Personally, I’ve experienced what some may call a “desert season” or “long night of the soul” for the past 14 years. There have been moments of hope, joy and connection with Jesus – small oases in the wasteland – but mostly I’ve felt weary and thirsty for more. For growth, for opportunity, for flourishing. For God. And, while I’m not necessarily proud to admit it, a strong desire for worldly success. And so, there’s been multiple times during my walk with God when I’ve been overwhelmed with frustration and sadness. In those times, however, I am grateful to have learned some valuable lessons about where true meaning in life is to be found.
Most recently, this last October – March found me in an intense season of emotional, physical, and spiritual burnout. It was a season of transition – of many difficult choices, professional endings, and lots of anxiety. But I began to sense the in the midst of the endings, God was also calling me to a new beginning. To find my meaning and purpose in Him instead of in my work. To rely on His provision instead of my own striving. And to share the lessons I was learning with others. Others who may be on a similar journey. To that end, "Valerie Faust: Real Truth. Real Life." was created.
With a focus on writing and teaching, I also knew that I wanted to be intentional about creating space in my ministry for others to simply slow down and be in His Presence. It's far too easy, I believe, when doing a Bible study, or reading a blog, or listening to a podcast, to get so caught up learning about God that we forget to be with God. To take time to praise God for what He is teaching us and to savor His Word. To create space devoted to the wisdom of Psalm 104:33 – 34:
I will sing to the Lord all my life; I will sing praise to my God as long as I live. May my meditation be pleasing to him, as I rejoice in the Lord.
To that end, most of my blogs, bible studies, and teachings will include worship song recommendations intentionally selected to highlight and reflect the lessons in that message. It is my recommendation that you set aside the time to listen to each song, truly reflecting on the message of the lyrics. Not only singing along, but making the song your prayer in that moment. Keep a journal near by and make a note of any insights or impressions that emerged during your worship time. Next, after having spend time praising the Lord and studying His Word, consider entering a time of meditation.
Now, maybe, Christian meditation is a new practice for you. Perhaps, the idea of it even makes you uncomfortable. If so, it might be because you are more acquainted with meditation as a new age tool – a method to quiet and empty the mind – than as an important spiritual discipline – a practice that allows “us to place ourselves before God so that He can transform us.” [1] In this context, Christian meditation focuses on filling the mind with God’s Truth and creating the emotional and spiritual space that allows Christ to construct an “inner sanctuary of the heart.”[2] Or, as Richard Foster describes in his book, Celebration of Discipline,
“Christian meditation, very simply, is the ability to hear God’s voice and obey His Word.”
Ultimately, meditation is the practice of quieting ourselves in the Lord’s presence, so that we can be with and hear from Him.
In practice then, I recommend selecting a word, phrase, verse(s), or song lyric that either deeply resonated with you or challenged you during that lesson. Next, ask God to reveal to you a deeper insight or understanding regarding your choice as you spend the next five minutes (or more if you like!), quietly pondering those words in your heart. If you find your mind wondering, don’t get angry with yourself, simply let go of that which is pulling you away and re-center on the word, phrase, verse(s), or lyrics you chose. At the end of your meditation, once again, take time to record any insights or impressions God laid on your heart.
And trust me - please, don't get frustrated if your efforts don't produce immediate results. Just like any discipline, practice makes perfect. Having grown up in a rather traditional denomination that did not put much emphasis on worship music, for many years it was not a part of my devotional life with God. Neither was mediation or creating space to hear from Him. The practice of taking time during my devotions to not only offer up my prayers, but to draw close and listen. Over the last six years, however, that has started to change.
It first started when I heard a pastor say,
“When we feel like worshiping the least, is exactly when we need to worship the most.”
So, even though I didn’t necessarily feel like it, I began a practice of starting my prayer and devotional time with worship and praise music. Almost immediately, I found that listening to and singing worship songs helped me focus on the truth of God’s character and promises and ministered to my spirit in a profound way.
Next, I read the Celebration of Discipline by Richard Foster which introduced me to the concept of Christian meditation as a means for drawing close to God to hear His voice. Taken together with the study of God's Word, these practices have truly transformed my walk with Jesus, and I believe they have the power to transform yours as well. Worship. Studying His Word. Meditation. Three powerful ways to center our minds on Jesus and unleash His presence in our lives.
[1] From Celebration of Discipline by Richard Foster
[2] Ibid
Song for Worship:
Verses for Meditation:
" Sing to the LORD, all the earth; proclaim his salvation day after day. Declare his glory among the nations, his marvelous deeds among all peoples. For great is the LORD and most worthy of praise; he is to be feared above all gods. " - 1 Chronicles 16:23 -24
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