Oh, not to just read - but meditate.

I've been thinking about the 'art of meditation' a bit lately. I came across the word in Psalm 1:1-2

"1:1 Blessed is the man who walks not in the counsel of the wicked, nor stands in the way of sinners, nor sits in the seat of scoffers; 2 but his delight is in the law of the LORD, and on his law he meditates day and night." Psalm 1:1-2 ESV.

And I was thinking what exactly does it mean to meditate? Is it being in a trance, off the planet, not really thinking? Then I kept on reading. Its mulling over the 'law of God' day and night, not letting it go. To reflect continuously on the Scriptures, and letting it change you.

J.I. Packer, the author of 'Knowing God' says it like this:
"It [that is, meditation] is the 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." p22 Knowing God.

But it doesn't stop there. There is an expressed purpose in this meditation on the scriptures. - this meditation humbles oneself, expands the mind, and gives consolidation to the downcast. This is where real comfort and calming of sorrow and grief is found. In the knowledge of God. So its not about head knowledge. It's heart knowledge!

As I reflected on this today, I've been challenged to think about the way I study the Scriptures (again). Why do I study the Scriptures? Is it for personal advantage, to be someone who seems to have the answers?(I like knowing a bit about the word of God) Or is it so that I'd grow deeper in relationship with the One who has spoken in His word.

I love what C. H. Spurgeon says on this word meditate. Commenting on verse 2 in Psalm 1 he writes:-
"And now mark his positive character. “His delight is in the law of the Lord.” He is not under the law as a curse and condemnation, but he is in it, and he delights to be in it as his rule of life; he delights, moreover, to meditate in it, to read it by day, and think upon it by night. He takes a text and carries it with him all day long; and in the night-watches, when sleep forsakes his eyelids, he museth upon the Word of God. In the day of his prosperity he sings psalms out of the Word of God, and in the night of his affliction he comforts himself with promises out of the same book. “The law of the Lord” is the daily bread of the true believer. And yet, in David's day, how small was the volume of inspiration, for they had scarcely anything save the first five books of Moses! How much more, then, should we prize the whole written Word which it is our privilege to have in all our houses! But, alas, what ill-treatment is given to this angel from heaven! We are not all Berean searchers of the Scriptures. How few among us can lay claim to the benediction of the text! Perhaps some of you can claim a sort of negative purity, because you do not walk in the way of the ungodly; but let me ask you - Is your delight in the law of God? Do you study God's Word? Do you make it the man of your right hand - your best companion and hourly guide? If not, this blessing belongeth not to you." Treasury of David (e-sword edition).

It is my prayer that I'll truly meditate on the great themes of the Scriptures, that I may be humbled, that my mind would be expanded, and I might be consoled in times of trouble. I pray that I may grow deeper in knowledge of the one who has created me, that I may know him more, love him more, and obey him in everything.