Contemplation that is Grounded in Scripture
Reading and studying of God's Word is an essential foundation for proper contemplation.
I spend quite a bit of time each day in the practice of contemplation. I define contemplation simply as "holy thinking." In contemplation, I deliberately reflect on God and on my life. God often speaks to me (not audibly, of course) through my times of contemplation. He may give me an encouragement that I need to hear. He may give me direction regarding a particular problem I'm facing. He may bring up personal issues where my character and behavior needs refining. God reveals things to me as I sit with Him and use my brain to think. Paul said this to Timothy in one of his letters: "Think over what I say, for the Lord will give you understanding in everything" (2 Tim. 2:7 ESV). Paul encouraged Timothy to spend some time thinking. And through this thinking practice, the Lord would give Timothy understanding.
It's important to note, however, that I don't engage in contemplation in a vacuum. Contemplation that isn't properly grounded can produce some undesirable consequences. We can easily deceive ourselves into thinking one way or another and say that it's from God. If our thinking isn't properly grounded in Christ, we can come up with ideas and insights that aren't reflective of God's ways.
The practice of contemplation must be grounded in Scripture. The Bible already informs us of God's ways, values, and desires. We should have a good grasp of what God has clearly revealed to us in His Word. And so, the reading and studying of God's Word is an essential foundation for proper contemplation. Psalm 1 tells us that the blessed person meditates on God's law day and night (see Ps. 1:2). Notice how the practice of meditation is tied to Scripture. Scripture gives us a proper foundation for practicing contemplation. Scripture makes sure that we don't go "off the rails" when it comes to how we think about God and our lives. With a good grasp of God's Word, we will know what is of God and what isn't.
Therefore, I don't recommend the practice of contemplation without first encouraging people to read, study, and honor God's Word. Our study of God's Word will eventually inform our times of contemplation.
I've spent over 25 years reading and studying God's Word. When I enter into contemplation, I take all these years of reading and studying the Bible with me. When I engage in "holy thinking," all these Biblical ideas and insights influence my thought process. I'm not contemplating in a vacuum, devoid of Biblical influences. Instead, Scripture forms the ground from which contemplation grows.
If your Biblical literacy is low, start by reading and studying as much Scripture as you can (I recommend using a Study Bible to help with the process). Even after all these years of studying God's Word, I still read and study about 9 chapters of the Bible every day. I keep this habit up because Scripture keeps me properly grounded whenever I practice contemplation.
Barnabas the Monastic
Servant of Christ. Husband. Dad. Modern Monastic. I have a wild ambition in life: get as close to the Lord Jesus Christ as I can while on earth. I explore and integrate ancient Christian monk wisdom in modern everyday life. Lives in Canada.
