Contemplation

​She died at the age of 79 in 2017.  Married to an aeronautical engineer, David, they had two children and an active ministry in Great Britain and Cyprus.  She held a degree in theology and history and was an expert teacher of the deaf but she was best known as an author of more than 40 books.[1]  Joyce Huggett had a special love for God and interest in prayer. Her books, Learning the Language of Prayer and The Joy of Listening to Godwould be excellent books to read.  Consider what she had to share about the topic of contemplation:

Like meditation, contemplation involves putting ourselves into the hands of God so that he can change and transform our attitudes, perceptions and behavior. Like meditation, contemplation involves listening intently to the Word of God.  And like meditation, contemplation requires stillness in order that we may open ourselves to God and his penetrating, powerful Word
 
Meditation
Psalm 77:6,12—At night I remember my music; I meditate in my heart, and my spirit ponders . . . I will reflect on all You have done and meditate on Your actions.
 
Psalm 77 is a psalm of contemplation.  Subtitled “Confidence In A Time Of Crisis” the struggling author cried out to God. In wondering if God had rejected him, he reflected on His work in the past and concluded that His Lord was great and His way was holy (vs. 13).  Ultimately, because he placed himself into the hands of God, he emerged encouraged. 

Too often because we live in frenetic times (which compound stress), we have abandoned stillness and lost the art of reflection. In an age where worth is measured by accomplishments we are so enamored with doing that we have lost sight of being. We get disoriented in the tangled jungle of activity.  One can spend an entire lifetime in service yet insufficiently know the One being served. Yet, God is not impressed with what we have done for Him as He is with our loving Him, our coming faithfully into His presence.

Contemplation is an act of rebalancing; a reminder that it is who God isand what He doesthat matters.  This soothing ritual of pondering helps us regain trust when we are life-battered by angry people, sickness, tragedy and evil itself.  It facilitates inner transformation that translates to outer calm and confidence.  It replenishes our depleted wine cellar of wisdom.  It requires a ruthless self-examination against the honest standard of God’s Word.  It demands authentic listening void of the chaos of chanting media.  It honors tranquility not because quiet is great but because it facilitates hearing the majestic Holy Spirit.  
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Make time to contemplate.  Find a cozy place of refuge and saturate on God’s promises.  Speak to Him the words that pain your heart and reflect on His blessings and goodness.  Something to think about . . . in reveration!
 
Inspiration
True contemplatives do not seek unusual experiences, much less personal power.  Their consuming goal is intimacy with God.—Dame Julian of Norwich 
 
©2003 Daniel York  ARR. Reveration is the weekly devotional ministry of First Cause.  If you would like to receive these devotionals go to www.firstcause.org and click on the “Click here to receive weekly devotionals” box.  Unlimited permission to copy this devotional without altering text or profiteering is allowed subject to inclusion of this copyright notice.      
 
Ecclesiastes 12:10-The Teacher sought to find delightful sayings and to accurately write words of truth.  (Holman CSB)
 

[1]http://www.bournemouthecho.co.uk/news/15523107.Internationally_renowned_author_Joyce_Huggett_has_died_at_the_age_of_79_/