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It’s been said that worry is a form of meditation – a very negative form of meditation. I learned that the world is not a safe place at a very early age. From the time I was born I was the target of my mentally ill brother’s physically abusive behavior. I have a scar on my mouth from an arrow that I took in the lip as an infant. My home was not a place of safety for me, although my protectors outnumbered my brother five to one, that ratio narrowed over the years as siblings grew up and left home. Other random acts of violence occurred in the form of head injuries (two separate occasions), from a neighbor child, and later from a complete stranger while we were vacationing. 

I’m very grateful for the love of my family because it made me resilient, even in the face of inexplicable evil, but it was only through the grace of God, and his Word, that I am able to turn my thoughts from worry to worship. Isaiah 26:3 (ESV) states, "You keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on you, because he trusts in you." This isn’t just feel good advice - this is a serious and effective weapon against the darkness that tries to infringe on our minds. Meditation is all about our thoughts - what we allow our mind to stay on. There have been great Christian leaders over the years that have tried to continually keep the thought of God at the forefront of their minds. Brother Lawrence and Frank C. Laubach are two examples of this and their lives reflected the light of Jesus beautifully.

There is power in our thoughts. Thoughts influence our behavior; producing the courage to act, or the paralysis of fear. Our thoughts toward God, others, and ourselves determine the quality of our relationships…the quality of our lives. God's Word (the Bible) is living and active - it discerns the thoughts and intentions of the heart (Hebrews 4:12). Meditate on the Word of God - it makes for a successful life (Joshua 1:8).  We can destroy strongholds by taking every thought captive to obey Christ (2 Corinthians 10:4-5). When meditation on God's Word is coupled with prayer the resources of heaven are brought to bear.

The assignment for this week involves meditating on Psalm 8 throughout the day. As you think about the majesty of the Name Above All Names ask for God's kingdom and will to come to life in your circumstances (Mathew 6:10). God is trustworthy. Think about it - Jesus took everything we deserved on the cross so that we can have everything he deserves as the beloved Son of God. We can trust in that perfect sacrifice.

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