Christian Meditation
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Meditation
Meditation
Meditate
Hebrew expression: hagah
Pronunciation: kaw GAW
Strong’s Number: 1897
KEY VERSES
Joshua 1:8; Psalm 1:2; Psalms 63:6; 77:12; 143:5; Proverbs 15:28; 24:2
Most Christians have moved away from meditation because of the non-biblical connotations that other religions have emphasized. However, one of the most famous psalms of the Bible encourages us “to meditate” on God’s law day and night (Ps. 1:2). The Hebrew verb hagah, used in this psalm and in Joshua 1:8, means “to muse,” “to meditate,” “to moan,” “to think,” or “to speak.” King David says that in times of distress, trouble, or oppression, he would “think” (hagah) upon the Lord (Pss. 63:6; 77:12; 143:5). The word often refers to internal meditation, but also to verbal utterances or sounds. Hagah therefore can be used in a positive sense as when the psalmist’s tongue speaks of God’s righteousness all day long (Pss. 35:28; 37:30; 71:24), or when the righteous man “utters” (hagah) what is good and wise (Ps. 37:30). But, in a negative sense, those who “mutter” (hagah) senselessly are classed with wizards and mediums (Isa. 8:19). Also, while the wicked “plot” (hagah) violence and evil, the righteous “ponder” (hagah) a wise answer carefully (Prov. 24:2).
Meditation must be based on the Bible’s guidelines. The object of meditation in the Psalms was the Law of the Lord. The psalmist not only meditated upon God’s Word day and night, but he delighted in it as well (Ps. 1:2). The moral and ethical guidance of the Law is celebrated in Psalm 119 where the words “law,” “torah,” “ordinance,” “commandment,” or their synonyms are found 176 times! The word of God was a lamp to the psalmist’s feet and a light to his path (Ps. 119:105). The one who meditates upon God’s Word is righteous. Joshua encouraged the Israelites to meditate day and night, just as the psalmist did. By doing so, the people would then do everything written in the law. This was their key, not only to personal happiness before God, but also to their success in taking and keeping the land of Canaan (Josh. 1:8). God gave His laws and teachings to the Israelites to study and meditate upon, making them different from all other people of the world. Israel was to be a special people to the Lord and by meditating upon His law they would become like Him.
The value of thinking and meditating upon God and His works—and especially the moral and ethical law He has given to all people—are examples for us today. Believers should think and meditate upon things that are true, noble, pure and lovely (Phil. 4:8), but even more we should put into practice the things on which we meditate (Phil. 4:9). Our devotion is to be centered upon the Lord (2 Cor. 11:3) and by thinking upon those things that are pure, we purify ourselves (Jas. 4:8).
This book of the law shall not depart out of thy mouth; but thou shalt meditate therein day and night, that thou mayest observe to do according to all that is written therein: for then thou shalt make thy way prosperous, and then thou shalt have good success.
Ps
But his delight is in the law of the Lord;
And in his law doth he meditate day and night.
Question to the AFers: Can Christian practise meditation?
Question to the AFers: Can Christian practise meditation?
Question to the AFers: Can Christian practise meditation?
When I remember thee upon my bed,
And meditate on thee in the night watches.
Ps63
(Most Christians have moved away from meditation because of the non-biblical connotations that other religions have emphasized.)
Ps77
I will meditate also of all thy work, and talk of thy doings.
I remember the days of old;
I meditate on all thy works;
I muse on the work of thy hands.
King David says that in times of distress, trouble, or oppression, he would “think” (hagah) upon the Lord (; ; ).
Most Christians have moved away from meditation because of the non-biblical connotations that other religions have emphasized.
The heart of the righteous studieth to answer:
But the mouth of the wicked poureth out evil things.
A 2009 study of views common to seven experts trained in diverse but empirically highly studied (clinical or Eastern-derived) forms of meditation[20] identified "three main criteria... as essential to any meditation practice: the use of a defined technique, logic relaxation, and a self-induced state/mode. Other criteria deemed important [but not essential] involve a state of psychophysical relaxation, the use of a self-focus skill or anchor, the presence of a state of suspension of logical thought processes, a religious/spiritual/philosophical context, or a state of mental silence."[21]:135 However, the study cautioned, "It is plausible that meditation is best thought of as a natural category of techniques best captured by 'family resemblances'... or by the related 'prototype' model of concepts."[21]:135[22]. Wikipedia
Wikipedia
Can the Christian practise this kind of meditation?
