“Meditate on the word of God.” I hear these words as a child. Not fully understanding what they mean.
But memorize, early on, “I have treasured Your word in my heart, so that I may not sin against You” (Psalm 119:11).
Treasuring His Word.
Learning right and wrong. Wisdom and foolishness. Truth and deceit.
That’s only the beginning.
Ask for wisdom
In various stages and seasons along the journey, I learn from others.
First, pray. Ask for wisdom. And a heart that truly seeks Him.
Oswald Chambers says, “Begin to know Him now, and finish never.” This challenge grabs my heart and soul.
And we have access to the written Word of God. Where He reveals who He is and what He does.
I want to know You, Lord. Teach me.
Walk slowly
Then, I walk slowly. Repeatedly. Through Scripture.
Some days, simply reading.
Other times turning words and phrases over in my mind as I go. What does that particular word mean? Other translations give me a fuller understanding.
But God’s Word speaks. His Spirit illumines and teaches. Providing soul food that satisfies. Making me hungry for more.
Context
In looking at the parts, it’s necessary to consider the whole.
I can still hear a former pastor saying to our congregation, “The text without context is pretext.”
That means reading and studying both Old Testament and New.
Considering how other passages clarify and give insight to the one before me.
Cross references
After years of continuing in Scripture, the words and phrases often prompt memory of other verses where this or that truth is found.
I search and find. Jot down notes in the margin. Cross references.
Later, go back and study those too.
Meditate
Meditate. Dwell on. Rest in. Repeat silently and aloud.
Letting the food of the Word sit on my tongue. Exploring its flavor and texture. Chewing on phrases.
Not a rushed consumption—hardly remembering what I ate. But thoughtful, considered eating of the Word. Noticing the fine details.
In conversation with the Father.
Growing.
And ever learning to walk in His ways.
What about you?
How do you meditate on God’s Word? Has a particular method helped you on this journey?
Related
Slow walk in the Word – Psalms – Verse for the year – Last word, His Word –
Psalm 119:11 – Psalm 119 – Psalm 19 – Psalm 1 –
7 replies on “Meditate”
I like to pray the words of a passage for a month or two as a way of meditating/memorizing. I find that it becomes a two way conversation as the words I repeat often become the words the Father is saying back to me.
Praying the Word has been life-changing for me through the years. I like this month or two focus! I often do this with my “verse for the year.” Thanks for sharing.
Inductive Bible study has been a go-to method for many years that has impacted my general reading by slowing down, observing text.
Amen. Such a helpful tool!
The slow pace of reading and rereading and rereading… with prayer for understanding and insight. Some days I am comforted, some days confronted, and sometimes enlightened. I can’t imagine life without Scripture
Comforted. Confronted. Enlightened. Yes! Thanks for sharing this. I, too, cannot imagine life without Scripture. And so we go…!
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