God’s word provides clear instruction to His children. As we meditate on His Word, we find exactly what we need to continue our journey through this life.
This week, our passage for meditation is Ephesians 4:17-24.
17 Now this I say and testify in the Lord, that you must no longer walk as the Gentiles do, in the futility of their minds. 18 They are darkened in their understanding, alienated from the life of God because of the ignorance that is in them, due to their hardness of heart. 19 They have become callous and have given themselves up to sensuality, greedy to practice every kind of impurity. 20 But that is not the way you learned Christ!— 21 assuming that you have heard about him and were taught in him, as the truth is in Jesus, 22 to put off your old self,[a] which belongs to your former manner of life and is corrupt through deceitful desires, 23 and to be renewed in the spirit of your minds, 24 and to put on the new self, created after the likeness of God in true righteousness and holiness.
Ephesians 4:17-24 ESV
PAUSE
Approaching the word of God for meditation requires us to pause (the creation of space).
- Create an environment to reduce interruption of thought.
- Grab some resources, like different bible versions or commentaries.
- Quiet your thoughts in order to receive God’s wisdom and instruction.
How happy is the one who does not walk in the advice of the wicked
or stand in the pathway with sinners or sit in the company of mockers!
Instead, his delight is in the LORD’s instruction,
and he meditates on it day and night.
He is like a tree planted beside flowing streams that bears its fruit in its season and whose leaf does not wither.
Whatever he does prospers.
Psalm 1:1-3
PRAY
Heavenly Father, Thank you for the gift of God-inspired scripture. It is through Your word that I am able to gain heavenly instruction. God, use this meditation time to impart Your wisdom into my spirit. Teach me more about who You are, Lord. Show me how to become a better image bearer and shine Your light into this world. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
*This is a prayer starter. Feel free to modify as the Spirit leads you.
PONDER
- Review the passage.
- Explore the context.
- Who was the author? Who was the original audience?
- When was it written? Are there any historical events taking place?
- What is the overall message of this book of the Bible?
- Explore the language.
- Review different translations.
- Are there any themes in the language?
- Review cross-references from different areas of the Bible.
- Explore further.
- Review trusted commentaries.
- Where does this story fit into the bigger story of redemption?
- What principles are found in the passage?
- Explore the context.
- Listen for God’s wisdom.
- Examine your takeaways.
- Look for ways to apply what you have learned.
PRAY(SE)
As your meditation time begins to wrap up, honor God through prayer and praise for new insights and wisdom from His Heavenly Kingdom.
