Keep Meditating on Spiritual Things

GOOD THINGS TO MEDITATE ON

Reflecting on what you read in the Bible is one more important way to meditate, but there are others.  For example, as you view the marvels of creation, pause  and think. This will no doubt move you to praise Jehovah for his goodness and-if you are with a companion-to share your appreciative feelings.  (Psalm 104:24; Acts 14:17)  Does Jehovah value such prayerful thoughts and expressions about him?  Let his precious Word give the answer.  Concerning these critical last days, we have this promise: "At that time those who fear Jehovah spoke with one another, each one with his companion, and Jehovah kept paying attention and listening. And a book of remembrance was written before him for those fearing Jehovah and for those meditating on his name." -Malachi 3:16. 

The apostle Paul told Timothy to "ponder over [or, "meditate on,"]"  the effects of his speech, his conduct, and his teaching.  (Read 1 Timothy 4:12-16.) Like Timothy, we have an abundance of spiritual activities to think about.  For example, we need time   to mediate as we prepare to conduct a  Bible study.  With each student in mind, we might think of a viewpoint question or an illustration to help the student make progress.  Time spent in this way can be most refreshing, as pondering over these things strengthen our faith and helps us to conduct our Bible studies with greater effectiveness and enthusiasm.  The same is true when we prepare our heart to go out in the field service.  (Read Ezra 7:10) Reading a chapter from  the Bible book of Acts will  "stir up like a fire" our enthusiasm for the ministry. Meditating on Bible verses we intend to use that day and the publications we plan to offer will help us carry out our privilege of service.  (2 Timothy 1:6) Think about the people in the territory and what may arouse their interest.  All such preparation will move us to witness effectively  "with a demonstration of spirit and power" from the Word of God. -1 Corinthians 2:4. 

Do you at times take notes during  public talks, assemblies, and conventions?  Reviewing these notes provides excellent opportunities for meditation as you think about what you have learned from God's Word and from his organization.  Also, each month's issues of the Watchtower and Awake! magazines and the latest convention releases give us fresh information that we can read and digest.  When you read the Yearbook, you may find it helpful to pause before moving from one experience to another.  That will give you time to reflect on what you read and to let the experience touch your heart.  You may want to underline key thoughts or to make notes in the margin, which might find helpful when preparing for a return visit, a shepherding call, or a future talk.  Most important, pausing and meditating every now and then while reading  Bible-based publications will give you the opportunity to absorb the material and to say a prayer of thanks to Jehovah for the good things you are learning. 

Next time: Keep Meditating on Spiritual Things - DAILY MEDITATE ON GOD'S WORD 

From The Watchtower magazine