Meditation

It’s strange, but some good words have taken on a bad rap in our culture. One of them is meditation. It immediately brings to mind the concept from Eastern religions of clearing the mind in order to relax. Some techniques are good; some are not. But let’s not forget that there are scriptural references to meditation.

Thinking or concentrating on positive things  has great value. We all know how negative thinking brings us down. But focusing on the Word of God builds us up and strengthens us. Here are some examples (from NKJV).

Psalm 1:1-3

“Blessed is the man who walks not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor stands in the path of sinners, nor sits in the seat of the scornful; but his delight is in the law of the Lord, and in His law he meditates day and night. He shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that brings forth its fruit in its season, whose leaf also shall not wither; and whatever he does shall prosper.”

Philippians 4:8

“Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy—meditate on these things.”

Psalm 19:14

“Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in Your sight,

O Lord, my strength and my Redeemer.”

Psalm 119:18

“Open my eyes, that I may see wondrous things from Your law.”

How about taking time for meditation today? Is your mind hovering over “wondrous things” or stuck in the mud?