MEDITATING ON GOD’S WORD

by Debbie Lord

Is meditation biblical? YES! But the difference is WHAT we meditate upon!

MEDITATING ON GOD’S WORD

PSALM 1:2

Jesus said, “Sanctify them through thy truth: thy word is truth” (John 17:17). The apostle Paul wrote: “Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for it;  that he might sanctify and cleanse it with the washing of water by the word,  that he might present it to himself a glorious church, not having spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing; but that it should be holy and without blemish” (Ephesians 5:25b-27).

It is very clearly stated that the Word of God is the vehicle He uses for the sanctification of our lives in Him. It necessarily follows that we need to know and immerse ourselves in God’s Word—His truth—for sanctification to take place by the enabling grace of God. Hence the admonition to delight in and meditate on His Word.

“But his delight is in the law of the Lord; and in his law doth he meditate day and night.” Psalm 1:2

When meditating on God’s Word it’s important to remember not to separate (lift out) the passage of Scripture from the understanding of its surrounding context, as well as its place in the whole counsel of God’s Word. With that said, it’s also important to know and believe that:

“All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: ¹⁷ that the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works.” 2 Timothy 3:16

Following are notes regarding meditating on God’s Word by Donald Stamps, taken from the Life in the Spirit Study Bible.

“Those seeking to live under God’s blessing meditate on God’s law (i.e., His Word) in order to know God by revelation and to shape their thinking, attitudes and actions. They read the words of Scripture, ponder them and compare them with other Scriptures. When meditating on a passage in the Bible, questions such as these cross their minds:

Is God’s Spirit applying this verse to my life and personal situation?

Is there a promise here for me to claim?

Is this passage revealing a particular sin I must strive to avoid?

Is God issuing a command I must obey?

Is my spirit in harmony with what the Holy Spirit is saying?

Is the passage expressing a truth about God, salvation, sin, the world or my personal obedience on which I need to be enlightened by the Holy Spirit?”

Should God’s People Memorize His Word?

More on the Bible, the Word of God

Esteeming the Words of His Mouth More than my Necessary Food [podcast]

Why Did God Give Us His Word? [podcast]

Looking For Direction in God’s Word?