Meditating on God's Word

“I will meditate on your precepts and fix my eyes on your ways” (Psalm 119:15).

Not too long out of college, I was working as a family counselor for a local non-for profit. During a staff meeting one week, my boss announced that one of the team members would lead us in a time of guided meditation. Though I had heard about the practice, I didn’t know what to expect. My co-worker began by instructing us to empty our minds. She continued on through various exercises to bring us to a place of relaxation so that we could encounter a place of peace in our minds. I soon found myself feeling uncomfortable with the exercise and instead spent the time in silent prayer. After the exercise was over, a few people shared their experiences—one shared how she had relived her birth into this world.

I share this story because sometimes when we come across a reference in Scripture about meditating on God’s word, as in the passage above, we might be confused, especially if we use the word “meditate” as other religions or philosophies might use it. The key difference is that biblical meditation isn’t about emptying the mind, but about focusing it on God and his word. It isn’t about seeking a higher form of consciousness in order to reach our inner divinity; rather, it is about communion with God through prayer and his word. It isn’t about seeking access to divine resources found within a person, but about accessing and feasting on the divine word of God—which is our very life (Deut. 32:47).

J.I. Packer once wrote in Knowing God, “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 communication with God. Its 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.” (p.23).

Psalm 119 is known as a psalm entirely devoted to God’s word. In every verse, the psalmist refers to God’s word in some way. In several passages, he talks about meditating on God’s word, as listed below. The psalmist uses the Hebrew word siach which is translated as our English word, meditate. It means to muse, complain, talk (of).

“I will meditate on your precepts and fix my eyes on your ways” (Psalm 119:15).

“Even though princes sit plotting against me, your servant will meditate on your statutes” (Psalm 119:23).

“Make me understand the way of your precepts, and I will meditate on your wondrous works” (Psalm 119:27).

“I will lift up my hands toward your commandments, which I love, and I will meditate on your statutes” (Psalm 119:48).

“Let the insolent be put to shame, because they have wronged me with falsehood; as for me, I will meditate on your precepts” (Psalm 119:78).

“My eyes are awake before the watches of the night, that I may meditate on your promise” (Psalm 119:148).

One could say that Psalm 119 is one long meditation on the word of God. In these verses above, we see the psalmist dwelling on God’s word. We see that it involves communication with God, for the psalmist asks God to teach him about his precepts. He is worshipful as he does so, lifting up his hands toward the heavens. Such meditation is not a passive event, for the psalmist is fixing his eyes on God and his ways. Even when he faces obstacles or challenges from his enemies, the psalmist turns to what he knows is true about God. If you were to do a word study on this Hebrew word for meditate, you’d find other passages where the writer even complains and moans to himself about God.

There’s another word used for meditate in the Bible, hagah. It means to moan, growl, utter, speak, muse. We find it in passages like, “his delight is in the law of the LORD, and on his law he meditates day and night” (Ps. 1:2) and “I remember the days of old; I meditate on all that you have done; I ponder the work of your hands” (Ps. 143:5). This form of meditation is more verbal, like thinking out loud—perhaps even like talking back to yourself.

For the Christian, meditation is an important spiritual practice. It is word centered and God exalting. It brings clarity to the confusion of life. It reorients our wandering hearts to the truth. It anchors us in chaos. Like the psalmist, may we ruminate, dwell, contemplate, ponder, muse, and talk to ourselves about God’s word “day and night.”

Psalm 36 and the Light of God's Steadfast Love

Life is filled with contrasts. Sweet and sour. Scratchy and soft. Cold and hot. Light and darkness. Such contrasts stand apart from each other like the poles of the earth.

The most stark contrast in the Bible is that of sinful humanity and the holiness of God.

In Psalm 36, David paints a picture of the sinner, of one who is far from God, juxtaposed against God and his steadfast love for his people.

