MEDITATE UPON

GOD’S WORD

Chuck Northrop

            The Psalmist spent much time writing on the topic of meditation. He began the Psalms by stating that the blessed man meditates day and night upon God’s word (Psalm 1:1-2). Psalm 119:97 further states, "O how love I thy law! It is my dedication all the day." Much worry could be avoided if we spent more time thinking about God’s will for mankind. Therefore, five reasons are offered as to why we ought to meditate upon the word of God.

            The first reason for meditating upon God’s word is that we ought to think through any given situation. The Psalmist spoke of thinking before speaking when he said, "My heart was hot within me, while I was musing the fire burned: then spoke I with my tongue" (Psalm 39:3). Too many times we act before we think through situations. Sadly, after the fact, we think and often regret our behavior. How much better it may have been if we had only thought about God’s instruction.

            The second reason for meditating upon God’s word is to see the far reaching effects of any given action. In Psalm 77:12 the Bible says, "I will meditate also of all thy work, and talk of thy doings." The consequences of God’s action is seen in our lives. Certainly they are far reaching. We then ought to plan our actions that we might see the far reaching effects of those actions. Just think of how much sin could be avoided if we first considered the consequences of our actions. God promised "with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it" (1 Corinthians 10:13). If each Christian meditated and searched for the "escape" much sorrow and pain could be avoided. Also, just think of how much good could be accomplished if we first considered the consequences of our actions. Instead of spinning our wheels with useless endeavors that are not authorized and has never worked, we would be about the Lord’s business and accomplish much good for the kingdom.

            The third reason for meditating upon God’s word is to engraft the word of God upon our hearts. James records by inspiration, "receive with meekness the engrafted word, which is able to save your souls" (James 1:21). The word of God is designed to be put into our minds and written upon our heart. It should be our constant study and meditation. The word of God will strengthen us to overcome temptation and trials that come upon us. Before it can do this, we must read it, study, meditate upon it, and obey it. The Psalmist wrote, "I will meditate in thy precepts, and have respect unto thy ways." As a result of his meditation, he had respect for God’s ways. When we compare God’s ways and man’s way, we cannot help but be amazed and in awe of God’s wisdom.

            The fourth reason for meditating upon God’s word is to formulate plans and logical answers to the problems of life. God has "given unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness (2 Peter 1:3). Answers to the perplexing problems of life are found within the word of God. We need to study and meditate upon God’s word that we might remember those answers when problems arise. As Christians, we should search for the best and most efficient way to doing any task. That requires planning, honest assessment, and meditation. Even after the task is complete, we must honestly and sincerely evaluate the task which also requires meditation.

            The fifth reason for meditating upon God’s word is to guard ourselves against sin. The Psalmist declared, "Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee" (Psalm 119:11). When we are meditating on God’s Word, it will guard us against sin. Paul declared, "...if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things" (Philippians 4:8). If we occupy our minds with God’s Word, we are thinking about the things that are virtuous and praiseworthy.

            Surely all of us can see the value of meditation especially upon God’s Word. Let us determine to take the time to meditate for it will be most profitable to all. It is no wonder why God said, "Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful. But his delight is in the law of the Lord; and in his law doth he meditate day and night" (Psalm 1:1-2).