Topical Encyclopedia
Meditation in the context of the Scriptures refers to the practice of deeply contemplating and reflecting upon the Word of God. This spiritual discipline is encouraged throughout the Bible, as it fosters a closer relationship with God and a deeper understanding of His will. The saints, or believers, are called to meditate on the Scriptures as a means of spiritual growth and transformation.
Biblical FoundationThe practice of meditation is rooted in the Old Testament, where it is often associated with the law of the Lord. In
Joshua 1:8 , God commands Joshua, "This Book of the Law must not depart from your mouth; you are to meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. For then you will prosper and succeed in all you do." Here, meditation is linked with obedience and success, emphasizing its importance in the life of a believer.
Similarly,
Psalm 1:2 describes the blessed man as one whose "delight is in the law of the LORD, and on His law he meditates day and night." This verse highlights the joy and fulfillment found in meditating on God's Word, suggesting that it is a source of spiritual nourishment and strength.
Purpose and BenefitsMeditation on the Scriptures serves several purposes for the saints. It allows believers to internalize God's Word, making it a part of their daily lives and guiding their actions and decisions.
Psalm 119:15 states, "I will meditate on Your precepts and regard Your ways." This verse underscores the role of meditation in aligning one's life with God's commandments and understanding His ways.
Furthermore, meditation fosters a deeper relationship with God. Through contemplation of His Word, believers can experience His presence and gain insight into His character and promises.
Psalm 119:97 expresses this sentiment: "Oh, how I love Your law! All day long it is my meditation." The psalmist's love for God's law reflects the intimate connection that meditation can cultivate between the believer and the Divine.
Practical ApplicationFor the saints, meditation is not merely an intellectual exercise but a spiritual discipline that requires intentionality and focus. It involves setting aside time to read, reflect, and pray over the Scriptures, allowing the Holy Spirit to illuminate their meaning and application. This practice can take various forms, such as memorizing verses, journaling insights, or engaging in silent contemplation.
The New Testament also encourages meditation, as seen in
Philippians 4:8 : "Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think on these things." This exhortation to think on virtuous and godly things aligns with the practice of meditating on the truths found in Scripture.
In conclusion, meditation on the Scriptures is a vital practice for the saints, enabling them to grow in faith, wisdom, and obedience. Through meditation, believers can draw closer to God, understand His will, and live lives that reflect His glory.
Torrey's Topical Textbook
Psalm 1:2But his delight is in the law of the LORD; and in his law does he meditate day and night.
Torrey's Topical TextbookPsalm 119:99,148
I have more understanding than all my teachers: for your testimonies are my meditation.
Torrey's Topical Textbook
Library
But when the Student of the Holy Scriptures...
... when the student of the Holy Scriptures, prepared in ... upon his investigations, let
him constantly meditate upon that ... able to comprehend with all saints what is ...
/.../augustine/on christian doctrine in four books/chapter 62 but when the.htm
The Scriptures Reveal Eternal Life through Jesus Christ
... a natural instinct to love that, and to meditate in it ... and therefore we ought to
search the scriptures for this ... whereupon the weight of all the saints and all ...
/.../binning/the works of the rev hugh binning/lecture iv the scriptures reveal.htm
Some Scriptures for Daily Practise.
... SOME SCRIPTURES FOR DAILY PRACTISE. ... time as often as circumstances will permit to
meditate in some ... with all perseverance and supplication for all saints." Eph.6 ...
/.../orr/how to live a holy life/some scriptures for daily practise.htm
Appendix B
... The experience of the saints proves it; and also my ... even once through the whole of
the Scriptures; and yet ... also of the greatest importance to meditate on what ...
//christianbookshelf.org/muller/answers to prayer/appendix b.htm
The Necessity of Diligently Seeking the Saints' Rest.
... brethren, while they neglect the kingly dignity of the saints! ... they call them to
prayer, or reading the Scriptures! ... Lord, and in his law doth meditate day and ...
/.../baxter/the saints everlasting rest/chapter vii the necessity of.htm
The Scriptures
... Among Thy glorious saints to live ... hymn in the Short Hymns on Select Passages of the
Holy Scriptures. ... these little words me and for me, as to meditate well upon ...
/.../the hymns of methodism in their literary relations/chapter i the scriptures.htm
Some Gospel Truths Opened, According to the Scriptures; Or, the ...
... the word of God: And withal, be sure to meditate upon the ... book thou hast also laid
down from the scriptures, how Jesus Christ is without the saints as Man ...
/.../the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/some gospel truths opened according.htm
On Heavenly Objects
... The deep is the profundity of the Scriptures; in the psalm ... The wind is the breath
of the saints; in the ... brevity of life, and so: you shall meditate upon your ...
/.../eucherius/the formulae of st eucherius of lyons/ii on heavenly objects.htm
Of Passages from the Holy Scriptures, and from the Apocrypha ...
... true religion which is delivered in the Scriptures, and which ... not by false prophets,
but by saints: as if ... We, forsooth, meditate the subversion of kingdoms; we ...
/.../calvin/the institutes of the christian religion/of passages from the holy.htm
General Index
... 130 Honoring the saints . . . . . ... 331 How to meditate . . . . . ...
239 Interpretation of the Holy Scriptures . . . . . ...
//christianbookshelf.org/kinkead/baltimore catechism no 4/general index.htm
Resources
Where do the Hebrew Scriptures prophesy the death and resurrection of the Messiah? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is sola scriptura? | GotQuestions.orgShould Catholic tradition have equal or greater authority than the Bible? | GotQuestions.orgScriptures: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.comBible Concordance •
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