The answer is no.
Can the Christian meditate?
The answer is yes.
The more challenging question is;
“Does our meditation achieve the results of peace and calm that secular or non Christian meditation promises?”
There are answers to these questions in tonight’s meditation!
You will understand why I use “meditation” and not devotion by the end of this message.
In we read;
But his delight is in the law of the Lord;
And in his law doth he meditate day and night.
In we see the righteous man is known by the LORD (YWHY);
For the Lord knoweth the way of the righteous:
But the way of the ungodly shall perish.
And we read in ;
But his delight is in the law of the Lord;
And in his law doth he meditate day and night.
The righteous man of GOD meditate day and night.
Imagine that - he does meditation day and night.
So, GOD does approve of meditation and He teaches us through the Psalmist example what is and how to meditate.
What is Biblical mediation?
What is Biblical mediation?
As such, we who thirst and hunger for righteousness are encourage to meditate too, and . ??????????????
(However, one of the most famous psalms of the Bible teaches us through encouragement “to meditate” on God’s law day and night (). )
The word meditate can be found in many places and we shall look at them in and first.
( Hebrew verb hagah, used in this psalm and in , means “to muse,” “to meditate,” “to moan,” “to think,” or “to speak.” )
This book of the law shall not depart out of thy mouth; but thou shalt meditate therein day and night, that thou mayest observe to do according to all that is written therein: for then thou shalt make thy way prosperous, and then thou shalt have good success.
But his delight is in the law of the Lord;
And in his law doth he meditate day and night.
(Show the word study diagram and use it to explain the different meanings)
In these 2 verses, the word mean;
to muse
to meditate
to think
to moan and
to speak.
Similarly, in and .
In these 2 verse, the kind of meditation that is being practise in non Christian circles can be seen;
The kind of meditation that is being practise in non Christian circles can be seen in and .
MEM.
O how love I thy law!
It is my meditation all the day.
I have more understanding than all my teachers:
For thy testimonies are my meditation.
Here, to meditate mean;
thoughtful contemplation
wisdom discourse and
meditation which has the same meaning as and Psalm 1:2;
muse - to be inspired.
moan - an expression of mental anguish.
think and then
speak or respond.
So, according to Scriptures, Christians do meditate.
From Scripture, we do see meditation as internal and external.
Internal are your thoughtful contemplations and how these affects the way you feel.
External is your speech and actions that comes out of the things that is in your heart.
On this note, do you see why some people have mental breakdowns?
Some say its because they think too much or contemplate too much.
That is partly true.
because mental breakdowns is more likely that they think a lot and do not have the answer to their questions or anguish.
these stresses and problems keeps circling round and round inside them.
Such troubled mental state that is without a solution or relief can lead someone to a mental breakdown or what is known as psychotic break.
Some people use meditation to free their minds of worries, anxieties and fear.
by banishing all thoughts or think happy thoughts.
BUT that is not the way of Scripture.
What is our meditation when we are troubled?
Do we empty our minds?
What “happy thoughts” gives us peace and comfort?
Let us look at King David’s example.
King David’s meditation goes like this;
(King David says that in times of distress, trouble, or oppression, he would “think” (hagah) upon the Lord (; ; ).
King David says that in times of distress, trouble, or oppression, he would “think” (hagah) upon the Lord (; ; ).
When I remember thee upon my bed,
And meditate on thee in the night watches.
I will meditate also of all thy work, and talk of thy doings.
I remember the days of old;
I meditate on all thy works;
I muse on the work of thy hands.
King David, a man after GOD’s own heart, think of his GOD/LORD in times of distress and great stress.
He does not empty his mind and soul - btw the soul and mind are one.
He fills them with thoughts of his GOD and LORD.
He fills them with thoughts of his GOD and LORD.
And these thoughts in turns fills David with comfort, peace, assurance etc....the kind of happy emotions we see in the Psalms.
And that was how he lift himself out of “depression” or depressing moments.
And these thoughts in turns fills David with comfort, peace, assurance etc....the kind of happy emotions we see in the Psalms.
And that was how he lift himself out of “depression” or depressing moments.
Getting out of depression or depressing moments is the kind of result many seek in their secular or other types of meditations.
But let us note the way King David solve his problem.
He meditate on His GOD and and this is the norm in the Psalms and the rest of the Old Testament.
