What is Meditation?

Meditation is an act of focusing one’s thoughts upon something to get a deeper insight or understand of that thing. It is allowing one’s thoughts to ponder or muse or in some instances turn a thought over and over in the mind as if chewing on a piece of meat to soften it before we can swallow it. It can either mean to think upon God, His word, or his works. In our context today it means thinking and reflecting upon God’s word with the goal of internalizing and personalizing eternal truths in order for them to affect our lives to the glory of the Father.

This goal is usually attained through our keen observation of the text we are reading, our careful interpretation of what the text means and our humble application of  that text to our lives.

Scripture References

And these words that I command you today shall be on your heart. You shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, and when you walk by the way, and when you lie down, and when you rise. You shall bind them as a sign on your hand, and they shall be as frontlets between your eyes. You shall write them on the doorposts of your house and on your gates. Deuteronomy 6:6, 7, 8

This Book of the Law shall not leave from your mouth, but you shall meditate on it day and night, so that you are 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

But his delight is in the law of the Lord, and on his law he meditates day and night. Psalm 1:2

The Power of Meditation

In Deuteronomy, God commanded the Israelites not only to meditate and let the word of God richly dwell in their hearts; they were also commanded to diligently teach this word to their children. The words sit, walk, lie down, rise suggest that this should happen anywhere, every time and in every activity. A command that many Jews have fulfilled literally with phylacteries (v. 8) and mezuzot (v. 9), i.e., boxes bound on the arm and forehead or attached to doorposts containing scripture verses .

This is just an example of how important it is to meditate upon God’s word and keep it in our hearts. Those who lack diligence in their lifestyle of meditation often miss the rich benefits that come from spending time in his word. For many Christians, the only time they spend in the word during the week is probably during the pastor’s sermon. In fact, some believers think they are just too cool to attend sunday school. It is sad to say, but some christian are becoming increasingly lazy in the business of meditation.

We cannot stress this more. There is a lot of spiritual benefits in meditating on scripture

From Deuteronomy

Lest you forget the character and nature of God.

Meditation upon his word helps you grow in your knowledge and understanding of Him. Deut. 6:12

Lest you lose reverence.

Meditation upon his word  helps you live with the fear of God. Deut. 6:13

Lest the anger of God kindles against you for lack of reverence and devotion.

Meditation upon his word helps you stand in awe inspire devotion to him. Deut. 6:15

Lest you lose diligence and focus.

Meditation upon his word helps keep you focused on him. Deut. 6:17

Lest you lose His favor.

Meditation upon his word helps you in your obedience to Him thereby attracting the favor of God. Deut. 6:18

Lest you lose your relevance to impact the next generation.

Meditation upon his word helps you grow deeper in order to impact others. Deut. 6:20-21 Only out of the treasure stored up can we impact others

Lest you become dull spiritually.

Meditation upon his word keeps you fresh, nourished and spiritually sharp. Deut. 6:25

From Joshua:

Lest you forget what to do.

Meditation upon his word helps you know right from wrong. Joshua 1:8

Lest you miss his blessings for guidance.

Meditation upon his word helps you discover what it takes to navigate ones way through life. Joshua 1:8

Lest you fail in all you doing.

Meditation upon his word helps you to find success in the affairs of life. Joshua 1:8

From Psalm:

Lest you are left dry.

Meditation upon his word brings spiritual nourishment and fresh presence. Psalm 1:3

Lest you become barren.

Meditation upon his word makes you productive, bearing spiritual fruits. Psalm 1:3

Lest you wither.

Meditation upon his word helps you avoid becoming burnout. Psalm 1:3

Lest you become a loser.

Meditation upon his word helps you to prosper not only spiritually but in all aspects of life. Psalm 1:3