consider the phrase "he went out to the field one evening to meditate."   Now certainly we don't have enough information to really know what was in Isaac's heart as he meditated.  However earlier he had a remarkable experience with his dad at the altar of sacrifice. I am sure there was a lot to ponder concerning that experience.  I just might have also been considering the servant's mission to get him a wife!

After this the Word records his prayer for his infertile wife, an altar building experience at Beersheba, and blessings upon his sons. Perhaps Isaac's times of meditation equipped him for these experiences.

We know from other Scriptures the importance of meditation.  One of my favorites is Psalm 1:2. "But his delight is in the law of the Lord; and in his law doth he meditate day and night."

There remains great power in meditation.  While Isaac very likely meditated upon his past experiences with God, the words of his father, and natural revelation, we now also have the all sufficient Word of God to meditate upon. Today let's not forget the importance of meditation!


Be encouraged today,


Stephen C. Weber

Brooksyne's prayer – Lord Jesus Christ, would You consume my affections, my motivation, my intellect and all the goals I set for myself this day.  Though my environment may not be conducive to a time of waiting upon you in meditation, You can still envelope me in Your presence.  Even the world recognizes the need to get apart from the busyness of one's day and find time for meditation.  But sadly the ungodly have substituted meditating upon You for inanimate objects that can neither hear or respond to the cries of the heart.  I'm so thankful that Your ear is attentive to my cry and that Your eyes are on the righteous.  Though I may have many troubles You deliver me from them all as I wait upon You.  For You tell me to wait on the Lord and be of good courage and You will strengthen my heart.  I stand upon that promise today in Your name.  Amen.

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John R. W. Stott once admitted the truth that many of us have felt but failed to confess: "The thing I know will give me the deepest joy -- namely, to be alone and unhurried in the presence of God, aware of His presence, my heart open to worship Him -- is often the thing I least want to do."  How very true!