7 Reflect on what I am saying, for the Lord will give you insight into all this.
Too often we don’t take the time to really think about what we have read or heard. Things just pass “in one ear and out the other.” There is little time and energy spent on chewing and digesting what we hear. Like so many things that we eat for food, we just gobble it down as fast as we can. There is little time spent savoring the flavors. For most of us, those flavors are not worth savoring. The fast food menu just doesn’t entice the pallet of someone who spends time eating. It is designed to pass over the taste buds and quickly fill the stomach. The best foods are designed to be savored. You sit at the table and enjoy the atmosphere and conversation as the food is slowly brought out in small portions, allowing time and space to enjoy each course in its turn. The portions are not large, but proportioned to maximize the enjoyment of the meal as a whole. We need to take time to reflect on what is happening in our life, time to consider our place in the whole and how we might maximize our availability to the Master. We must read the Word and then take time to chew and digest it before we run off into the next appointment in our busy life-schedule. Our time with Jesus should not be another block to be checked, appointment confirmed and completed. That is because our appointment with Jesus is to last all day and all night. Our time of devotion needs to extend into every other timeslot of our day. But if we are just checking the block with our devotional habit, then we are missing out on the fullness that can be brought to the rest of our lives as we extend God’s presence into all areas of our existence. But that takes a mindfulness that too often we neglect. I like good worship music because it brings an awareness of the message far beyond the moment of listening. As I continue to run the words through my mind and spirit during the rest of the day, I continue to ponder and be challenged by the message. I am drawn into God’s presence at times when normally God’s presence would not be in the forefront. The process of reflecting on God’s message has the potential to enrichen our lives and enable us to be vessels through whom God can pour life to others. Are you willing to be poured through?
The Arnold Journey 