Meditate

There exist much confusions in Christianity on the subject of meditation and many formulas which are used in churches today comes from unbiblical sources. The definition of the word meditate from the dictionary is:

"To dwell on anything in thought, to contemplate, to turn or revolve on subject in the
mind, a consideration of the great truth of religion.

Most people think that meditating is to get away from it all, sitting down closing your eyes and think on nothing. Others believe meditating is sitting down crossing their legs with their hands on their knees with their palms facing toward ceiling repeating a mantra over and over again. Some other believe it is sitting down in a comfortable chair with soft music contemplating the things of this world. None of the above mention is biblical at all. I believe this kind of meditation did not originate from God, and anyone opening their hearts and emptying their mind with this kind of meditation is only inviting trouble, misery and depression.

God, in His Word, is not opposed to the practice of meditation but only if we meditate on the right thing. The psalmist says,

But his delight is in the law of the Lord; and in his law does he meditate day
and night. (Psalm 1:2.)

Great things happens when you meditate on God's Word. If we would just meditate on His Word more often instead of all the other things we would probably see more like God sees things. There are a few example of people meditating on the things of God and they saw the glory of the Lord in action. Take for example Isaac,

And Isaac went out to meditate in the field in the evening; and he lifted up
his eyes, and saw, and behold, the camels were coming. (Genesis 24:63).

Isaac saw his future bride coming after a time of meditating in the evening. Maybe if we would meditate on God's Word more often, we could look up, like Isaac, and behold the blessings that God wants to bring our way. Joshua is another prime example of someone who knew that meditating was a good thing. He instructed his people to meditate on God's Word.

This book of the law shall not depart out of your mouth; but you shall
meditate therein day and night, that you may observe to do according
to all that is written therein: for then you shall make your way prosperous
and then shall you have great success. (Joshua 1:8).

God's way to prosperity and success is to meditate on His Word day and night. God wants to bless you spiritually and materially if you do it His way. He promised to supply all our needs. He will give you what you need to advance in this life. Allow me to give you 6 things the Lord wants you to meditate on.

1. We are to look around and meditate on the marvelous creation of God, appreciate it and talk
about it.

I will meditate also of all your work, and talk of your doings:
Psalm 77:12
Have you ever looked in the sky on a clear night all the stars that God has breathed
out into existence? Have you ever observe birds and other animals how they act and
move? What an awesome God and Creator!

2. We are to meditate on God's precepts.

I will meditate in thy precepts, and have respect unto thy ways.
Psalm 119:15

Precepts are commandments that the Lord gave us throughout the Word of God.
It includes the Ten Commandments and much more, even the commandments in
the New Testament like in I Thessalonians 5:17; and II Timothy 2:15 and Acts 2:38.

3. We are to meditate on the Ordinances that God instituted.

... but thy servant did meditate in thy statutes.
Psalm 119:23

This imperative for us to meditate on the Lord's Supper and Baptism which was
instituted by Jesus. We must examine ourselves before we partake of the Lord's
Supper. Also it is important to meditate and look back on our own baptism when
we see a new believer being baptized.

4. We are to meditate on God's Word sometimes even when we are tired.

Mine eyes prevent the night watches, that i might meditate in thy word.
Psalm 119:148

Even when you feel sleepy and tired you must meditate on His Word. Sometimes
it will be the best time you will ever have alone with the Lord during the course of
your day. Even waking up early in the morning to meditate on the Word is good
for the soul.

5. We are to meditate on God's sweetness and He will bring us joy.

My meditation of Him shall be sweet; I will be glad in the Lord.
Psalm 104:34

Meditating on the Lord is sweet. He is and has the sweetest name I know. He
has provided the sweetest salvation that no other religion in the world can offer.
He has given us access to the sweetest place to meditate, before the throne of
God. Jesus is indeed a sweet Savior.

6. We are to meditate on God's Word for understanding.

I have more understanding than all my teachers: for thy testimonies
are my meditation.
Psalm 119:99

To get a better understanding of God's Word, one must memorize it, meditate
on it and practice it. Nobody can understand the Bible properly unless God
reveals it to him, unless he meditates on it, unless he memorizes it and hides
it in his heart.

Meditating on the Word of God is not an easy task you need determination, perseverance and force yourself to do it regularly. It is not easy, but to grow in your Christian life it must be done. If you do it you will be more alert to God's will and His Word will come alive in your life.