The practice of meditation is having a moment right now in our society. Though formal religious affiliation is on the decline, broader spirituality is on the rise. And this is coming from a variety of sources such as Zen Buddhism, Hinduism, ancient monastic traditions, and a remix of New Age ideologies.
Social media has served as the fuel.
Two of the most popular smartphone apps—Calm and Headspace—are related to meditation. The Calm app, now with over 100+ million downloads, focuses on relaxation, sleep, and stress reduction. Headspace has over 70 million users and is downloaded in over 190 countries around the world. The app’s creators liken its utility in omnipresent fashion—“Think of Headspace as your mind’s best friend. We’re here for you whenever you need us, wherever you are, helping you get through tough times and find joy in every day.” Their focus is on “science-backed” meditation and mindfulness tools designed to help “create life-changing habits to support your mental health and find a healthier, happier you.”
I could devote multiple entries to this topic and still only scratch the surface. Perhaps I will in the near future as the practice of meditation and mindfulness intersect with believers on a number of levels. As a result, much wisdom and discernment are needed to parse it all out. What’s interesting to note with the rise of meditation is its connection with health and happiness. Can we use the word “success” here? There’s definitely something here to consider with this ancient practice. After all, we are on the way of wisdom, seeking it like precious treasure. And God’s Word is not silent on this matter. In fact, God’s servant Joshua equated meditation as being one of the primary factors for achieving success in the endeavors of life. Let’s listen to how he addresses this topic.
The book of Deuteronomy brings the first five books of the Bible to a close with a description of the transition of leadership from Moses to his assistant Joshua. Moses at this point was 120 years old, with increased limitations on his capacity to lead. In a solemn assembly, he charged the people and his successor to “be strong and courageous” because God would be going before them into the Promised Land (Dt 31:6-8). Yahweh Himself also exhorted Joshua not to fear.
Joshua would never be able to replace Moses in the impact of his leadership, but he would be used by Yahweh in substantial ways because of his preparation and devotion.
Joshua had been one of the twelve spies chosen by Moses to scope out the Promised Land for forty days and bring back examples of the fruit there and feedback about what Israel might be up against in terms of a future conquest. Only Joshua and Caleb, just two of the twelve, provided an optimistic report that focused on Yahweh’s presence and power. As a result, Moses promised that only those two would be allowed to enter the Promised Land. Moses then changed Joshua’s name from Hoshea to Joshua, which meant “Yahweh saves or delivers.” Joshua had also served as a military leader and personal assistant to Moses for many years (Exodus 17; 33:11; Jos 1:1).
Joshua was “full of the spirit of wisdom” (Dt 34:9). Experience and observation over time had prepared him for this transition, and he would need that wisdom to oversee the equitable, efficient division of the Promised Land among the tribes of Israel. After Moses died, Yahweh assured Joshua of His constant presence and leading in his life—“I will be with you. I will not leave you or forsake you . . . Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the LORD your God is with you wherever you go” (Jos 1:5, 9). Because of God’s promise, Joshua developed a resolve in his character and leadership as he assumed the role of theocratic administrator. Yahweh provided a formula for success in all of Joshua’s endeavors, success that was more spiritual in nature.
Success from the LORD’s perspective wasn’t merely about administrative skills or military genius; it was more about devotion to Him. Knowing and obeying. And the primary means of knowing Yahweh was through His Word. He wanted Joshua, and subsequently the people, to be rooted in the Law so much that it was the content of their continuous meditation—“You shall meditate on it day and night” (Jos 1:8). In the Hebrew language, mediate (hagah) meant to moan, utter, speak, or muse. To meditate was to audibly recite truths about God, His works, and His Law. Meditation wasn’t a means of finding oneself or becoming one with the universe. In fact, it wasn’t really about the self at all. It was a practice to posture the mind and life firmly in God Himself. Joshua specifically correlated this kind of biblical meditation to success in life endeavors and to spiritual prosperity.
And Israel did experience success.
The people of God under Joshua’s leadership crossed the Jordan River and ate of the fruit of the land of Canaan. They also conquered the city of Jericho and “the LORD was with Joshua, and his fame was in all the land” (Jos 6:27). God was faithful to His promises and used Joshua as a servant to carry out His purposes in the land on behalf of His people.
Oftentimes in our modern culture, strength and courage are touted as traits we can develop by psyching ourselves up mentally or through daily affirmation routines. For example, if I say over and over, “I am strong and confident,” then the thought is that I will eventually manifest those qualities and actualize them. But this approach is not godly—it can easily focus on self and bypass the true Source of strength and courage—God and His faithful presence and promises. If you have a daily morning routine and affirm anything, let it be God-centered truth. Consider developing or replacing your affirmations with statements such as, “I am loved by God”; “God will never leave me or forsake me”; “God is a Rock and I can run to Him and be safe”; “I can be strong and courageous because my God is with me.”
And what about God’s formula for success—knowing and obeying. How does our culture define success, and how has that definition impacted you and your work? From God’s perspective, success is defined more spiritually, more about being immersed in His Word and being faithful to apply it in our everyday lives. This immersion should then work its way out into the implementation of our skills and intellect for the glory of God and the good of those around us. So think of this as a more holistic approach to success. Part of wisdom is defining success in this way. It also takes wisdom to discern the connection between success and God-centered meditation. May we be resolved to faithfully muse on and recite truths about God, reorienting our perspectives while focusing away from ourselves.
[This post is adapted from Volume 1/Devotional 19—Meditate for Success, in the Wisdom Calling devotional series written by Bobo Beck. You can find more information at www.wisdomcalling.org]