The Spiritual Practice of Reflection
As I spend more and more time in deep thinking and reflection, the more insights I receive from the Lord on how to best live my life for Him.
Reflection is a spiritual practice I regularly engage in where I think through various things and situations in life. As I think on these things, I believe God provides me with ongoing understanding in these various matters. It's one of the key ways for me to receive spiritual insights that are useful for my earthly living.
In his second letter to Timothy, the apostle Paul advised his disciple in this way: "Think over what I say, for the Lord will give you understanding in everything" (2 Tim. 2:7 ESV). There's an assumption in this verse that Timothy didn't understand all things. However, over time, he would receive understanding as he thought over (or reflected on) the things that Paul had said to him. God uses this "thinking over" process to teach people and provide them with insights. In fact, according to Paul, the Lord will give us understanding in everything should we come before Him in a posture of contemplation. I believe it is God's delight to provide us with much wisdom so that we can live our lives well for Him (see Jam. 1:5). He doesn't want to hide His will and desires for us.
One of my favorite quotes is from a desert father who was known as Moses the Ethiopian. Moses once advised a younger monk with these words: "Sit in your cell and your cell will teach you everything." Obviously, it's a bit of a hyperbole to say that a cell will teach us everything. Cell's don't speak to people. But the point is this: as you're alone in your "cell" reflecting on life and various situations, God arrives to speak to us and influence us through these thoughts and to lead us to where He desires us to go. As I spend more and more time in deep thinking and reflection, the more insights I receive from the Lord on how to best live my life for Him. I compare these personal insights to what's been revealed in Scripture to make sure that I'm on the right track.
It's not unusual for me to spend several hours a few times a week just sitting in the presence of God and thinking over the many things that He has put before me. As I engage in this contemplation practice, God provides me with even further insights and understanding. This is a good reason to keep a journal. I journal every day so that I actually have things to "think over" when the time comes. If I don't keep a journal, I may have difficulty choosing what to mull over in reflection. My journal also records the various thoughts that go through my head as I ponder upon certain topics and situations. I can often be found taking notes in my journal for further consideration and reflection in the future.
If you want insights for living your life in a godly way, sit with the Lord and reflect on His Word and the various situations in your life. I believe God will guide you to where you need to be.
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.