The sinner is described as one who progressively steps into sin and finding no consequences, steps deeper still. He has no fear of God (v.1). He assumes that he’ll continue to get away with his iniquity (v.2), so he then devotes his life to sin (v.3). Before long, he lies on his bed in the dead of night, plotting and planning his evil deeds.

Like the flip of a switch, David then turns on the light and shows us God in all his glory. He describes his attributes:

• steadfast love (v.5)

• faithfulness (v.5)

• righteousness (v.6)

• perfect judgements (v.6)

• saving (v.6)

• a refuge (v.7)

• generous (v.8)

• life and light (v.9)

• defender and deliverer (v.11)

What marvelous contrasts! And ones our hearts need to see. As God’s children living in a fallen world, it is hard not to despair when sin seems to reign. The psalmist wants us to remember that God is on the throne and that he rules in perfect righteousness. In fact, the world is full of God’s goodness, righteousness, and steadfast love. He is the light that cuts into the darkness of this fallen and broken world. John Calvin encourages us: “however great the depth of wickedness which there is among men, and though it seems like a flood which breaks forth and overflows the whole earth, yet still greater is the depth of God's providence… Whenever, therefore, our faith may be shaken by the confusion and disorder of human affairs… let us remember that the judgments of God in the government of the world are with the highest propriety compared to a great depth which fills heaven and earth, that the consideration of its infinite greatness may ravish our minds with admiration, swallow up all our cares, and dispel all our sorrows.”

On this side of redemption’s story, Jesus Christ is the character of God made flesh (Col. 1:15). In him, steadfast love and justice meet. He rescued and redeemed us from the greatest evil of all: sin and eternal death. He shelters us in the refuge of his righteousness. He showers upon us grace upon grace. He is the source and wellspring of all our spiritual blessings. He is the water of life, the light of the world.

It is Jesus who conquered evil at the cross. He reigns as King over all. He keeps and preserves us in his care.

Sometimes, when all seems dark, we need to be reminded of who God is. We need his light to cut into the darkness. We need that contrast to “swallow up all our cares, and dispel all our sorrows” as Calvin wrote. Dear friends, let us remember God’s steadfast love in the person and work of Jesus Christ.

To Know Thyself

When I was in graduate school, I took several classes in which we studied various psychological tests/inventories. We learned about their history, the philosophy/theory behind them, and their statistical validity. We learned how to use them in practice. We also took many of them. I think the ones most enjoyed by the class were personality and career counseling inventories.

After they were scored, we all gathered around and shared the results with one another. There was a lot of “I knew that about you” and “This explains a lot!” and even some “I’m not so sure I agree with this.” (I felt that way about one of the career counseling inventories I took that suggested I should be a fur coat designer!)

We all have a desire to understand ourselves, and even more, to be understood by our friends, family, and co-workers. This knowledge is useful in the workplace and in relationships with others. Sometimes these tests/inventories help direct us into certain types of jobs or away from other jobs. They can be useful tools to improve group dynamics in the office space. And sometimes, these tools simply give us a vocabulary to explain our preferred way of relating with others.

But as useful as tests/inventories like these might be, the Bible shows us we can’t really know ourselves until we know God first. A striking example of this is found in the life of Isaiah.

Isaiah Learns Who God Is

In the book of Isaiah, the prophet had a vision of heaven. He saw the Lord in all his holiness. “I saw the Lord sitting upon a throne, high and lifted up; and the train of his robe filled the temple. Above him stood the seraphim. Each had six wings: with two he covered his face, and with two he covered his feet, and with two he flew. And one called to another and said: “Holy, holy, holy is the LORD of hosts; the whole earth is full of his glory!” And the foundations of the thresholds shook at the voice of him who called, and the house was filled with smoke” (Isaiah 6:1-4).

