Meditation – by Ed Dunn

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Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report, if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things (Philippians 4:8).

Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest (Matthew 11:28).

And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus (Philippians 4:7).

There is an incredible peace to be found in the spiritual practice of meditation. The calm and quiet we can experience is real. The thoughts we dwell on repeatedly in our hearts and minds do matter. Thinking about what we think about can indeed influence and shape our emotions.

The barrage of events and circumstances in our daily lives can present an honest challenge to our mental health. The political divides, racial divides, socio-economic divides, and real challenges to family life have had a harsh impact on our society. Uncertainty about the future has become a common worry. What to fear and who to blame are mainstays of any nightly news cycle. Where can we turn for peace?

When he says, do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself (Matthew 6:34), Jesus is making a statement that speaks directly to our mental health. Are we consumed with potential events and circumstances that cause us anxious care, fear, doubt and worry? Are we trapped in thinking about what the future may hold (often we think about the future in negative terms), while missing the positive that can be found in the present moment? The spiritual practice of meditation, in Christ, can help us.

The Scriptures quoted above are a great place to start in the practice of meditation. Coming to Christ for rest, setting our thoughts on things true, lovely, just and of good report (to name a few) and then letting the peace of Christ transform us, calms us. In quieting our minds and focusing our thoughts on these things, Christ renews us. Through him, we live in the present moment. We think about what we think about in this moment alone. In this quiet place of peace, there is no fear of the future.

Paul tells us to think on these things. His words help us see that we have a choice in what we think about, what we meditate upon. To think on things true, honest, just, pure, lovely, of good report, virtuous and praiseworthy, in a world where so much has been, and continues to be, just the opposite, is not easy. The practice of meditation can require real intention. We have the choice to set our perspective in a positive direction. We can choose to replace negative thoughts with positive ones. We invite Christ in and ask for his help and his peace. Meditation in Christ in this way, transforms us.

If we think about things that are true, we may recognize more truth around us. If our thoughts are pure, we may experience more purity. Honest thoughts may lead to honesty, just thoughts, to justice, and so on. The old saying, you get what you think about, gives us food for thought. With Christs’ help, we may see more of what we think about.

There is a practical side to the spiritual practice of meditation. Finding quiet time is key. A favorite space in a room at home, or a scenic place outdoors in nature, can be a big help. Setting the intention, and a reasonable period of time for the practice, can give some needed structure. For me personally, I find it usually takes a few minutes to push all the events and circumstances I had been thinking about out of my mind. Prayerfully, I stick with it, even if my mind drifts.

Effective meditation as a spiritual practice is both a gift and a learned art. Inviting Christ into our meditation, into the deepest parts of our hearts and minds, allows us to commune with him. As Christ communes with us, he gives us his rest and peace. Christ helps us quiet the anxious care, fear, doubt and worry so common in our world today. He helps us through our human preoccupations with the past and the future, and the related regrets and worries that all-too-often reside there.

Meditation is our choice. As a spiritual practice, we can use this focused time to enjoy his calm and quieting presence. We can be renewed in his rest and by his peace. And as such, we can leave our weary and burdened thoughts with him.  

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