Meditation

Meditation means different things to different people. Your mind may conjure images of people sitting quietly, chanting in a trance, doing some form of exercise, or doing nothing at all. Meditation has also been associated with various religions and practices, ranging to from Buddhism to Mindfulness. This may cause Christians to disassociate themselves from it, resulting in the neglect of meditation as a spiritual disciple.

But it is important to know that the words translated as “meditate” are often found in the Bible, especially in the Old Testament. Both the books of Psalm and Joshua open with a call to meditate on God’s Law day and night.

Blessed is the man who walks not in the counsel of the wicked, nor stands in the way of sinners, nor sits in the seat of scoffers; but his delight is in the law of the Lord, and on his law he meditates day and night.

(Psalm 1:1-2)

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 good success.

(Joshua 1:8)

These verses tell us that meditation is the source of God’s blessings and the secret to success. To meditate here means to read (aloud or otherwise) God’s Word. When we read the Scriptures frequently (day and night), God’s Word fills our heart and guards our thought. Repetition also enables us to memorise the verses, so that God’s Word can guide our actions.

In Psalm 119, the word “meditate” is used 6 times. Each time, to “meditate” here means to muse, or to ponder on something. I suppose this meaning is closer to how we use this word today – taking time to think about something. But what should we think about?

Put together, Psalm 119 tells us to meditate on the following aspects of our Lord:

1. Precepts

I will meditate on your precepts and fix my eyes on your ways. (15)

 

Let the insolent be put to shame, because they have wronged me with falsehood; as for me, I will meditate on your precepts. (78)

2. Statutes

Even though princes sit plotting against me, your servant will meditate on your statutes. (23)

 

I will lift up my hands toward your commandments, which I love, and I will meditate on your statutes. (48)

3. Wondrous Works

Make me understand the way of your precepts, and I will meditate on your wondrous works. (27)

 4. Promise

My eyes are awake before the watches of the night, that I may meditate on your promise. (148)

Therefore to meditate is not just to read the Bible, but also to think about how to obey God’s laws (precepts and statues), to understand God’s actions (wondrous works), and to put our trust on His faithfulness (promise). We can put meditation into practice by reading the Bible, thinking about how we can obey God’s commands, seeing how God is working in our lives, and trusting God lead us each day.

Now that we have seen meditation from the scriptural point of view, let us strive to make meditation a part of our daily spiritual discipline.