Monday, September 10, 2018

Meditation and Marination

When I was a child, my Barbadian mother had a routine that you could set your clock by. Saturdays were dedicated to cleaning and preparation for Sunday, so on Saturdays, my mom spent a significant amount of time preparing and seasoning the meat for Sunday's dinner.

First, she took great care in cleaning the meat - beef chicken or lamb. She lifted skin, removed fat, removed blood and veins, and went through every nook and cranny of that meat to ensure it was clean and edible. Sometimes she would then soak the meat in lemon juice and salt. Next, she would rinse it off and season using herbs and spices: a little salt since my dad had to watch his blood pressure, Mrs. Dash, onions, garlic, thyme, pimento and any additional seasoning that would enhance the flavor profile she was going for. Finally, she would place the meat in a covered bowl and let it sit in the fridge for hours. This was a crucial step in ensuring that the meat was flavorful.

Later that evening she would cook this meat so that all that happened on Sunday after church was reheating.
All of this preparation took the better part of her day on Saturday, but it was worth it because I grew up accustomed to eating well-seasoned food. This preparation was meticulous, but it produced the best results - the satisfaction of a good, flavorful meal and seeing her family fed and happy.

When I spend time with God, in particular, reading His word, I realize that I'm marinating in His goodness and his bounty. The more I meditate in His presence, the greater His impact on my life.  I will walk differently, act differently, think differently and be transformed, daily. If I just spend five minutes instead of fifty minutes, I'll know the words, but they won't be a part of me. The impact will be diminished. It's like hurriedly throwing seasoning on meat; when cooked it won't be flavorful - a disappointing bite.

So many want the benefits of marination and meditation without investing the time, but there are no shortcuts to knowing God, to having a deep relationship with Him. It starts with a desire and then taking the time to nourish that desire. We may find some shortcuts with solid food but none with our spiritual life.

Like a flavorful piece of meat, be meticulous in your preparation and ingestion of God's word. Make it a daily habit of spending time reading the Bible. Memorize verses so that you can recall them as needed. Write passages of Scripture on index cards and place them in strategic locations. Take time to just sit and hear what He says. Highlight verses that resonate with you in your Bible. As you pray, recite scripture. Let His word seep into you, and it will be evident in every aspect of your life.

O how love I thy law! it is my meditation all the day. Thou through thy commandments hast made me wiser than mine enemies: for they are ever with me. I have more understanding than all my teachers: for thy testimonies are my meditation. Psalms 119:97-99 [KJV]

Take time to know Him and you will be better for it. 

--Nylse

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8 comments:

  1. What a beautiful, well-written posts. I truly enjoy your analogies!

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  2. Yes. A great analogy to really understanding how to draw the most out of God’s word. I love this!

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  3. Good cooking, just like a good relationship with God, takes time. Wonderful post!

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  4. I'm checking out your site, as promised! Lovely post, a true reminder that you have to give things time if you want the full effect. Would love to have you guest post at The Journey :)

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  5. Great analogy on how to be marinated in His word and the importance of making that a priority.

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  6. In the South, people stew over things. I think marinating in His presence is better.

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  7. Love this analogy...so true! We should take the time to marinate ourselves in God's Word.

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