Have You Meditated Today?

We sometimes get the wrong idea when we think of meditation. When we hear the term, certain images may come to mind such as a man sitting on the floor with his legs crossed. We may imagine him chanting or vocalizing some relaxing mantra. His singular goal, as we think we understand meditation, is to empty his mind of all thoughts. While it is true that one meditating would want to empty their mind of distractions, the exercise is more about filling the mind! To meditate is to think deeply and carefully on something; to focus one’s mind for a time and reflect with purposeful devotion.

Meditation becomes more powerful when we have something truly worthy of our musings. Psalm 119:97 says, “Oh, how I love Your law! It is my meditation all the day.” The whole of Psalm 119 speaks of the importance, beauty, and power of God’s truth. The psalmist, in the beautiful form of Hebrew poetry, expresses his desire for and constant affection toward God's revealed will. He reveres God’s precepts and knows that meditation will bring him greater understanding (Psa. 119:27). As we read this lengthy psalm, it stirs within our heart a greater love and appreciation for the Scriptures and motivates us to study what has been revealed. These testimonies not only provide instruction, but they also enable us to better know our Creator, and to love Him more deeply and fully.

Psalm 119:17 says, “Deal bountifully with Your servant, That I may live and keep Your word.” This plea demonstrates a good model for us today. The psalmist does not request or expect blessing without purpose or obligation. He knows how God blesses us in order that we may better serve the cause of truth. His plea holds a laser-like focus—to live by and keep God’s word in his life. Our lives of obedience should produce good works (Eph. 2:10; Tit. 3:8).

The following verse says, “Open my eyes, that I may see wondrous things from Your law” (Psa. 119:18). If you and I refuse to have open eyes today, we will never understand and appreciate the Scriptures as we should. God has given us free will to choose to open our eyes or keep them closed to His truth. Many times, the Bible gives emphasis to the way in which hearers choose to receive His word (Acts 2:41; 13:46; 1 Thess. 2:13).

Also, we must continually develop in our hearts a love for learning. This requires humility, to admit that it is God who provides the light we need to see. “Through Your precepts I get understanding; therefore, I hate every false way. Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path” (Psalm 119:104-105). Let us meditate on the teachings of the Bible daily with open mind, eyes, and heart so that we may serve the truth.