FOOD FOR THOUGHT
I will meditate on Your precepts, and contemplate your ways.
Psalm 119:15
TAKING IT IN
The word “meditate” in the Christian world has taken a hit as it is has been wrongly associated with Eastern religion and mysticism. Both Eastern and “Christian mystical” meditation usually attempt to empty the mind so as to find or receive truth within (subjective).
Biblical meditation is to dwell or contemplate on the truths and reality already revealed in the Bible (objective); to meditate on the Lord Himself, His wonderful works and His revealed Word.
Meditation is certainly biblical!
- Isaac meditated in the field in Genesis 24:63
- Joshua was charged by God to meditate day and night in Joshua 1:8
- The blessed man in Psalm 1 is one who meditates
- David became wiser than his teachers through meditation
- Paul commanded us to meditate on what is true in Philippians 4:8
- Paul commanded Timothy to “meditate on these things” in 1 Timothy 4:15
The Hebrew word “siyach” as it speaks to “meditating” has the idea of things we reflect on throughout the day. It can include those thoughts we would normally not share with others, or talk to ourselves about silently. At times it can also include the communication of our thoughts to others.
MAKING IT MEANINGFUL
Think about the Scriptures as “food for thought”. The Message paraphrases Psalm 119:15 this way:
“I ponder every morsel of wisdom from You,
I attentively watch how You’ve done it”.
If we had our choice between a gourmet meal and fast food we would certainly choose “gourmet”!
We don’t want to grab a quick bite at the drive through – we want to sit down and enjoy a delicious meal, eating slowly, enjoying and savoring every bite. Then we want to linger for awhile and allow our food to digest so that we have room leftover for dessert! As we feed upon God’s Word, chew on it and digest it, we become spiritually strong and healthy.
WORKING IT INTO MY HEART
What are the benefits of meditating on the Word of God? God’s Word becomes a source of joy and strength for every season of life. And even more than joy and strength, God’s Word is key to our transformation, which is only possible as we renew our minds to the truths of His Word and set our minds on things above.
Certainly as we prepare our hearts to be “revived” we want to grow in this area of meditating on the Scriptures.
Here are some helpful ways to begin your journey:
- Make the Bible your primary focus for meditation
- Read it thoughtfully every day
- Read it with a prayer in your heart
- As you read, occasionally read it aloud to yourself
- The Hebrew word in Ps 1:2 means “to mutter”, Reading slowly and audibly helps to focus one’s mind on the words
As you read, you might ask yourself the following questions:
- What do I learn about God from this verse?
- What truth for my life do I want to take hold of from this verse?
- Is there something I should stop doing in light of this verse?
- Is there something I should begin to do in light of this verse?
Let us always ponder the Word of God in our hearts until it has affected every area of our lives and pray like David did in Psalm 19:14
“Let the words of mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in Your sight, “O LORD, my strength and my Redeemer”!