By Emeritus Prof. Mercy Olumide

The “heart” in scripture is the totality of intellect, emotion, desire and volition. An impure heart will corrupt one’s thoughts, feeling, words and actions (Prov. 4:23; Mat 12:34; 15:19). What is needed is a new, transformed heart, refashioned after the image of Christ (see Luke 6:45)
(5.3) Biblical Meditation

Meditation is the act of calling to mind some supposition, pondering upon it, and correlating it to one’s own life. A wicked individual meditates upon violence (Prov. 24:2). The meditation of a righteous person contemplates God or His great spiritual truths (Pss. 63:6; 77:12; 119; 15,23,27, 48,78,97,148; 143;5). He hopes to please God by meditation (Ps. 19:14). Thus meditation by God’s people is a reverent act of worship. Through it they commune with God and are thereby renewed spiritually.

Most references to meditation occur in the OT, especially in the Psalms. The Hebrew words for meditation primarily were derived from two separate roots. The first (hagah) literally means“to utter in a low sound.” The word is used to denote the growling of a lion (Isa. 31:4) or the cooing of a dove (Isa. 38: 14). Therefore it has been suggested that in ancient Hebrew meditation scripture frequently was recited in a low murmur.

The second root word (siach) the basic meaning of “to be occupied with,” or “concerned about.” Thus meditation is the repetitious going over of a matter in one’s mind because it is the chief concern of life. The constant recollection of God’s past deeds by the hearing of scripture and repetition of thought produce confidence in God (Pss. 63:6-8; 104:34; 119:15,23,48,78,97,99,148; 143:5).

Meditation is only mentioned twice in the NT. Jesus instructed Christians to meditate beforehand on their attitude toward persecution (Luke 21:14). Paul advised Timothy to meditate on the matters about which Paul had written him (1Tim. 4:15). Meditation is an important part of the Christian’s relationship with Christ.

Read Josh 1:1-9
“This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate in it day and night, that you may observe to do according to all that is written in it. For then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have good success,” (Joshua 1:8)

“Meditate therein day and night.” “Meditate” (Heb hagah) means to read quietly or to talk to yourself as you think. It involves reflecting upon God’s words and ways and applying them to every area of your life (Ps 1:2; 63:6; 77:12; 143:5).

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