Jeremiah 10:23

I know, O Lord, that the way of human beings is not in their control, that mortals as they walk cannot direct their steps.

Jeremiah 10:23 (MSG)

I know, God, that mere mortals can’t run their own lives, that men and women don’t have what it takes to take charge of life. 

Proverbs 3:5–6

Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; 6in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight.

We are all being discipled by something or someone all week long. 

Eastern meditation is an attempt to empty our minds. Christian meditation is an attempt to fill the mind

Meditation — the ability to hear God’s voice and obey his word.

Genesis 24:63

He (Isaac) went out to the field one evening to meditate, and as he looked up, he saw camels approaching.

Psalm 1:1–3

Happy are those who do not follow the advice of the wicked, or take the path that sinners tread, or sit in the seat of scoffers; 2but their delight is in the law of the Lord, and on his law they meditate day and night.

Psalm 63:6

When I think of you on my bed, and meditate on you in the watches of the night;

Psalm 119:97

Oh, how I love your law! It is my meditation all day long.

God spoke because they were willing to listen.

I come to the garden alone, While the dew is still on the roses

And the voice I hear falling on my ear, the son of god discloses

And he walks with me and he talks with me, and he tells me I am his own

And the joy we share as we tarry there, none other has ever known

-- Merle Haggard

Revelation 3:20

“Look! I stand at the door and knock. If you hear my voice and open the door, I will come in, and we will share a meal together as friends.”

If we hope to move beyond the superficialities of our culture, including our religious culture, we must be willing to go down in the recreating silences, into the inner world of contemplation.

-- Richard Foster

Noise, hurry and social media (FOMO) are enemies of meditation.

“And I bowed down over that cup of coffee, I never will forget it, I prayed a prayer, and I prayed out loud that night. I said Lord, I’m down here trying to do what’s right, but Lord, I must confess I am weak now, I’m faltering and I’m losing my courage. 

And it seemed at that moment I could hear an inner voice saying ‘Martin Luther, stand up for righteousness, stand up for justice, stand up for truth and I will be with you even until the end of the world”

-- Martin Luther King, Jr.

Start with Scripture. 

WORRY -- John 14:27

Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.

SHAME -- Hebrews 8:12

 And I will forgive their wickedness, and I will never again remember their sins.”

FEAR -- 1 John 4:18

There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment. The one who fears is not made perfect in love.

SIN -- 1 John 1:9

But if we confess our sins to him, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all wickedness.

GUILT -- Psalm 103:12

He has removed our sins as far from us as the east is from the west.