Meditate--Think deeply or carefully about (something).
“Study this Book of Instruction continually. Meditate on it day and night so you will be sure to obey everything written in it. Only then will you prosper and succeed in all you do.” Joshua 1:8
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In the first chapter of Joshua God gives a charge to Joshua to continue what He had directed Moses to do; to lead His people into the Promised Land. In verse 8, God tells Joshua to study the Book of Instruction continually. But God doesn’t stop there, He tells Joshua to meditate on the Word day and night and to obey everything it says.
How does this apply to believers today? Meditation seems to be a popular culture word these days. People build meditation rooms and fill them with tranquil items. Others may meditate during yoga or sitting quietly in a dark room. Certainly none of these ways of meditating or the places we do it are wrong. It’s not about how, where, or when we meditate; what’s important is what we’re meditating on. Christians are called to meditate on Scripture, but in order to meditate on them we must know them, read them, study them, and write them on our heart.
Just as Joshua was called to meditate on the Book of Instruction, so are we. We live in a world inundated by worldly values and godless priorities. In order that we don’t begin to accept these unrighteous standards we must guard our hearts and minds through memorizing and meditating on the Word. What do you find yourself thinking deeply or carefully about? Are you consumed with thoughts of worry? Anger? Bitterness? Jealousy? Hopelessness? Or maybe you’re consumed with thoughts of how to make sure that your child succeeds, or that your spouse gets that raise, or that you just feel stuck in life. I challenge you, along with myself, to take those thoughts captive and to replace them with God’s Promises, His Truth…found in His Word.
This will require time in His Word. If you’re not sure where to start, begin in the Psalms. We, as Believers, simply can’t neglect His Word---The Bible and prayers are the key to doing His Will. We must know Him before we can know what He desires us to do. Take some time today to read Scripture and then meditate on it. What does it mean to your life? How could you apply what you’re learning to your journey? Study—Meditate—Apply
