There was no modern technology in O.T. times, but the days were still busy. The Psalmist wrote, “My eyes anticipate the night watches, that I may meditate on Your word.” (Ps 119:148) He looked forward to quiet time at the end of the day where he could reflect on God’s Word uninterrupted. Do we have such a time to look forward to whether at bedtime, early morning, or sometime in between?
Biblical “meditation” is not humming oneself into an ecstatic trance, but is rather the focusing of one’s thoughts on God and His Word in close, continued thought. It is “contemplation”, “pondering”, “reflection”. This spiritual activity is done in addition to Bible study and many times without an open Bible present. Thoughts of God and His Word should not be relegated only to a special uninterrupted time of the day, but should never be far from our mind. The Psalmist wrote, “O how I love Your law! It is my meditation all the day.” (Ps 119:97) If we truly love the Scriptures, they will come to our mind frequently throughout the day.
Mediation on the Word of God brings wisdom. The Psalmist continues, “I have more insight than all my teachers, for your testimonies are my meditation.” (Ps 119:99) Wisdom leads to obedience to God which, in turn, leads to a successful life. After Moses died, God told Joshua, “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; for then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have success.” (Josh 1:8) The “blessed” man is the one who doesn’t walk, stand, or sit with sinners, “but his delight is in the law of the Lord, and in His law he meditates day and night. He will be like a tree firmly planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in its season and its leaf does not wither; and in whatever he does, he prospers.” (Ps 1:1-3)
Our meditation should focus, not only on the Scriptures, but on God Himself. David wrote, “When I remember You on my bed, I meditate on You in the night watches, for You have been my help, and in the shadow of Your wings I sing for joy.” (Ps 63:6-7) We need to reflect on all the help that God has given us along life’s way. Truly this will lead us, as it did David, to joyful singing. Not only should we give close and careful consideration to what God has done for us, but to all that He has done throughout Biblical history, beginning with Creation. Asaph wrote, “I shall remember the deeds of the Lord; Surely I will remember Your wonders of old. I will meditate on all Your work and muse on Your deeds. Your way, O God, is holy; What god is great like our God?” (Ps 77:11-13) David added, “I remember the days of old; I meditate on all Your doings; I muse on the work of Your hands. I stretch out my hands to You; My souls longs for You, as a parched land.” Meditation on the works of God will lead us to a greater appreciation of His power and His holiness which naturally will lead us to an intense desire to worship Him and to have a close relationship with Him. Meditation on God leads to genuine religious fervor. If we find this fervor missing in our life, it may well stem from our lack of meditation.
Let thoughts of God and His Word fill our minds throughout each day. And, let us take time and make time for uninterrupted contemplation and reflection. These spiritual ponderings will help us to overcome temptation, to be diligent in goods works, to be enthusiastic worshippers, and to receive heaven as our eternal home.
