1. Meditation on the Scriptures should not be viewed as a method or system, but as an attitude: Faith, openness, reverence, expectation, supplication.
"This people draw near to me with their words… but they remove their hearts far from me, and their reverence for me consists of traditions learned by rote." (Isaiah 29:13 NASB)
2. Meditation can actually be quite difficult at times. Thus, we should not judge its value on how we feel. Yet it is important that our efforts are enlightened, well-directed, and sustained.
"Let me understand the teachings of your precepts; then I will meditate on your wonders." (Psalm 119:27)
3. It is only if we have a heart fixed on obeying God without reservation that a little effort goes a long way. When we are resisting Him through disobedience or compromise, no amount of effort can produce the desired result.
"I have more understanding… for I obey your precepts." (Psalm 119:100)
4. In our pride, we don't want to be beginners. In truth, we will never be anything but beginners. Given the challenge in learning to effectively utilize meditation for spiritual growth, we would do well to recognize the need for a mature mentor.
"Whatever you have learned or received… from me, or seen in me – put into practice." (Philippians 4:9)
5. Often, what first seemed easy and rewarding, suddenly becomes utterly impossible. We struggle with inner confusion, coldness, and lack of confidence. We find concentration difficult. Our imagination and emotions wander – or run wild. We often feel dry and desolate. Repugnant fantasies buried deep within us take over. We totally lose interest in spiritual matters.
"I do not understand what I do. For what I want to do I do not do, but what I hate I do… For what I do is not the good I want to do; no, the evil I do not want to do – this I keep on doing." (Romans 7:15, 19)
My friend in Christ, don't give up, because God promises you that "the path of the righteous is like the light of dawn, that shines brighter and brighter until the full day." (Proverbs 4:18)
..."I have a great need for Christ; I have a great Christ for my need!"
~ Doc Burkhart, Missionary to South Korea