Meditation….Where Do I Begin?  (Excerpts from Surrender to Love, by David G. Benner)

By: Major Lauren Hodgson

Sometimes it’s hard to believe that God thinks of you. And when we do, it can be even harder to think of the love that swells in his heart and the smile that comes to His face.

If we are not careful, our identity can be formed by what we do or produce and not in the fact that we are deeply loved by a God who is head-over-heels in love with us. We need to meditate on that fact found in scripture.

Christian meditation is like spiritual daydreaming. Rather than analyzing or thinking about a passage of scripture, simply let yourself soak in it. It is not necessary to do anything with the words you may read. Can you let the words do something in you? Don’t be preoccupied with examining what is going on in the portion of scripture you are reading. Just allow the words to wash over you and turn them over and over again in your heart and mind.

Prayerfully reflect on the some of the following Bible passages one at a time, taking as much time with each as you wish. If something particular stands out to you in what you are reading, “camp on it”. Transformation is more than a momentary experience. It’s only possible by basking in the presence and the revelation of the Holy Spirit. Transformation means that presence becomes the foundation of your identity.

Meditation on aspects of Jesus’ life and teaching can help you further ground yourself in perfect love. Let the following brief scenes lead you into meditative daydreaming. Imagine yourself in each situation. Observe, listen and note all the sensory elements of each scene. Notice your feelings. And pay close attention to Jesus. Bask in the words and allow the experience to begin to teach you about being deeply loved. And as you do so, open yourself up to face the fears that have held you back from surrender to this love.

• Matthew 19:13-15. Join Jesus as people bring little children to him to be blessed. Hear the disciples as they scold the parents, telling them not to bother the Master. Then hear the words of Jesus: “Let the little children alone and do not stop them coming to me; for it is to such that the kingdom of heaven belongs…” Picture yourself coming to Jesus as one of those little children. Crawl up on his knee and feel his touch as he lays his hands on you and blessed you.

• Matthew 22:1-14. Read these words about the invitation to the wedding feast as if they were an invitation to you to bring all the lame, broken and fearful parts of yourself into the banquet of love being prepared for you by the God of perfect love. Dare to bring these neglected parts of you . There is a space reserved for each, and each is welcome in the circle of God’s love. Allow these neglected parts of yourself to enjoy the warmth of God’s love as they are honored with special treatment.

• Mark 6:45-52. Join the disciples in the boat as they face a mounting storm. Notice Jesus walking on the water toward you. Hear his words of comfort: “courage! It is I. Do not be afraid.” Then observe as he gets in the boat with you and the others, and as the wind – and your fears – suddenly die down.

• Luke 12:22-32. Listen to these words of Jesus as if they were spoken for the first time directly to you. Pay close attention to what Jesus says about how valuable you are to him. Hear his love for you, and notice how it feels to bask in this love. Feel yourself rest in the love of a Lover God who promises to care for your every need and give you much more than you could ever dare to expect.

Reflect on these Bible accounts in God’s presence and see where the visualization of each of them takes you. Be open to the presence and revelation of the Holy Spirit and let the transformation begin.