Meditation

Psalm 119:47-49

King James Version (KJV)

 ⁴⁷And I will delight myself in thy commandments, which I have loved.
 ⁴⁸My hands also will I lift up unto thy commandments, which I have loved; and I will meditate in thy statutes.
 ⁴⁹Remember the word unto thy servant, upon which thou hast caused me to hope.

The word 'meditate' can have several valid meanings when viewed within the Biblical context. In the context of the verses provided above, the Psalmist says that meditation has the connotation of pondering over great truths as represented by the words and statutes of the Lord, or in other words, to ruminate, to cogitate, or to engage in deep thought as we consider the meaning of the Word as directly applied to our lives.

Another meaning is that of 'listening to God.' Prayer has often been described as 'talking to God,' while meditation is described as 'listening to God.' It is for this reason that often in the Bible the people of God are told of the necessity for prayer and meditation.

Modern interpretations of the meaning of meditation often focus on the practice of engaging in stress management through the use of guided imagery, music, breathing techniques, and the repetition of soothing words for the purpose of disarming the harmful effects of stress and achieving a greater level of personal peace.

Many persons of faith who use such techniques report that they incorporate prayer and meditation, as defined in the Bible, into their daily stress management routine.

Regardless of how one chooses to do so, prayer and mediation are described by the Psalmist as a source of much happiness, joy, and delight, even to the extent of 'loving' the time one spends pondering over the great truths of God.

How can such a practice be anything but beneficial to human life?

Song: 'Quiet Time with God.'