Most true happiness comes from one’s inner life, from the disposition of the mind and soul. Admittedly, a good inner life is difficult to achieve, especially in these trying times. It takes reflection and contemplation and self-discipline. – William L Shirer

Blessed is the man whose delight is in the law of the LORD, and in His law he meditates day and night. (Psalm 1:1a-2)

How important is it to “meditate” on God’s Word day and night?
How much time do I spend reflecting each day? Each week?
What can I do to increase that time?

In yesterday’s devotional, I shared about Sharon Graham, an outstanding nutritional coach. During one of our conversations about two months ago, Sharon talked about writing a daily reflection titled “Reflection, the Lost Art.” I figured I’d beat her to it. Reflection and meditation are synonyms.

Several years ago, I listened to an audiotape by David Barton, founder of Wallbuilders [www.wallbuilders.com], about the “4 R’s” that were considered fundamental to learning by our nation’s founding fathers. Two of those were “research” and “reflection.” David said that modern educators often speak of the “3 R’s” – reading, writing, and arithmetic – yet only one of those three even begins with an “R.”

David pointed out that nowadays most people believe what they read or hear without doing the proper research to verify its accuracy or truth. Obviously, most people in our modern day culture are so busy that they have little time to reflect on where they are heading or what their purpose is. But does it really matter how fast you climb the latter if it’s leaning against the wrong wall?

Most Americans no longer believe in absolute truth – things that are true in all places, for all people, at all times. They no longer believe in moral absolutes. Why is this the case? What role do busyness and the lack of time for reflection play? What did Jesus mean whey He said “I AM the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to me except through the Father?” Is truth a concept or a person? Is there any way to heaven besides Jesus?

Asking and answering questions is a great way to meditate. For example:

Why do I exist? What is my purpose?
Did God create me to solve a problem for the world? If so, how do I discover that?
How important is it for me to read God’s Word, believe God’s Word, and live out God’s Word?
Does the pace of my life allow me to reflect on what I’m doing right and what I’m doing wrong?
How do the scriptures I’m reading apply to my life? How can they bless me and others?
What impact might journaling have to help me change and grow?
How is God speaking to me now through people and circumstances?

What does it mean to me to trust in the LORD and lean not on my own understanding (Proverbs 3:5)
When the Bible says “Let every thought be taken captive to the obedience of Jesus Christ,” how do I apply that to what I watch and listen to?
When the Bible says don’t be unequally yoked, what does that mean in regard to my closest friends?

Either God and His Word will be LORD of your life or something else will be.
What will you choose?

Prayer Power
Heavenly Father, I praise You as the Alpha and Omega, the one who sees the beginning from the end. Use me and those in my sphere of influence to change the hearts and minds of youth to revere the Bible as the ultimate source of truth. Teach me to ask good questions to raise the standard of thinking and learning in my own community. In Jesus name, I pray. Amen.

Link of the Day
Quotes on Reflection
http://quotations.about.com/cs/inspirationquotes/a/Reflection1.htm

Blessings to reflect often and deeply!