Meditation

Welcome to the Days of Praise podcast, a daily devotional by the Institute for Creation Research. Meditation. Yeah. Make me to understand the way of thy precepts, so shall I talk of thy wondrous works. Psalm 119, 27.

The remarkable 119th Psalm with its 22 8-verse stanzas is the unique Psalm of the Word, containing 176 testimonies or prayers concerning God's Word, one for each verse. Eight times the word meditate or meditation is used, indicating the importance of this practice in relation to the scriptures. In our text, this word is translated talk. but its basic thrust is to exhort us to meditate on the wonderful works of God once we understand the way of His precepts. The other seven references to meditation in this Psalm are as follows I will meditate in thy precepts, and have respect unto thy ways.

Verse 15. Princes also did sit and speak against me, but thy servant did meditate in thy statutes. Verse 23. My hands also will I lift up unto thy commandments, which I have loved, and I will meditate in thy statutes. Verse 48.

Let the proud be ashamed, for they dealt perversely with me without a cause. But I will meditate in thy precepts. Verse 78. O how love I thy law. It is meditation all the day.

Verse 97. I have more understanding than all my teachers, for thy testimonies are my meditation. Verse 99. Mine eyes prevent, anticipate, the night watches, that I might meditate in thy word. Verse 148.

There is, of course, a counterfeit form of meditation, ergo so-called transcendental meditation and other forms of mysticism, not to mention useless daydreaming. These forms of meditation involve clearing one's mind of all subjects and allowing the mind to wander. In contrast, true meditation involves pondering with awe and thankfulness God's wonderful word, his ways, and his works in connection with prayer and the study of the Holy Scriptures. As an exercise of the mind as well as of the spirit, it is a great blessing and most pleasing to God. If you've enjoyed today's devotional, be sure to subscribe wherever you listen to podcasts.

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