Biblical Meditation

The following post on Biblical meditation is adapted from Donald Whitney, author of Spiritual Disciplines for the Christian Life, and who is a professor at Southern Baptist Theological Seminary.

Why don’t people meditate on Scripture? Some reasons: they are not a follower of Jesus Christ; or, the pressures of a busy lifestyle take precedence; or, some believe the benefit is not worth the time involved. Some of us have trouble remembering what was read. The conclusion is either bad memory or God’s distant and not speaking. This person doesn’t think it is worth the time involved, hits and misses Bible reading, feels frustrated and somewhat guilty. The real problem according to Whitney is lack of biblical meditation. Learning how to meditate may be the key that will unlock the joys of Scripture and the life-changing power it contains.

Begin meditating. This is not an exercise of daydreaming or Eastern meditation but a focused, intentional desire to consider Bible truth. Reading, rewriting the verses in your own words, or a host of other techniques. Such meditation is never an end in iteself. Deep thinking on spiritual truth is th key to obeying God, and to putting Scripture into shoeleather.

While meditating on Scripture, ask your self questions like;
Does this text reveal something I should …
Believe about God?
Praise or thank God for?
Pray about for myself or others?
Change my attitude about?
Make a decision on?
Do for the sake of Christ, others or myself?

When you have concluded your time of Bible mediatation, you should be able to name at least one definite response you have made or will make. Rather than reading and forgetting the truth, or worse, reading and ignoring it, you are prepared to be a doer of the Word.

And the result is success according to Psalm 1. Oh, the joys of those who do not follow the advice of the wicked, or stand around with sinners, or join in with mockers. But they delight in the law of the LORD, meditating on it day and night. They are like trees planted along the riverbank, bearing fruit each season. Their leaves never wither,and they prosper in all they do.

Joshua 1:8 emphasizes the same success truth: Study this Book of Instruction continually. Meditate on it day and night so you will be sure to obey everything written in it. Only then will you prosper and succeed in all you do.

Meditation – Valley of Weeping

Happy are those who are strong in the Lord, who want above all else to follow your steps. When they walk through the Valley of Weeping it will become a place of springs where pools of blessing and refreshment collect after rains. They will grow strong and each of them is invited to meet with the Lord in Zion. Psalm 84:5-7 TLB

Break it down with me. Strong in the Lord (spending time with Him consistently in prayer, journaling, Bible study and memorization – knowing Him;) and following His steps (obedience) produces happiness, even when walking through the Valley of Weeping (tough times).

In fact, the tough times will become times of blessing and refreshment because adversity can deepen our hunger for fellowship with Him. Simultaneity (deepening awareness of His presence) not only brings blessing but a strengthening of character and an invitation to spend eternity with the Lord.

Notice it says “when” you walk through the Valley, not “if.” We all walk through tough times: loss of a relationship, losing a job, treated unfairly, financial downfall, you name it. Question: is the tough time propelling us into deeper intimacy with Abba PaPa or do we choose bitterness and cynicism? A daily choice.