In the New Testament, there is a difference and we will get to it later.
Content of Biblical Meditation
Content of Biblical Meditation
Biblical Meditation is like this;
But now thus saith the Lord that created thee, O Jacob,
And he that formed thee, O Israel,
Fear not: for I have redeemed thee,
I have called thee by thy name; thou art mine.
When thou passest through the waters, I will be with thee;
And through the rivers, they shall not overflow thee:
When thou walkest through the fire, thou shalt not be burned;
Neither shall the flame kindle upon thee.
For I am the Lord thy God,
The Holy One of Israel, thy Saviour:
I gave Egypt for thy ransom,
Ethiopia and Seba for thee.
Since thou wast precious in my sight,
Thou hast been honourable, and I have loved thee:
Therefore will I give men for thee,
And people for thy life.
Fear not: for I am with thee:
I will bring thy seed from the east,
And gather thee from the west;
I will say to the north, Give up;
And to the south, Keep not back:
Bring my sons from far,
And my daughters from the ends of the earth;
Even every one that is called by my name:
For I have created him for my glory,
I have formed him; yea, I have made him.
Bring forth the blind people that have eyes,
And the deaf that have ears.
Let all the nations be gathered together,
And let the people be assembled:
Who among them can declare this,
And shew us former things?
Let them bring forth their witnesses, that they may be justified:
Or let them hear, and say, It is truth.
Ye are my witnesses, saith the Lord,
And my servant whom I have chosen:
That ye may know and believe me,
And understand that I am he:
Before me there was no God formed,
Neither shall there be after me.
Who hath measured the waters in the hollow of his hand,
And meted out heaven with the span,
And comprehended the dust of the earth in a measure,
And weighed the mountains in scales,
And the hills in a balance?
Who hath directed the Spirit of the Lord,
Or being his counseller hath taught him?
With whom took he counsel, and who instructed him,
And taught him in the path of judgment,
And taught him knowledge,
And shewed to him the way of understanding?
Behold, the nations are as a drop of a bucket,
And are counted as the small dust of the balance:
Behold, he taketh up the isles as a very little thing.
And Lebanon is not sufficient to burn,
Nor the beasts thereof sufficient for a burnt offering.
All nations before him are as nothing;
And they are counted to him less than nothing, and vanity.
isa40.12
The Christian meditate on the awesome majesty and character of GOD and here is just an example of what we can give our minds.
Isaiah43.1
The outcome of that meditation should be this’
What time I am afraid,
I will trust in thee.
In God I will praise his word,
In God I have put my trust; I will not fear
What flesh can do unto me.
Ps
With the right thoughts of GOD and right respond from us, when we want to achieve the result of peace and comfort in this life.
You see, what we have in our hearts and mind affects how we feel and live.
The world, without GOD has observed this;
“Sow a thought, and you reap an act.
Sow an act, and you reap a habit.
Sow a habit, and you reap a character.
Sow a character, and you reap a destiny.”
Author Unknown
Note the unbiblical teaching in line 3.
The Scripture teaches that we are a sinner that is why we sin .
Note the unbiblical teaching in line 3 - we are a sinner that is why we sin AND it not because we sin that makes us a sinner. Jesus that sin originate in our heart of nature. We are by nature sinners and that is why we sin.
It not because we sin that makes us a sinner.
Our very nature is to sin.
Jesus said that sin originate in our heart or nature.
We are by nature sinners and that is why we sin.
Sow a habit, and you reap a character should be “Habits came out of our sinful character”.
BUT the first line is a very good observation.
Sow a thought and you reap an action.
What are your thoughts?
What are the things you are thinking about?
What kinds of thoughts are running round and round in your head?
These thoughts are acts of meditation and it happen while you are walking, sitting, eating etc.
Another way to understand the act of meditation is in Deuteronomy.
Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God is one Lord: And thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thine heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy might. And these words, which I command thee this day, shall be in thine heart: And thou shalt teach them diligently unto thy children, and shalt talk of them when thou sittest in thine house, and when thou walkest by the way, and when thou liest down, and when thou risest up. And thou shalt bind them for a sign upon thine hand, and they shall be as frontlets between thine eyes. And thou shalt write them upon the posts of thy house, and on thy gates.
Unlike what was quoted earlier about sowing,
is the words of GOD not man.
