Meditate

Have you heard the news?  Fifty thousand dollars designated to research how [if] meditation promotes compassion and kindness.   Spawned by research, it is believed that meditation [may] change brain-wave patterns.  When I was young, my daddy had pretty effective ways to change my brain-waves!

I propose such “big money” could certainly be better spent!  Meditation isn’t some new technique to change thinking or behavior.  Regarding His Truth, God told Joshua to not “turn from it to the right hand or to the left … wherever you go … mediate on it day and night.” (Joshua 1:7-8)  The dictionary defines “meditate” to contemplate, ponder, reflect upon but the Hebrew meaning goes much deeper. The Hebrew word for “meditate” means to “build.”  To meditate is to build an inner framework, girding one’s mind (every nook and cranny) with Godly concepts and ideas.  The Old Testament concept of meditation is keeping something in the front of the mind.  One Bible scholar wrote that “meditate is far too tame a word and better illustrated as chewed and swallowed, using teeth and tongue, stomach and intestines.”  The psalmist wrote the delight of the righteous is “in the law of the LORD,  and on his law they meditate day and night.” (Psalm 1:2)  God wasn’t just telling Joshua to think about His Word; he wanted Its truth to be the very structure of Joshua’s inner self influencing every part of life – yes, even brain-wave patterns.  Christians should know, with full confidence, the result of meditating on God’s Word.  It’s a changed heart, a renewed mind, with compassion & kindness only a few-of-the-many results.  Don’t wait for research results – go ahead & meditate.  You’ll see results right away!

Dear Lord,

Thank You for the beauty of Your Living Word and how it changes lives today as always.  Make it the meditation of my heart and mind today. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.