Many followers of Christ today read and pray while looking
for answers in the Bible, and pray for wisdom and direction. The Biblical
passages that use the phrase "Christian meditation" are few. Both
words "meditate" and "meditation" are found about 18 times
in the Old Testament. There are basically 2 Hebrew words which are translated
"meditate." The first Hebrew word (hagah), given the various contexts,
can mean "ponder, imagine, meditate, mourn, speak, study, talk, utter,
etc." (Josh. 1:8; Ps. 1:2; 5:1; 49:3; 63:6; 77:12) The second Hebrew
word (siyach) can mean "to ponder, to converse with oneself, and
hence aloud; to utter or commune, complain, declare, meditate, muse, pray,
speak, talk with (God in prayer, etc.) or it could be with another believer or
group of believers--speaking one's thoughts about a passage of Scripture or
words to a hymn, etc. (Gen. 24:63; Ps. 104:34; 119:15, 23, 48, 97, 99; 148; 143:5).
A familiar verse in Psalm 19:14 states, "Let the words of my
mouth, and the meditation (hagah) of my heart, be acceptable in Your
sight..." He asks that his words and thoughts be equal. Words of the mouth
are a sham if they are not backed up by meditation of the heart.
A passage in the New Testament gives an even greater
meaning as to application of this word "meditate (meditation)." The
Greek word used (meletao) means "to take care of" or
"resolve in your mind" to do these things. "Meditate upon these
things (the preceding verses): give yourself wholly to them" (1 Tim.
4:15). Paul clarifies the words "save yourself...and others" in verse
16. "Take heed to yourself and to the doctrine. Continue in them, for in
doing this you will save both yourself and those who hear you." Taking
heed unto the Word of God (doctrine), you will not be "giving heed...to
doctrines of devils" (verse 1). This seems to be the contextual meaning of
"save yourself." The hearers also will be saved from "giving
heed to seducing spirits."
As you can see, then, true Christian meditation is an
active thought (thinking, resolving) process whereby one gives himself to study
of the Word, praying over it, asking God to give you understanding by the
Spirit, putting it into practice in daily life, and allowing it (Scripture) to become the rule for life and practice as you go about your daily
activities. This causes spiritual growth and maturing in the things of God as
taught you by His Holy Spirit indwelling you as a believer.
May your Christian meditation bless you with love and
peace of mind.
Enrique
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