Meditating on the word of God

Ordinary, the Word “meditation is translated in Greek “Meletao” and its derivation in Hebrew means: “Murmur,” “Muse,” “Mutter,” “Sigh,” Whisper,” “Moan,” dull sound,” and “a bowing down.” However, its English rendering says: “the practice of thinking deeply in silence, especially for religious reasons or in order to make your mind calm.”

Meditation, therefore, is a most rewarding act of worship, spiritual renewal, mental refreshing and of divine communion, Job 15:4, Ps. 77:3, 6). Researches show that, if you form a habit of meditation, there are some attendant benefits, such as, it can help to lower blood pressure, reduce anxiety, increase blood flow, slow the heart, decrease muscle tension, decrease cholesterol levels and improve the flow of air to the lungs. In short, it boosts the immune system.

The first reference of the Word Meditation in Old Testament concerns Isaac “who went to the field to meditate” and saw Rebekah coming, Gen. 24:63. Second in Ps. 19:14: “May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be always acceptable to you.” Third in Josh. 1:8, Ps. 119:97, 99. Again, we see godly people meditate Ps. 77:12; 119:27; 145:5.

In the New Testament these references were made in Mark. 13:11, Luke 21:14; 1 Tim. 4:15. Meditation helps our prayer to be scripture based. As a child of God, it is good to form this habit, take time off, don’t allow distractions, so that you can concentrate as you commune with God. You can choose a convenient time and place, make sure what you are wearing will not be a burden, switch off your handsets, Television, and get away from entanglement of friends. In short, be free to meditate. Diligently study, read, mark the Word of God and inwardly digest them. They will form your prayer points.

Five Helpful Steps To Meditation: Focus – Ps. 119:15, no distractions. God speaks through His active and living Word – in the Bible. Understand – Ps. 119:27. What do I need to know? How is it pointing to Jesus? Remember – Ps. 145:5-remember the story of our redemption, Rm. 5:8. We are saved from eternal damnation; Worship – Ps. 2:1, God deserves our worship, even if sin weighs us down and we cannot read the Bible, but the Holy Spirit assists us to worship Him. Look at the beauty of what He has done and Apply – Josh. 1:8 – What do I do? “This Book shall not depart from your mouth …”

Moses led the children of Israel in their wilderness experience and now was the turn of Joshua to lead them to the Promised Land. Unfortunately, Moses had just died, partly because of his disobedience to God, Num. 20:7-12. The scripture says: “it is a fearful thing to fall into the hand of the living God,” (Heb. 10:31). Compare also: Uzza who died out of his irreverent act against the ark of God, 2 Sam. 6:7. This is a warning to us today should we go contrary to the dictates of the Lord.

However, Joshua needed courage to lead and for his success, he should meditate on the Word of God, day and night. “The Word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path,” (Ps. 119:105). How often do you meditate? What is the content of your meditation? Today, the Lord is drawing our attention, as He wants to have a fellowship with us. We need to tell Him how exactly we are feeling, Phil. 4:6 as we meditate on His Word.

Understandably, life is not fair after all, for we have challenges, difficulties, trials and temptations. Yet, it is our duty as people of God to meditate on His Word. The Bible encourages us by the Words of Jesus: “These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world,” (John 16:33). Therefore, ensure that you find time to meditate on the Word, as this will surely bring success and victory unto your path in the name of Jesus. Amen!
Ven. Ernest Onuoha Rector, Ibru International Ecumenical Centre, Agbarha-Otor, Delta State.
www.ibrucentre.org