Solitude and Meditation

Occasionally we have visited show homes that have missing doors, usually on the powder room. When we examine the layout, it becomes obvious that if the door was in place, it would hit the toilet seat or the vanity and impossible to open properly. One of us usually says, “What were they thinking?”

Probably they were not thinking. But architects and home designers are not the only ones whose minds seem disengaged at times. Travel any busy highway or thoroughfare and observe drivers whose minds are obviously elsewhere. Mothers do it every time they set their small child’s glass on the very edge of the table. I did it this week when I read an article and jumped to conclusions without thinking about what it said.

In today’s devotional reading, Spurgeon asks, “Why is it that some Christians, although they hear many sermons, make slow advances in the divine life?” He answers his own question by saying that some neglect thoughtful meditation on God’s Word. They hear but do not think about what they heard, unlike the psalmist who declares his love for it. 

I will meditate on your precepts and fix my eyes on your ways. I will delight in your statutes; I will not forget your word. (Psalm 119:15–16)

In today’s world, enjoying solitude and time to just think is almost suspicious. Those who spend time alone with God are becoming rare, yet by waiting on Him we gather strength for the work He gives us to do.

This is not easy. My sister met a Christian missionary who told her that it takes a lifetime to learn how to meditate. She lived in a time and place that gave more opportunity than our society does, yet even then realized the challenges.

Spurgeon draws several illustrations concerning the value of meditation. He says that truth is like grapes from a vine. If we want wine, the grapes must be bruised, crushed, pressed and squeezed. Otherwise the juice does not flow but is wasted.

He also points out how our bodies cannot be nourished just by putting food into our mouths. Muscles, nerves, sinew and bone are supported by digestion. That food must be assimilated to be useful. It is the same with our inner lives. My spirit is not nourished by listening to this sermon, and then to that speaker, and by reading devotionals and spiritual books, or reading and even memorizing the Bible. No matter how much I hear, read, mark and learn, it must be inwardly digested to bring growth and health to my spiritual being. Meditation plays a huge role in God’s work to transform me into the image of His Son.

As Spurgeon points out, Christian growth is stunted if I “love the wheat” but fail to grind it, or observe water flowing at my feet, but will not stoop to drink it. If I want to be strong in my spiritual life and effective for God in my ministry, then I must meditate on the truths that God teaches me.

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Lord, I have learned that sometimes solitude is better than being with others and silence is wiser than speech. Yet I also have learned how difficult meditation is, particularly with my easily distracted mind, and with so many outward distractions to the eyes and ears. I’ve at times jumped up from reading Your Word and forgot to pray, never mind give extra thought to what You have revealed to me. From such foolishness deliver me, O Lord. May You continue to urge me to meditate on Your precepts and fix my eyes and ears and heart on Your ways.