Passage of the Day:
The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of his hands. 2 Day after day they pour forth speech; night after night they reveal knowledge. 3 They have no speech, they use no words; no sound is heard from them.4 Yet their voice[b] goes out into all the earth, their words to the ends of the world. In the heavens God has pitched a tent for the sun.5 It is like a bridegroom coming out of his chamber, like a champion rejoicing to run his course. 6 It rises at one end of the heavens and makes its circuit to the other; nothing is deprived of its warmth.7 The law of the Lord is perfect, refreshing the soul. The statutes of the Lord are trustworthy, making wise the simple. 8 The precepts of the Lord are right, giving joy to the heart. The commands of the Lord are radiant, giving light to the eyes. 9 The fear of the Lord is pure, enduring forever. The decrees of the Lord are firm, and all of them are righteous.10 They are more precious than gold, than much pure gold; they are sweeter than honey, than honey from the honeycomb. 11 By them your servant is warned; in keeping them there is great reward.12 But who can discern their own errors? Forgive my hidden faults. 13 Keep your servant also from willful sins; may they not rule over me. Then I will be blameless, innocent of great transgression.14 May these words of my mouth and this meditation of my heart be pleasing in your sight, Lord, my Rock and my Redeemer, Psalm 19:1-14.
Reflection:
More than 300 million people participate in yoga classes worldwide. Yoga has now surpassed golf in the United States in popularity. Developing a heart of meditation is simply the practice of spiritual yoga. One of the methods I was introduced to in the past decade is the practice of Soaking in the Spirit. Some churches have locations, usually small chapels or rooms dedicated to this spiritual discipline. As these rooms play music 24 hours a day, Christians have the opportunity to reflect upon lyrics inspired by the Bible. Soaking in the Spirit provides a great introduction to developing a heart of meditation.
Prayerful Action:
Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one.[a] 5 Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength. 6 These commandments that I give you today are to be on your hearts. 7 Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up. 8 Tie them as symbols on your hands and bind them on your foreheads. 9 Write them on the doorframes of your houses and on your gates, Deuteronomy 6:4-9.
Restoring Your Heart:
One of the ways the Israelites developed a heart of meditation was to place spiritual reminders of God throughout their homes. Before refrigerator magnets existed, symbols were placed in well-traveled areas to serve as daily reminders of God. Joshua passed on Moses’ tradition in Joshua 1:8 with a call to meditate on God’s commands day and night. If you’re struggling to find time with God in 2024, follow in the footsteps of Israel by placing reminders of God throughout your home.
Song of the Day:
The lyrics of the song Lord I’m Ready Now is a prayer to dive deep into a permanent meaningful relationship with God. May this devotion and song inspire you to develop a heart of meditation in 2024.
by Jay Mankus
ExpressYourself4Him 