Psalms DAY 18

DAY 18 - Meditation

Psalm 1:1-2

What’s the key difference between these two ways of life in Psalm 1? 

The blessed person “delights in the law of the LORD, and meditates on it day and night.” One rejoices in God’s wisdom while the other spurns it. 

In Hebrew, the word torah means both “law” and “teaching.” God’s laws are gracious guidelines. God’s law is God’s word. The law reveals God’s thinking, God’s wisdom, for living. How do we get it into us so we can be the deeply rooted, blessed people?

Meditation. What do you think of when you hear the word “meditation?” People who lived through the 1960s might think of transcendental meditation. Others might think of mindfulness which has become more widespread. Many people still think of Eastern religions when they think about meditation. When I Googled “meditation,” literally EVERY SINGLE PICTURE showed someone in a posture typical of Eastern religions. 

But the meditation Psalm 1 has in mind looks more someone pouring over their Bible.Some versions of meditation focus on emptying ourselves. There’s nothing inherently wrong with that, but this kind of meditation makes us full. It fills our minds with God. It’s focused, repetitive, and imaginative thinking about God.

REFLECT
What comes to mind when you think of meditation?

PRAY
Thank you, Lord, for your word and your wisdom. Make me hungry for it. Amen.