I have a friend who spends a significant amount of time each day in meditation. She swears by it. Many health professionals, of various sorts, tout the benefits of meditation. I have tried it myself on a few occasions and understand its appeal.

I’m definitely no expert on meditation, but I do know it takes practice, maybe some guidance, and dedication. The idea of stopping everything to focus on one simple thing like breathing is very calming, among other things. And I’m sure there is more to it or there wouldn’t be retreats where people spend whole days meditating. These people are searching for something. Peace, perhaps. Clarity. Relief from stress. Maybe something else.

“You will keep the mind that is dependent on you in perfect peace, for it is trusting in you.” ‭‭(Isaiah‬ ‭26‬:‭3,‬ ‭CSB)‬‬

Meditation is good. But even its best, most effective practitioners are missing a key ingredient. Meditating without including God is like traveling without a map. You can wander around and find some interesting things, but you won’t reach the destination you want (or need). To find true peace, I need to seek the author of peace and its only authentic source: God.

Dear God, thank you for making yourself so easy to find. Thank you for inviting me to meditate on you and for promising to supply peace when I do. Remind me to seek you first when I feel the need for calm, peace, direction, and clarity.