Creating Breakthrough in Your Life Through Biblical Meditation-4: Intensity
Main Post of the Week #2 (Week of Feb23-Mar1)
Welcome back and welcome guests. If this is your first time, you might enjoy reviewing previous posts on Biblical Meditation as this is a progressive series. You can learn more about this blog in the post entitled “How to Use this Blog”. Also you can download the free Your B.I.G. Dreams Series by clicking here or hear an audio message on mixing faith with the Word by clicking here.
To review, when we need breakthrough in our lives, financially, relationally, physically, situationally - even as Christians, we sometimes get duped into expecting it to come from places far less reliable than God and His Word. But the Word is living and active and if we deposit it deep in our hearts, beyond the enemy’s reach, and give it proper attention, mixing it with faith-amazing and miraculous things will begin to spring forth — guaranteed.
Today we are talking about INTENSITY. The right intensity for our meditation is crucial, yet sometimes difficult to find.
It must be earnest and vigorous. (That doesn’t necessarily mean loud.)
Intensity - This is Serious Business
You need to approach your Biblical Meditation as if it is quite important - every time, or at least most times. If you understand the opportunity you have, to be part of “letting it be done on earth as it is in heaven” and that embracing the Word at the deepest levels - right in your core - can make your life more conductive of God’s power; this is serious business. You may have heard it said, “on the other side of your obedience is someone else’s freedom”.
Wouldn’t it be wonderful if you were the one who started carrying more divine possibility into people’s impossible situations and your own. You are on the right track here.
If your intensity fluctuates too much from day to day, you may have varying ‘results’.
Here is one of the main points I want you to get. Without realizing it, you can end up thinking that ‘you guess this time was a little flat’, oh well, and not connecting it with your lack of intensity -something you actually have control of. Now you are not going to have an incredible encounter every time you hope to, but I am telling you that chances skyrocket when you press in with vigor and purpose intent on receiving the Life in God’s Word and not playing around, going through the motions or letting your mind wander.
There are so many Scriptures about doing things ‘with all your heart’ I am not going to try to list them here. Wholeheartedness is a sound approach and the one you should be using to meditate on your Bible. But it’s not a fleshly intensity, getting something ‘worked up; it is a deep spiritual resolve. Concentrate. Be intense from your spirit, not just your soul.
As I meditate on the Word, frequently, the presence of God becomes so strong that I am moved to tears. I am not talking about a thin emotional experience. My encounters with God through Biblical meditation are wonderfully dynamic, and I will share more as we go. (They didn’t start that way and I had to make up my mind that I was going to press on for a season with this no matter what I did or didn’t experience.) I have also noticed many other increases of the Spirit of God working through me at times when I am not meditating, but that only began after I became serious about this practice.
Other Pressing Concerns
One of the thieves of proper intensity is other pressing concerns. When I meditate, frequently I do it first thing in the morning, 5:30am for me. The time is not as important as the priority. I intentionally do not look at TV, listen to radio, check email or other messages, go online, even futz around making coffee ( I know that’s crazy) — nothing. My feet hit the floor and I go straight for my Bible before I start thinking other things; any other things.
When the Word goes in first and consistently watch out! On the other hand, I have noticed if I allow ’stuff’ to enter my thinking before I begin, this can weaken my intensity and fruitfulness.
Next time you are set to meditate on the Word, think about your intensity. Be aware of it as a factor that influences the outcome of what you are doing. If you are going to invest this time in Meditating on the Word, let’s make sure you’re in the moment and full of faith.
To the Advance of God’s Kingdom and the Release of His Glory,
Rick for Ti-MC
PS We are praying for you! Why not share this post with someone you care about.
“…you were the one who started carrying more divine possibility into people’s impossible situations and your own.” - pure genius!
This thought may not have been foundational to the post…right on regarding the post - encouraging, great strategy, practical as usual…etc., but this concept of “divine possibility into impossible situations” smacks of its own series! At least one vote from my way. More please!
Caleb–thanks for your refreshing comments. It is encouraging to know that those out there are really grabbing hold. And duly noted about the series.