Meditating On Meditation? Meditating On Meditation?
Have you ever wondered what someone means when they speak of "meditating" on God's word? Well in his book, Knowing God, J I Packer provides a simple overview on meditation's definition, purpose. and effect.
What is meditation?
Meditation is the activity of calling to mind, and thinking over, and dwelling on, and applying to oneself, the various things that one knows about the works and ways and purposes and promises of God. It is an activity of holy thought, consciously performed in the presence of God, under the eye of God, by the help of God, as a means of communion with God.
What is the purpose of meditation?
Meditation's purpose is to clear one's mental and spiritual vision of God, and to let his truth make its full and proper impact on one's mind and heart. It is a matter of talking to oneself about God and oneself; it is, indeed, often a matter of arguing with oneself, reasoning oneself out of moods of doubt and unbelief into a clear apprehension of God's power and grace.
What is the effect of meditation?
Meditation's effect is to humble us, as we contemplate God's greatness and glory and our own littleness and sinfulness, and to encourage and reassure us - "comfort" us, in the old, strong, Bible sense of the word - as we contemplate the unsearchable riches and divine mercy displayed in the Lord Jesus Christ. And it is as we enter more and more deeply into this experience of being humbled and exalted that our knowledge of God increases, and with it our peace, our strength and our joy.
Interested in "meditating" on biblical references to meditation?
- Joshua 1:8
Do not let this Book of the Law depart from your mouth; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful.
- Psalm 1:2
But his delight is in the law of the LORD, and on his law he meditates day and night.
- Psalm 48:9
Within your temple, O God, we meditate on your unfailing love.
- Psalm 77:12
I will meditate on all your works and consider all your mighty deeds.
- Psalm 119:15
I meditate on your precepts and consider your ways.
- Psalm 119:23
Though rulers sit together and slander me, your servant will meditate on your decrees.
- Psalm 119:27
Let me understand the teaching of your precepts; then I will meditate on your wonders.
- Psalm 119:48
I lift up my hands for your commands, which I love, and I meditate on your decrees.
- Psalm 119:78
May the arrogant be put to shame for wronging me without cause; but I will meditate on your precepts.
- Psalm 119:97
Oh, how I love your law! I meditate on it all day long.
- Psalm 119:99
I have more insight than all my teachers, for I meditate on your statutes.
- Psalm 119:148
My eyes stay open through the watches of the night, that I may meditate on your promises.
(Whole Chapter: Psalm 119 In context: Psalm 119:147-149)
- Psalm 143:5
I remember the days of long ago; I meditate on all your works and consider what your hands have done.
- Psalm 145:5
They will speak of the glorious splendor of your majesty, and I will meditate on your wonderful works.
11:18:47 AM 
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