God is interested in seeing us prosper and becoming successful, which is why in Joshua 1:8 we are told to meditate on the word and observe to do what is in it. However, in order to observe and do successfully, we must first meditate. In Acts 10, we see Cornelius and Apostle Peter, two people who would never meet under normal circumstances, encounter God while in prayer (meditation) and then each other a couple of days later for a life-changing event for both of them.
Cornelius, we are told, prayed always and we can see from events that unfolded, that Peter had regular contact with Holy Spirit, which only occurs because of effectual, fervent prayer. The exact times when they prayed are not of great importance but instead it is the habit that is significant. Holy Spirit knew where they would be at certain times of the day and created this life-changing event using this knowledge.
Meditation is not necessarily just silent introspection. It can be prayer, a discussion: a shared thought on the ways and plans of God between you and the Holy Spirit. In Acts 10, this discussion led Cornelius to Peter who would witness Jesus to him and baptize him with water. It also led Peter to Cornelius, a Gentile (a non-Jewish person), who would be baptized with Holy Spirit and show Peter that God is both God of the Jews and the Gentiles and no respecter of persons.
The aim of meditating on God’s word is to reveal Jesus to us. Both Cornelius and Peter got a revelation of Jesus. This revelation then empowered them to take action, which in this case was to meet each other! You can begin meditating on the Bible today. Using a Bible devotion or as you are led, pray (talk to God) about any scripture verse.
That Christian Next Door 