Is reciting the Quran necessitate contemplation, and what is the opinion of Imam Ahmad ibn Hanbal on that, and is the story attributed to him authentic?

Allah has urged His servants to ponder the Holy Quran, for this is the purpose of its revelation, not merely reciting its letters. The Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, condemned those who read the Quran without pondering, and his guidance, peace and blessings be upon him, was to ponder and interact with its verses. Scholars have affirmed that pondering the Quran is the most beneficial thing for the heart, for understanding one verse with reflection is better than completing an entire recitation without pondering, and it is the foundation of the heart's righteousness. The reader of the Quran is rewarded for the recitation, even if they do not ponder, but the most complete is to ponder while comprehending the meanings. As for Imam Ahmad's dream of seeing his Lord, its authenticity is unknown.