Scripture:
“And Isaac went out to meditate in the field toward evening.” — Genesis 24:63 (ESV)
Let’s take a closer look at this simple but powerful moment from Isaac’s life. Genesis 24 describes Rebekah’s journey with Abraham’s servant and her first meeting with Isaac. The Bible tells us Isaac had gone out into the field to meditate when he saw the camels coming, bringing Rebekah, the woman who would become his wife.
This meeting wasn’t just a coincidence. Isaac went out to spend time with God, and in doing so, he not only met with God but also received an unexpected blessing. This reminds us that godliness truly “holds promise for the present life and also for the life to come” (1 Timothy 4:8). Time spent with God is never wasted.
Some, like the philosopher Seneca, once thought the Jews were unhappy because they “lost” a seventh of their lives by keeping the Sabbath. But that’s the world’s way of thinking. Many today still wonder, “Isn’t all this time with God a waste?” But the truth is, when we serve God faithfully, He often blesses us in ways we never expected. Jesus said in Matthew 6:33, “But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.”
Let’s look at four details from this story:
1. The Person: Isaac
Isaac was Abraham’s son, and he had been raised to know and honor God. Genesis 18:19 says, “For I have chosen him, that he may command his children and his household after him to keep the way of the Lord by doing righteousness and justice, so that the Lord may bring to Abraham what he has promised him.” Isaac’s desire to meditate and pray was the fruit of a godly upbringing.
Isaac wasn’t old at this time—probably just over thirty. It’s significant that a young man would prioritize time alone with God. Too often, we think we’ll get serious about God when we’re older, after we’ve lived our lives. But Isaac shows us it’s good to seek God while we’re young. Ecclesiastes 12:1 says, “Remember also your Creator in the days of your youth.”
2. The Activity: Meditation and Prayer
The word “meditate” in Hebrew can mean to pray, to think deeply, or even to speak softly to oneself. Isaac went out to have a private conversation with God, to think about God’s promises, and to pray. Psalm 77:12 says, “I will ponder all your work, and meditate on your mighty deeds.”
Meditation is more than just reading or listening. It’s pondering, praying, and applying God’s truth to our lives. Psalm 1:2 says, “but his delight is in the law of the Lord, and on his law he meditates day and night.”
There are two main kinds of meditation:
- Occasional Meditation: When something in your daily life points your thoughts to God. For example, seeing a sunrise might remind you of God’s faithfulness.
- Set and Intentional Meditation: When you deliberately set aside time to think and pray about God, His promises, your life, and how you can live for Him.
Both are important, but the set, intentional kind is often neglected. We all live busy lives, but we need to make time for God, or our faith will become weak and shallow.
3. The Place: The Field
Isaac went out into the field, away from distractions. To really focus on God, we sometimes need to step away from the noise of life. Jesus often withdrew to quiet places to pray (Luke 5:16: “But he would withdraw to desolate places and pray”). Whether it’s a field, a closet, or a quiet room, the important thing is to find a place where you can be alone with God.
David wrote many of his psalms in the wilderness. Moses met God at the burning bush when he was alone in the desert (Exodus 3:1). Hosea 2:14 says, “Therefore, behold, I will allure her, and bring her into the wilderness, and speak tenderly to her.” God often meets us in those quiet, private moments.
4. The Time: Evening
Isaac went out in the evening. There’s no rule about the best time to spend with God. For some, morning is best—before the day gets busy. For others, evening is a time to wind down and reflect. The psalmist says in Psalm 63:6, “when I remember you upon my bed, and meditate on you in the watches of the night.” The point is, find a time when your heart and mind are open to God.
Psalm 119:97 says, “Oh how I love your law! It is my meditation all the day.” Psalm 1:2 says of the blessed man, “his delight is in the law of the Lord, and on his law he meditates day and night.” No time is wrong for a prepared heart.
Isaac didn’t wait until he was exhausted or distracted. He chose a time when he could give God his best attention. Let’s not give God just the leftovers of our day.
Why Is Meditation Necessary?
- It strengthens our faith. Romans 10:17 says, “So faith comes from hearing, and hearing through the word of Christ.”
- It deepens our love for God. The more we think about God’s love, the more we love Him in return. Ephesians 3:18-19 says, “may have strength to comprehend with all the saints what is the breadth and length and height and depth, and to know the love of Christ that surpasses knowledge.”
- It helps us obey. Joshua 1:8 says, “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.”
- It brings comfort. Psalm 119:92 says, “If your law had not been my delight, I would have perished in my affliction.”
Meditation is a necessary part of the Christian life. It’s not just a helpful suggestion. God calls us to meditate on His Word, to ponder His promises, and to let these truths shape our hearts and lives.
Overcoming Obstacles
Some say, “I’m just not good at this.” But like anything, it gets easier with practice. The more we meditate, the more natural it becomes. Psalm 1:2 says, “His delight is in the law of the Lord, and on his law he meditates day and night.” Love for God’s Word will help us persevere. If you love something, you’ll find time for it.
Don’t let busyness or distractions keep you from God. Jesus said in Mark 1:35, “And rising very early in the morning, while it was still dark, he departed and went out to a desolate place, and there he prayed.” If Jesus needed quiet time with God, how much more do we?
How Do We Meditate?
- Set aside a regular time and place. Find what works for you.
- Read a passage of Scripture. Think about what it means, and how it applies to you.
- Pray and talk to God about it. Ask Him to help you understand and obey.
- Write down your thoughts if it helps.
Let your meditation move you to action. Psalm 119:15 says, “I will meditate on your precepts and fix my eyes on your ways.” Meditation is meant to lead us to greater obedience and love for God.
The Blessings of Meditation
Isaac’s time with God was a joy, not a burden. Psalm 104:34 says, “May my meditation be pleasing to him, for I rejoice in the Lord.” There is no greater refreshment than time spent with God. The world’s pleasures are fleeting, but God’s presence brings lasting joy.
When we make time for God, He meets us there. Sometimes He answers prayers, gives us wisdom, or brings unexpected blessings—just as Isaac met Rebekah while he was meditating.
Conclusion
Let’s follow Isaac’s example. Let’s make it a habit to get alone with God, to meditate on His Word, and to pray. Whether you’re young or old, busy or retired, this is for all of us. God will meet you there and bless you, often in ways you don’t expect.
Let’s pray for the desire and discipline to set aside time for God, trusting that He will use it to shape us, strengthen our faith, and fill our lives with His presence.
And as a final encouragement, remember the promise of James 4:8:
“Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you.” (ESV)
