Meditation

by G.L. Atkinson, South Shields, England | Category: General | Sept 1987

What do you think about when you're only thinking? Meditation has become quite a vogue among some of those whose spiritual yearning drives them in search of religious satisfaction. Their meditation might be based on the thoughts of some eastern guru: it might be entirely random; or it might be directed inward.

Now meditation is a commendable activity. Perhaps in our modern, rushed society we meditate far too little. How often can we say as the psalmist did,

While I was musing the fire kindled (Ps. 39:3)?

We could take an example from Isaac who apparently new the value of this time for quiet thought. We read that Isaac went out to meditate in the

field at the eventide (Gen.24:63).

Wise man. He left the tented camp with all the distracting noises of activity which were necessary to daily life in those early times. How much more necessary for us to detach ourselves from the noisier bustle of our day and age.

But what is there to meditate about? The message to the Jews was clear enough.

Hear 0 Israel... these words, which I command thee this day, shall be in thine heart... when thou walkest by the way, and when thou liest down, and when thou risest up (Deut. 6:4-7).

And specifically to Joshua, the Lord said,

This book of the law shall not depart out of thy mouth, but thou shalt meditate therein day and night, that thou mayest observe to do according t9 all that is written therein... and then thou shalt have good success (Josh. 1:8).

Thus it is clear that God means His word to be the subject of our meditation. The benefit is evident at the beginning of the book of Psalms. Blessed, it says, is the man whose delight is in the law of the LORD, and in His law doth he meditate day and night (Ps. 1:2)

That man might have the mighty as his adversaries but he is secure because:

Thy servant did meditate in Thy statutes (Ps. 119:23).

This is not accomplished without effort. The Psalmist says,

Mine eyes prevent the night watches, that I might meditate in thy word (Ps. 119:148).

But there is great gain, for he could also say,

Oh how I love Thy law! It is my meditation all the day. Thy commandments make me wiser than mine enemies ... I have more understanding than all my teachers; for Thy testimonies are my meditation (Ps. 119:97-99).

If the psalmist could delight in his meditation on the law how much more there is for us, who have seen the grace of God in the Lord Jesus Christ. As Paul wrote to Timothy, we have our hope set on the living God. Like Timothy we can be nourished in the words of the faith and the good doctrine, having the promise of the life which is to come. Till then we should

Be diligent in these things (1 Tim. 4:15)

This kind of meditation should be encouraged, for then we can say with the psalmist,

My mouth shall speak of wisdom; and the meditation of my heart shall be of understanding (Ps. 49:3).

Thus would we ask,

Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in Thy sight, Oh LORD, my Rock, and my Redeemer (Ps. 19:14).

G.L. Atkinson, South Shields, England | Sept 1987
General