And it is teaching us Biblical meditation.
heart - teach - talk - sit - walk - lie down - rise up - bind on your arm - between the eyes - on your door and gate.
these are acts of meditation
Beside the act of meditation, Note especially the content of meditation.
Again, Biblical meditation is not abandonment to nothing - to empty or free you mind - to get relief.
Our method of meditation - Biblical meditation is to fill our minds.
We fill our minds with Christ and through the Holy Spirit, He will lead us to the Father.
And in the Holy Trinity - we find our way back to GOD and out of our problems in this life.
Life is miserable not because it is hard.
Life is miserable because there is sin everywhere.
People sin against us.
We sinned against people.
And this world is broken by sin and that is why there is sickness and death.
Life will be hard until Christ redeemed it fully on His return.
In the meantime, do we have the means to live through this hardship?
Yes we do and the Scripture tell us the answer and it is to meditate on the Word of GOD and especially on Christ.
How do we meditate?
How do we meditate?
For the answer, we turn to the NT, Paul’s epistle to the Philippians.
Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.
Everyone of these 8 virtues comes out from the character of GOD and they are all seen in the LORD Jesus Christ.
We are told to “think on these things.”
In this verse, we have the following 3 points;
The right or righteous thoughts.
The righteous attitudes and
The righteous behaviour.
Scripture has repeat over and over again that it is the abandonment of GOD and His Scripture that we often has no peace nor solution to life - no matter how much we meditate .
The GOD of peace and the peace of GOD comes to us when act or do - which is the external expression of meditation - the word of GOD.
Peace comes from GOD and when we think rightly, have the right attitudes and behave righteous, we will have the peace of GOD.
See Phil 4:9.
Those things, which ye have both learned, and received, and heard, and seen in me, do: and the God of peace shall be with you.
That was how meditation is been taught in the NT
As mention earlier - meditation has an external component.
One that is the result of meditation.
In fact, all meditation, secular or Christian lead one to take action.
For us, when our meditation is on the word of GOD, our action will be living according to the will of GOD.
The end result of our meditation that leads to living in the will of GOD is describe by Christ in ;
Therefore whosoever heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them, I will liken him unto a wise man, which built his house upon a rock: And the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell not: for it was founded upon a rock. And every one that heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them not, shall be likened unto a foolish man, which built his house upon the sand: And the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell: and great was the fall of it.
People seek meditation to deal with life’s stresses and problems.
The Christian meditate on Christ the Son, GOD the Father and with the presence of the Holy Spirit in each one of us, we have our answer to the challenges in this life.
Here is where I pause and issue a warning from Scripture.
But I fear, lest by any means, as the serpent beguiled Eve through his subtilty, so your minds should be corrupted from the simplicity that is in Christ.
But I am afraid that as the serpent deceived Eve by his cunning, your thoughts will be led astray from a sincere and pure devotion to Christ.
Be very careful with those “Good morning” and “Positive Living” quotations that is everywhere.
Show some examples.
But I am afraid that as the serpent deceived Eve by his cunning, your thoughts will be led astray from a sincere and pure devotion to Christ.
The world is always fighting for our attention and minds.
Do not fill our minds with those saying and wise words.
Know your Christ by knowing what He has said through the Holy Spirit in the Bible.
Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you. Cleanse your hands, ye sinners; and purify your hearts, ye double minded.
Do not be drawn away and the start to be double minded.
This happen when you find those quotations more appealing them Scriptures.
You cannot have Christ and embraced what the world is telling you.
Meditate on the laws of GOD and live according to it.
But, in a negative sense, those who “mutter” (hagah) senselessly are classed with wizards and mediums (). Also, while the wicked “plot” (hagah) violence and evil, the righteous “ponder” (hagah) a wise answer carefully ().
Meditation must be based on the Bible’s guidelines.
For their heart studieth destruction,
And their lips talk of mischief.
The object of meditation in the Psalms was the Law of the Lord.
The psalmist not only meditated upon God’s Word day and night, but he delighted in it as well ().
The moral and ethical guidance of the Law is celebrated in where the words “law,” “torah,” “ordinance,” “commandment,” or their synonyms are found 176 times!
