MEDITATION

In reference to the blessed man, the Psalmist declared "but his delight is in the law of the Lord; and in His law doth he meditate day and night" (Psalms 1;2).

Christians generally deprive themselves of this blessing. It seems that we just do not have the time anymore for allowing our minds to ponder God's word.

Perhaps articles such as this one are part of the problem. They should absolutely never be substituted for bible reading and the subsequent meditation which it will provoke.

One shortcoming of the use of religious articles occurs when we fail to read and meditate upon the references. There is a tendency to accept the author's conclusions without questioning it. Read some of the Jehovah's Witness Watchtower articles. They are extremely convincing, and scriptural references are given. Yet, they are masters of half-truth.

The same problems can come from reading commentaries or paraphrases before we seriously read the passages under consideration from the bible itself. We tend to get biased by the author's view before we read it objectively.

There is no substitute for daily bible reading and meditation (Acts 17:11). Reading a reliable translation of God's word gives us direct communication from God -- exactly as the Holy Spirit delivered it (1 Cor. 2:13). Meditation makes this communication a part of us, enabling us to give ourselves completely to it (2 Tim. 4:15).

It was not until very recently that God's people were blessed with the availability of the bible. In olden times it was necessary to listen intently as the scriptures were read (Acts 13:27, 15:21). Later, during times of solace, these words would be brought to mind, feeding the soul and giving it comfort.

"I will remember the works of the Lord: surely I will remember thy wonders of old. I will meditate also of all thy work, and talk of thy doings" (Ps. 77:11-12).

How much would our lives be enriched if we would take the time when our minds are idle and employ them in meditation of God's word. "My soul shall be satisfied as with marrow and fatness; and my mouth shall praise thee with joyful lips: When I remember thee upon my bed, and meditate on thee in the night watches (Ps. 63:5-6).

After describing the peace that passeth all understanding, the apostle Paul exhorted the Philippians to consider all that was true, honest, just, pure, lovely, of good report, virtuous, and praiseworthy; and he commanded that they "think on these things" (Phil. 4:8).