Can you imagine? The sights and sounds Isaiah experienced were extraordinary! Astounding. Dumbfounding. Isaiah saw God Almighty seated on his throne as ruler of all things. And he saw himself in contrast to the holiness and magnificence of God. Isaiah responded to this experience with the only thing that made sense. “Woe is me! For I am lost; for I am a man of unclean lips, and I dwell in the midst of a people of unclean lips; for my eyes have seen the King, the LORD of hosts!” (v.5)

R.C. Sproul commented on this passage in his book, The Holiness of God: “In that single moment, all of his self-esteem was shattered. In a brief second he was exposed, made naked beneath the gaze of the absolute standard of holiness. As long as Isaiah could compare himself to other mortals, he was able to sustain a lofty opinion of his character. The instant he measured himself by the ultimate standard, he was destroyed—morally and spiritually annihilated. He was undone…For the first time in his life Isaiah really understood who God was. At the same instant, for the first time Isaiah really understood who Isaiah was.”

Isaiah was a prophet, and by humanity’s standards, an upright and godly man. He likely had years of training in learning who God is. But it wasn’t until he stood in God’s presence that he finally realized who God is in all his splendor and holiness. As a result, Isaiah saw and understood who he was in comparison.

To Know Ourselves, We Must Know God

We all want to understand who we are. We want to know our purpose in life. We want to know what job we should take and what role we should serve in our homes, communities, and churches. But we can’t know who we are until we know who God is. Like Isaiah, we have to stand before God’s holiness and see ourselves in contrast. As John Calvin wrote in the Institutes, “it is evident that man never attains to a true self-knowledge until he have previously contemplated the face of God, and come down after such contemplation to look into himself.”

First we look at who God is; then we look at ourselves in comparison. 

Like Isaiah, we need to see that God is ruler of all things. He sits high on the throne of the universe, ruling over all mankind and over every living thing. We often live as though we are the kings and queens of our little kingdoms. We live as though we are independent and sufficient within ourselves. But God alone is the creator and sustainer of all he has made. He gives life and breath to all things and sustains that life by his generous provision.

As the heavenly beings in Isaiah’s vision revealed, God is holy. He is thrice holy. He is holy other—set apart from everything else in existence. Nothing and no one can compare to God’s glory and righteousness. This is why, when Isaiah saw God’s glory and holiness, he realized he was unclean and unworthy. Instead of comparing ourselves to God, we are prone to compare ourselves to others. In doing so, we might think we are okay; we’re not as sinful as other people we know. As a result, we don’t grasp the true depths of our sinfulness. It’s only when we understand God’s holiness do we realize no good deed would make us worthy to stand before him. Isaiah was rightly humbled when he saw the true state of his sinful condition. We should be humbled too.

Ready For Service

But that’s not the end of the story. An angel then took a hot coal from the altar and brought it to Isaiah. “With it he touched my mouth and said, “See, this has touched your lips; your guilt is taken away and your sin atoned for” (v.7). We too need our sin atoned for; we need a salvation and pardon from outside ourselves. God provided this through the righteous life and substitutionary death of Christ—the final and perfect sacrifice for sin. By faith in his work for us we are united to him. All he is and has done becomes ours. We are wrapped in his righteousness and made new. We can now come into the presence of God with confidence (Heb. 4:16).

After Isaiah received pardon, the voice of the Lord asked, “Whom shall I send?” (v. 8). Isaiah received his calling and purpose after cleansing from sin. Once he knew God and himself in contrast, once he acknowledged his neediness and helplessness before the King of the universe, and once he was cleansed from sin, only then was he ready to fulfill God’s plan for him.  

True knowledge of self only comes when we know God. While we will likely not encounter God the way Isaiah did, we don’t need to because we have the word of God, the Bible. There we learn who God is in all His splendor, majesty, holiness, and might. There we see that Christ is “the radiance of the glory of God and the exact imprint of his nature, and he upholds the universe by the word of his power” (Hebrews 1:30). In the pages of Scripture we learn, as Isaiah did, the true state of our sinfulness and helplessness. There we see what Christ did to make us able to stand in God’s presence and live. There we learn who we are as redeemed children of God and what God calls us to do for him in this world.