The psalmist not only meditated upon God’s Word day and night, but he delighted in it as well (). The moral and ethical guidance of the Law is celebrated in where the words “law,” “torah,” “ordinance,” “commandment,” or their synonyms are found 176 times! The word of God was a lamp to the psalmist’s feet and a light to his path (). The one who meditates upon God’s Word is righteous. Joshua encouraged the Israelites to meditate day and night, just as the psalmist did. By doing so, the people would then do everything written in the law. This was their key, not only to personal happiness before God, but also to their success in taking and keeping the land of Canaan (). God gave His laws and teachings to the Israelites to study and meditate upon, making them different from all other people of the world. Israel was to be a special people to the Lord and by meditating upon His law they would become like Him.
The word of God was a lamp to the psalmist’s feet and a light to his path (). The one who meditates upon God’s Word is righteous. Joshua encouraged the Israelites to meditate day and night, just as the psalmist did. By doing so, the people would then do everything written in the law. This was their key, not only to personal happiness before God, but also to their success in taking and keeping the land of Canaan ().
God gave His laws and teachings to the Israelites to study and meditate upon, making them different from all other people of the world. Israel was to be a special people to the Lord and by meditating upon His law they would become like Him.
The value of thinking and meditating upon God and His works—and especially the moral and ethical law He has given to all people—are examples for us today. Believers should think and meditate upon things that are true, noble, pure and lovely (), but even more we should put into practice the things on which we meditate (). Our devotion is to be centered upon the Lord () and by thinking upon those things that are pure, we purify ourselves ().
The Practical Implications of Meditation
The Practical Implications of Meditation
People meditate to solve life’s problem.
They failed to see that life’s problem is solved by the word of GOD.
The solution to life’s problem is a life ordered by GOD in Christ
Life outside Christ is no life at all.
We are all outside the Kingdom of GOD until Christ brought us back into it.
It is like Adam and Eve being banished from the Garden of Eden.
And in Christ, the temple curtain was rant into two and we are brought back into the presence of GOD.
We seek peace in this life BUT we need to see this life as a life in GOD’s kingdom.
When GOD is king and we do not live in peace with the king - we are asking for trouble.
and we will find peace only in Christ.
So, the practical implications of meditation is to recognised that the world’s reason for doing meditation, be it peace, fulfilment, enlightenment etc, it will only be found;
In Christ.
In His words - the Bibles.
And for the Christian, the Holy Spirit will guide us into all these truths for
Life here and in all eternity.
They are found in the word of GOD.
They are found in the word of GOD.
In living our lives the way GOD says.
In living our lives the way GOD says.
And that is why the righteous is taught and encouraged to meditate on the word of GOD.
And that is why the righteous is taught and encouraged to meditate on the word of GOD.
And that is how Christian meditate.
The word often refers to internal meditation, but also to verbal utterances or sounds. Hagah therefore can be used in a positive sense as when the psalmist’s tongue speaks of God’s righteousness all day long (; ; ), or when the righteous man “utters” (hagah) what is good and wise ().
But, in a negative sense, those who “mutter” (hagah) senselessly are classed with wizards and mediums (). Also, while the wicked “plot” (hagah) violence and evil, the righteous “ponder” (hagah) a wise answer carefully ().
Meditation must be based on the Bible’s guidelines.
The object of meditation in the Psalms was the Law of the Lord.
The psalmist not only meditated upon God’s Word day and night, but he delighted in it as well ().
The moral and ethical guidance of the Law is celebrated in where the words “law,” “torah,” “ordinance,” “commandment,” or their synonyms are found 176 times!
The word of God was a lamp to the psalmist’s feet and a light to his path (). The one who meditates upon God’s Word is righteous. Joshua encouraged the Israelites to meditate day and night, just as the psalmist did. By doing so, the people would then do everything written in the law. This was their key, not only to personal happiness before God, but also to their success in taking and keeping the land of Canaan ().
God gave His laws and teachings to the Israelites to study and meditate upon, making them different from all other people of the world. Israel was to be a special people to the Lord and by meditating upon His law they would become like Him.
The value of thinking and meditating upon God and His works—and especially the moral and ethical law He has given to all people—are examples for us today. Believers should think and meditate upon things that are true, noble, pure and lovely (), but even more we should put into practice the things on which we meditate (). Our devotion is to be centered upon the Lord () and by thinking upon those things that are pure, we purify ourselves ().
Carpenter, Eugene E., and Philip W. Comfort. Holman Treasury of Key Bible Words: 200 Greek and 200 Hebrew Words Defined and Explained. Nashville, TN: Broadman & Holman Publishers, 2000.