Silence and meditation: A lost discipline

We live in a noisy society, filled with voices.
And we listen to them: news, commentators, tlk show hosts, music, movies, television shows, politicians, public opnion, experts, teachers, bosses, coworkers, coaches, friends, family, et al.

We awake in the morning to radio or TV news updates, sports results, song lyrics, etc. We listen to music or news or commentators or talk shows while we take our kids to and from school or en route to and from work, when we exercise (if we have that discipline). 

We love to hear people espouse opinions, often far removed from reality or any factual basis. If their opinions agree with ours, we feel better about ourselves, imagining that somehow validates us. If they disagree, we lambast them, espousing our own unfounded opinions.

In the rare moments of silence we experience, we replay all the voices and messages we have heard. These messages, these voices, shape our philosophy, our opinions, our understanding, our beliefs. Too often we allow them to define us.

We have accepted the lie that there are no absolutes, so we are left with no standard we can use to assess these messages, other than our own opinions and experiences. We make little attempt to discipline our minds in what we choose to think.

Disciplines require intentional, focused effort. They do not just happen. Meditation requires silence; turning off all the other voices to focus on one thing. 

Many who practice meditation do so to get in touch with themselves, to listen to their own inner voice. That leads us nowhere, our hearts are deceptive, envious, and ultimately selfish, or at least concerned primarily with our own welfare. Thus, this sort of meditation is a form of self glorification or self worship.

The goal of another form of meditation is to achieve a state of nothingness to achieve serenity: no desires, no wants, no anger, no lust, nothing impure. We are deceived to think we can achieve and maintain such a place; our unspiritual minds puff us up with idle notions. Again, we elevate our own abilities in a form of self worship.

True and meaningful meditation builds upon the foundation of absolutes, from an understanding that truth exists apart from our experience, a standard by which all things can be evaluated. This provides a focus for meditation that is outside us. Meditation should be upon these absolutes.

Thus the discipline of meditation has been twice lost: First in that we do not set aside times of silence to practice meditation. Second in that the focus of our meditations is us rather than absolutes .

The Christian faith is founded upon absolute truths found in the Bible, truths which are a reflection of the nature and character of God, perfectly revealed in the Incarnate Word, Jesus, who alone is the Truth, the Life, and the Way. 

Meditation on these truths is life-altering. Our opinions and life experiences pale when the light of truth reveals the darkness in our hearts and minds, our attitudes, our thoughts, our will. This recognition brings us to the point of confession and repentance, as we see our weaknesses, struggles, and other behaviors we  have excused and justified for what they are, sin.

If we then repent, we gain a new perspective and understanding on this life we live. It is no longer ours to live, but Christ’s to live through us. This removes the onus for us to live a good life, a moral life, a godly life. That burden is too much for us to bear, for we cannot live to God’s perfect standard. So when we weary of trying to carry such a burden alone, Christ invites us to come and receive rest. He will remove our heavy and wearisome yoke of sin, and replace it with one this is easy and light. Why is it easy and light? Because Christ Jesus has already borne the burden of the yoke, and broken it with all its power in his death on the cross.

So, start now. Set aside some time today to let the Word of God wash over you. Read it, turn it over in your mind. Let it penetrate your heart and your consciousness. Pray that God will open your eyes and your heart to see your own sin. Invite the Spirit to show you the offensive ways that are in you.

Psalms 19, 15 and 139 are a good beginning. Each contains powerful confessions and prayers.

Psalm 19:11-12, 14 

By Your words is your servant warned; in keeping them there is great reward. Who can discern his errors? Forgive my hidden faults. May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be pleasing in Your sight, O Lord, my Rock and my Redeemer.

Psalm 51:1-4, 10-12

Have mercy on me, O God, according to Your unfailing love; according to Your great compassion, blot out my transgressions. Wash away all my iniquity and cleanse me from my sin. For I know my transgressions, and my sin is always before me. Against You, You only, have I sinned and done what is evil in Your sight. Create in my a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me. Do not cast me from Your presences or take Your Holy Spirit from me. Restore to me the joy of Your salvation, and grant me a willing spirit, to sustain me.

Psalm 139:1-3,13,23-24

O Lord, You have searched me and You know me. You know when I sit and when I rise; You perceive my thoughts from afar. You discern my going out and my lying down; You are familiar with all my ways. For You created my inmost being; You knit me together in my mother’s womb. Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.

So what should meditation look like? Paul gives us direction.

Philippians 4:4-9

Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable - if anything is excellent or praiseworthy - think about such things. Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me - put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you.

Colossians 3:1-3

Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things. For you died, and your life is now hidden with Christ in God.

October 13, 14, 2011