Christian Meditation and Obedience to God: One Thing Leads to Another

"and on His Law he meditates day and night. He is like a tree planted by streams of water that yields its fruit in its season, and its leaf does not wither. In all that he does he prospers."

-- Psalm 1:2b-3

Meditation has fallen upon hard times in the last century or so. In fact, in my experience, I have read very little about meditating upon Scripture in Christian literature. We talk quite a bit about the study and memorization of God's Word but often neglect the very important and useful Christian practice of meditating upon the Word.

When God gave Joshua the charge to lead the children of Israel after the death of Moses He told him to be strong, courageous and obedient to the Law. God then went on to tell Joshua the method by which he could be obedient to the Law, meditation upon His Word. Joshua 1:8 reads, "Do not let this Book of the Law depart from your mouth; meditate upon it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful." Sounds a lot like our passage in Psalms 1 today doesn't it? Successful living happens when we follow God's will for our life; when we follow after God's way of doing things; when we are obedient to God's Word.

I am not advocating a "health and wealth" gospel this morning! God is not teaching in these passages that we will all be millionaires if we follow the 10 Commandments. The word "prospers" in Psalm 1 means "to advance, proceed, prosper and be profitable." David is teaching that if we follow God's way of doing things, if we are obedient to Him, our life will progress in a good way in which we will find great blessing (happiness). There is no promise or formula presented in the Bible by which we attain material riches. Material riches are not the will of God for every man's life. God promises to care for our needs if we follow Him. However, God has not promised each man who follows Him a mansion, boat or mercedes.

Christian meditation can be practiced as follows:

1. Pray and ask God to teach His Word to you

2. Read a passage from God's Word...The Bible

3. Find a quiet place, consider the passage of Scripture you have read and think deeply about it

4. While considering God's Word ask the Him to reveal its meaning and application to your life

Christian meditation is never an emptying of our mind! Christian meditation is the practice of putting Scripture into our mind. When we practice Christian meditation the Word of God becomes a natural part of our day and its application a routine part of our existence. Time with God in Christian meditation allows opportunity for the Holy Spirit to change us and make us more like Christ. Ask God to help you learn and practice this important Christian discipline and enjoy the blessings and prosperity which are sure to follow!

James