Meditation
chews the cud and extracts the real nutriment
August
08/15/AM
'Isaac went out to
meditate in the field at the eventide.'-Genesis 24:63
Very admirable was his
occupation. If those who spend
so many hours in idle company, light reading, and
useless pastimes, could learn wisdom, they would find
more profitable society and more interesting engagements
in meditation than in the vanities which now have such
charms for them. We should all know more, live nearer to
God, and grow in grace, if we were more alone.
Meditation chews the cud and
extracts the real nutriment from the mental food
gathered elsewhere. When Jesus is the theme,
meditation is sweet indeed. Isaac found Rebecca while
engaged in private musings; many others have found their
best beloved there.
Very admirable was the
choice of place. In the field
we have a study hung round with texts for thought. From
the cedar to the hyssop, from the soaring eagle down to
the chirping grasshopper, from the blue expanse of
heaven to a drop of dew, all things are full of
teaching, and when the eye is divinely opened, that
teaching flashes upon the mind far more vividly than
from written books. Our little rooms are neither so
healthy, so suggestive, so agreeable, or so inspiring as
the fields. Let us count nothing common or unclean, but
feel that all created things point to their Maker, and
the field will at once be hallowed.
Very admirable was the
season. The season of sunset
as it draws a veil over the day, befits that repose of
the soul when earthborn cares yield to the joys of
heavenly communion. The glory of the setting sun excites
our wonder, and the solemnity of approaching night
awakens our awe. If the business of this day will permit
it, it will be well, dear reader, if you can spare an
hour to walk in the field at eventide, but if not, the
Lord is in the town too, and will meet with thee in thy
chamber or in the crowded street. Let thy heart go forth
to meet Him.
C. H. Spurgeon, Morning and Evening
