Read Psalm 92, More Help on Meditation

What a wonderful Psalm, especially as we think about how we approach this matter of “meditation.”  I am always moved when I read v5-6 of this Psalm:

⁵ O Lord, how great are Your works!
Your thoughts are very deep.
⁶ A senseless man does not know,
Nor does a fool understand this.

It is clearly a worthwhile venture to investigate the very deep thoughts of God.  It this context God’s deep thoughts are related to His works.  There is a principle in Scripture that God is always at work.  Those who lack wisdom are unable to think clearly about God’s works.  Conversely, because they accept and study the words of God (Scripture) the wise man thinks about what God is doing.  He is able to see God’s hand in the affairs of men, in nations, in economies, even in nature.  Yet he still comes to the conclusion that, as Isaiah said, God’s ways are above man’s ways.  His thoughts are very deep.

Thus we ask, how can we increase in the discipline of meditation?  Here are a few additional Scriptures about meditation that give us some valuable ideas.

·        Psalm 19:14: May the meditations of my heart be acceptable.  The ultimate goal of meditation is not to make me happier.  The goal is to be pleasing to God.  We should remember that while we may not always call it “meditation” our minds are often mulling things over, thinking deeply about things.  A regular, formal meditation on Christ will benefit us throughout the day; the things we think about a lot will be acceptable to God. 

·        Psalm 104:34: My meditation shall be sweet to the Lord.  This is a similar term.  To be sweet is to be agreeable or pleasing.  If you want an example of good meditation this Psalm is all about God’s works.  The Psalmist reviews God’s great works and then makes the connection between His works and the life of the saint.

·        Psalm 63:6: I meditate on You in the night watches.  This is a valuable reminder of the value of meditation on nights when sleep doesn’t come easily.  We often are awake with worries.  Those are wonderful times to turn to memorized Scripture for meditation.

·        Matt. 6:5-6: The synagogue and the “closet”.  Jesus was contrasting the proud parading of one’s prayers in public places versus the value of prayer in a very private place where it is just you and the Lord.  Public prayer has a place but meditation demands freedom from distractions.  It is hard to meditate in your home or office where you are constantly being reminded of things you need to do.  It is hard being around loved ones.  Check out Jesus’ choice of places and times where He could enjoy deep time with His Father.

     o   Matt. 14:23; 15:29: Jesus retired to hills.

     o   Mark 1:35: early morning hours.

     o   Mark 6:31; 7:24: a quiet place.

     o   Luke 6:12: all night.

     o   Luke 22:41: Gethsemane.