Want to know who you are? Come before the presence of God and know him first.

On Words and the Word of God

Words matter. As a counselor, I know the power of the spoken word, how certain words can break a relationship, while others can heal it. As a writer, I know the importance of selecting the right word to use in a sentence. Sometimes, just one word can be the difference between confusion and clarity.

Words matter in the Bible as well. God created the world through just the power of his word; he merely spoke and light appeared. The Bible tells us that Jesus Christ is The Word incarnate, God’s word to us made flesh. Unlike the words we write or speak, God’s word is active and alive; it changes and transforms. It is truth which sanctifies.

As we prepare to return to Bible studies with the women in our churches this fall, it is appropriate to look at the significance of words in Scripture, for every word carries weight and meaning. When we study a passage or chapter in the Bible, it is important to make note of the words used, the meanings of those words, and how they are used. It makes a world of difference as we seek to understand, learn, and be transformed by the very word of God.

As you study God's word this semester, consider some of these words:

Names of People and Places: The meanings of names is significant in the Bible. Whenever we come across a name, whether of a person or place, we ought to look up its meaning. Unlike modern times, in the Bible, a person’s name often indicated something about who they were and what they would become (Gen 17:5). Sometimes God instructed prophets to name their children names that spoke to what was happening at that time in Israel or signified what would happen in the future (Hosea 1:6). Often, the names of places tell us something about who God is and what he has done. Further, it's fascinating to look at the names of places in the New Testament because we often find significant events taking place at the same location important events took place in the Old.

Repeated Words: Consider how often a teacher or parent repeats the same instructions to children. Such instructions often sound like a record set on repeat. In the Bible, when a word is repeated, it’s not accidental and certainly not something to tune out. It’s done so to enforce something, to highlight something, to make a point. The author is saying, “Listen up! This is uber-important!”

To read the rest of this post, visit enCourage.

Christ Our Rock and Refuge

I’ve spent a lot of time in the Psalms these past couple of months. Primarily, because we are discussing the laments in the virtual support group I facilitate, but also because it’s what my own heart needs right now. I need the psalmist’s raw honesty to help me give voice to what’s going on in my own heart. I need to know I’m not alone in my feelings of loneliness, isolation, fear, disappointment, and sorrow. I need certainty in these uncertain times and the Psalms point me to what is true and unchanging.

As I thumb through the pages, there’s a repeated theme throughout the Psalms. Whether the psalmist is singing praise and thanksgiving or crying out in lament, there is oft repeated word or phrase he uses to describe who God is. The psalmist refers to God as his shelter and refuge. He describes God as a rock, a fortress, a stronghold.

“The LORD is my rock and my fortress and my deliverer, my God, my rock, in whom I take refuge, my shield, and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold” (Psalm 18:2)

“For you are my rock and my fortress; and for your name’s sake you lead me and guide me” (Psalm 31:3)

“Be to me a rock of refuge, to which I may continually come; you have given the command to save me, for you are my rock and my fortress” (Psalm 71:3).

In practical terms, a rock is a place to hide behind. Its clefts and caves provide shelter from beasts and storms and enemies. A rock is also a foundation upon which we stand or build. It is solid and sure. Rocks are used to build walls and fortresses to protect those within. A massive rock, like a mountain, is immovable; It stands firm through the fiercest storms and battles.

So it’s no wonder the Lord is referred to as a rock. It’s one of his many names found in Scripture: “The Rock, his work is perfect, for all his ways are justice. A God of faithfulness and without iniquity, just and upright is he” (Deut. 32:4). Used figuratively, this name reminds us that we can run to God when we are afraid. We can seek safety and security in him. He is our dwelling place (Deut. 33:27). He is our protector and refuge from the ferocious storms of life. He is our savior and rescuer. And while all around us is chaos, our God is unchanging and constant. Steadfast. Strong. Sure. Faithful. Everlasting.

