“But Mary treasured all these things, pondering them in her heart” Luke 2:19 ESV
To ponder, Webster’s dictionary defines this as to reflect, to think on quietly, soberly, and deeply. There is another word used in scripture with a similar meaning….to meditate. God’s Word refers to the practice of this numerous times.
“I remember the days of old; I meditate on all that you have done; I ponder the work of your hands.”
Ps 143:5 ESV
“This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do according to all that is written in it. For then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have good success.” Joshua 1:8 ESV
This idea of pondering/meditating came up recently in my connection group. We were challenged in our Bible Study to take the time to ponder the Word of God and meditate on Him. Those are good “church” words to say as things that I need to do, but sometimes I struggle with what that actually should look like daily. While seeking to understand this God revealed it in a different way for me to grasp this concept. I need to simmer in His Word and in His presence.
If you know me, you know that I love to cook. I especially love to cook in the cooler weather months. Glorious stock pots full of chili, soups, stews – everything carefully prepared, measured out, brought together and then allowed to cook slowly and allow all those beautiful flavors to combine to create an end product that is worth the wait. It doesn’t happen quickly though…it needs to simmer.
When I approach the Word of God and my quiet time with Him, I need to have this same process. I need to prepare my heart and my mind to be in His presence. I need to take in His Word in those measured out portions, the passages and studies He has led me to partake in this season. I need to allow the Holy Spirit to bring all of it together and then, I need to let it simmer. It needs to penetrate deep into my heart, mind, and soul. Allowing all the flavors of the Lord to seep into every area of my life until I become one with Him.
When I choose what I am going to think about throughout my day… I’m simmering in the Lord
“Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.” Phil 4:8 ESV
When the Holy Spirit reminds me of what God has revealed to me…. I’m simmering in the Lord
“But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, he will teach you all things and bring to your remembrance all that I have said to you.” John 14:26
When I am still and allow God to remind me that He is God (Ps 46:10) …I’m simmering in the Lord.
Just like when that pot of stew is complete, all the ingredients have combined into one magnificent flavor and is ready to be enjoyed by family and friends, so are we in the lives of others. We are able to share His love, His comfort, and His joy because He has absorbed into us. Our words, actions and reactions will reflect that in all that we say and do. Just like you cannot separate out the ingredients of that stew, we cannot separate out the presence of the Lord in our lives. He is in there…waiting for us to allow it to simmer and soak in so we can be more like Him.
Simmering for Jesus,
Melodie