Having taken some time to quiet your thoughts and your fears; setting aside your plans and your busyness. Read a short passage of scripture. Read it slowly, out loud, lingering over each thought. When something grabs your attention, stop; let the Word fully have you. You are in no rush to push forward. Don't analyze the word. Don't judge it, simply soak it in. Listen.
"Do not let this Book of the Law depart from your mouth; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful. Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go." (Joshua 1:8,9)
Now read it a second time, out loud. Savor each word and hold it in your thoughts. Think about what God is saying to you in this moment. Go over your thoughts again and compare them with the Word.
Having, first, come to the Word in silence, clearing your mind and heart from distractions, and having second, read the Word out loud while listening for its message specific to you, and now, third, begun your meditation over the Word, you may slip to fourth movement of devotional reading, which is your response to it.
Read the Word a third time and tell God what you are feeling and thinking as you listen to Him. Tell him the parts you love and enjoy. Tell him the parts you resist and the parts that challenge you. Confess your faith struggles and prasie him for the victories. Let yourself cover every piece of the passage. Be truthful with yourself and with God. You may wonder why you feel this way - why you resist or embrace certain areas. Ask God to make it clear.
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