• “ Study this Book of Instruction continually . Meditate on it day and night so you will be sure to obey everything written in it ” ( Josh . 1:8 ).
• “ Remember the wonders he has done , his miracles , and the judgments he pronounced ” ( Ps . 105:5 NIV ).
• “ I lie awake thinking of you , meditating on you through the night ” ( Ps . 63:6 ).
• “ I remember the days of old . I ponder all your great works and think about what you have done ” ( Ps . 143:5 ).
The goal of remembering and pondering and meditating is not to think hard about something , but rather to have your affections raised and crank up the spiritual heat .
So what does this look like practically ? After all these years of trying to follow and love Jesus , I would say there are two fundamental choices that have helped me most in pursuing a deep and affectionate love for Him .
Create Space for God
The first choice is the commitment to create undistracted and unhurried space in my life to “ be ” with God . Space is about time . Being unhurried is about a relaxed mindset . It ’ s about learning the skill of “ being present .” I can ’ t tell you how many times I have carved out time to be with God but found myself distracted , restless , and preoccupied . The truth is , I still struggle , but I am growing in my ability to be fully present with Him .
Perhaps the definitive passage in the Bible about spiritually hanging out is found in Luke 10:38 – 42 . It is the story of two sisters named Mary and Martha .
As Jesus and his disciples were on their way , he came to a village where a woman named Martha opened her home to him . She had a sister called Mary , who sat at the Lord ’ s feet listening to what he said . But Martha was distracted by all the preparations that had to be made . She came to him and asked , “ Lord , don ’ t you care that my sister has left me to do the work by myself ? Tell her to help me !”
“ Martha , Martha ,” the Lord answered , “ you are worried and upset about many things , but few things are needed — or indeed only one . Mary has chosen what is better , and it will not be taken away from her .” ( NIV )
I love Jesus ’ s words : “ Mary has chosen what is better .” Mary had learned the value of hanging out . I am a modern-day Martha with a deep longing to be more like Mary .
Creating unhurried space doesn ’ t always mean blocking large chunks of time in my schedule . It ’ s more about being present and relaxed in moments dedicated to being with God .
It does mean taking control of our calendars and prioritizing times with God .
Engage Scripture Relationally
The second fundamental choice that has been helpful has been learning to engage Scripture relationally .
I grew up in a very Word-centered environment . We believed ( and I still believe ) that the Bible is authoritative , inspired , and infallible . We respected and revered the Word of God .
As a result , most of my life I have approached Scripture informationally , pragmatically , or obligationally .
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