Reflections

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Genni the wonder dog and I stood on the shore of the lake, near where the big island almost merges with the mainland. The gap is only eight or ten feet at that point, just a little too far to jump across. I marveled at the reflection of the autumnal colors in the water. The reflection simply added that something extra to a scene that was already quite beautiful. It truly was a breathtaking sight.

Reflections can often add that something extra. Lighting experts know this fact and often use mirrored surfaces to add more light from the same source. A mirror under a candle can double the amount of light in a room. There is another form of reflection that adds greatly as well. That reflection happens when we meditate on the Word of God or on the things of God. You see the things of God and His Word have a beauty and a wonder all their own, yet when we take the time to reflect on them, we recognize things that we never saw before, or are reminded of details long forgotten. That increases our awareness of the beauty and power of God.

Quiet time for prayer, meditation and reflection is important. When we do not take the time to do these things we miss out on what God has to say to us. It is hard to hear and marvel if we are too busy to look and listen. It is hard to catch the still small voice of God amidst the hubbub of the world. That is why Satan works so hard at keeping us busy.

There is a pattern here that is a consistent theme throughout the Bible.

Isaac took quiet time each day in the field for meditation.

"Now Isaac had come from Beer Lahai Roi, for he was living in the Negev. He went out to the field one evening to meditate.." (Genesis 24:62-63a NIV)

God commanded Joshua to meditate on the Word.

"Be strong and courageous, because you will lead these people to inherit the land I swore to their forefathers to give them. Be strong and very courageous. Be careful to obey all the law my servant Moses gave you; do not turn from it to the right or to the left, that you may be successful wherever you go. Do not let this Book of the Law depart from your mouth; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful. Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go." (Joshua 1:6-9 NIV)
God tells us to be still before Him.

"Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth." (Psalm 46:10 NIV)

The Psalmist extolled the virtue of reflection.

"I will remember the deeds of the LORD; yes, I will remember your miracles of long ago. I will meditate on all your works and consider all your mighty deeds. Your ways, O God, are holy. What god is so great as our God?" (Psalm 77:11-13 NIV)

Jesus took time for solitude.

"Immediately Jesus made his disciples get into the boat and go on ahead of him to Bethsaida, while he dismissed the crowd. After leaving them, he went up on a mountainside to pray." (Mark 6:45-46 NIV)

The Apostle Paul told Timothy to reflect on his teaching.

"Reflect on what I am saying, for the Lord will give you insight into all this." (2 Timothy 2:7 NIV)

(c) 2001-2006 Gleanings From The Word Ministries International All Rights Reserved Issue #1749 Reflections