Dear Rhonda,
When I first learned about the Christian Meditation series, I was very excited! Since I can remember, I have been interested in ways to slow my mind and body down both for relaxation and to better hear what God may be trying to tell me. I have shyed away from worldly meditation, believing it dangerous to open yourself up without being mindful about what you may be allowing in to your spirit. The Christian Meditation series addresses this concern by directing your attention to God and showing you how to keep it there. Though I was excited about the series initially, I did not know how much it would really benefit me. For several years I have been practicing extended quiet times with God, in which I deliberately quiet myself and wait on the Lord. I was not sure how much the meditations would add to that. However, after I listened to the first track, I was astounded. Christian Meditation is a wonderful way to provide structure to the initial minutes in my time with God. Entering in to the state of mind required to receive the most in my times with the Lord can be one of the most challenging parts. It can be difficult to truly set aside all of the distractions or other items on my agenda. Sometimes I would be alarmed to find myself going through the motions during my quiet time, without reaping the benefits of really connecting with God. Christian Meditation is a way to usher us into the time of utter refreshment that God longs to bestow upon us when we meet with Him. With the stresses of modern life, many of us try everything we can think of to relax ourselves. I went to a Day Spa for my birthday a few years ago. Though that was a nice treat, I can honestly say that I felt far more relaxed and uplifted listening to this CD than I did that day. How can something primarily focused on relaxing the body compete with God’s word, which refreshes mind, body and spirit with the nutrients that we really long for? I strongly support the producer’s recommendation that you linger and wait on God after the meditation track ends, even if only for a few minutes. It will not be long before you realize that you spend more time than you think on expendable things (TV, magazines, telephone). You will discover that spending more of it with the Lord will pay dividends into not only your own wellbeing, but the wellbeing of all of those in your life. Sometimes we neglect caring for ourselves spiritually, thinking that we are too busing taking care of others. But we will not be able to care for anyone properly if we do not center ourselves(and stay centered) on the Lord. When you listen to the meditation, be sure that you are in an environment that fully supports meditation! This is absolutely key to receiving the maximum benefit from the Christian Meditation series. Go somewhere quiet where you can close a door and not be disturbed. Some people may have to be creative. I have a special sign that I only use during my time with God. My family knows that is the one time that I should not be disturbed. Depending on your family, you may have to get up earlier or stay up a little later than everyone else to make sure you have a quiet space all to yourself. Listen in your back yard with headphones or in your car in the parking lot of a local park. Create the space you need. You will be amazed by the results. The Christian Meditation series is not miraculous, but God’s word is. The series is a tool to help structure what should be the absolute most important part of your day, so that you receive what you need from God to really thrive in all that you do.