It’s also no surprise that Christ is referred to as a rock as well. Paul tells us in 1 Cor. 10, that Christ was Israel’s spiritual rock during their desert wanderings “For they drank from the spiritual Rock that followed them, and the Rock was Christ” (v.3). Christ is also referred to as the cornerstone of the church. Just as a building’s corner stone holds two walls together, Christ joins the church together (Ephesians 2:20). “Therefore thus says the Lord GOD, ’Behold, I am the one who has laid as a foundation in Zion, a stone, a tested stone, a precious cornerstone, of a sure foundation: ‘Whoever believes will not be in haste’” (Isaiah 28:16).

Christ is the fulfillment of all God’s promises to be our rock and fortress. He is our true shelter and dwelling place. He is the answer to the psalmist’s cry for salvation and deliverance. He rescued us from sin and death. He united himself to us through faith in his life, death, and resurrection. He made us his own. He is our place of safety. Our refuge. Our strength. Our fortress.

We don’t have to go far to seek refuge in Christ, for he’s made us his dwelling place. His Spirit lives within us. The same Spirit who raised Christ from the dead is the same Spirit who encourages our weary hearts, strengthens our faith, exhorts us when we sin, and transforms us more and more into the image of Christ. What an amazing thing to consider! When we need shelter and refuge, he is so near to us—just a prayer away!

This reminder has been such an encouragement to my heart during these uncertain times. Just dwelling on God as my rock settles my distracted mind. Knowing that Christ is my refuge and that he is always with me gives me hope. I pray it does for you as well.

Father in heaven, You are my rock. My shelter and place of safety. You are my firm foundation. You do not change. Nothing can move you. I thank you that in Christ, I am safe. He is my refuge and my fortress. Nothing and no one can snatch me from him. May these truths be my comfort and strength in these uncertain times. In Jesus’s name, amen.

Searching for a Forever Home

I’ve long enjoyed watching those shows where a realtor helps people search for a new house. They usually tour several homes and at the end of the show, they pick their favorite. I like seeing the inside of different homes, the diversity in architecture, and what homes are like in different corners of the country. I often find myself disagreeing with the homeowner’s final choice.

At the start of these shows, the home hunters describe the size and location of the house they desire, often ending with something like this: “We are looking for our forever home.” Forever home. So much is wrapped up in those two words. It’s a sentimental statement for sure, filled with memories, traditions, and family. It evokes feelings of contentment, peace, and satisfaction. There’s a finality to it. A dream come true.

I appreciate the sentiment. I love all things family and tradition. There’s something special about having the perfect picture window to place the Christmas tree in front of each year. Establishing a homestead to raise a generation and have them return each year with their own children is a worthy goal. I can relate to desire to create memories with loved ones gathered around the kitchen counter or dining table. And to etch a child’s height on the doorway molding throughout the years. To have a mantle to hang stockings on each year. To have that big wall in the family room on which to hang pictures of the kids as they grow throughout the years.

But as a believer, whenever I hear the phrase “forever home” I pause, because there’s something lacking in the sentiment. Actually, a few somethings. First, it assumes we know the future. We all want a semblance of control in our lives. Who wouldn’t want to know that you’ll live in the same house, in the same town for the rest of your life? By declaring something as “forever” we attempt to take that control, to steer our life where we want it to go. Yet to declare that where one lives as a “forever home” assumes that we know God’s plan for our lives. But as Proverbs reminds us “The heart of man plans his way, but the LORD establishes his steps” (16:9). It may be that we live in one place for five years and then God calls us to relocate elsewhere. Like all our goals and plans in life, the very place we live ought to be held loosely, yielding to God’s sovereign will and plan. As James exhorts, “you ought to say, “If the Lord wills, we will live and do this or that” (4:15).

Sometimes, the idea of a “forever home” can become an idol we worship. It can be held up as the epitome of success and achievement in life. It can be one of those things we strive for, so much so, we aren’t satisfied or content until we have it. A house becomes that one thing we think will make us feel content and at peace. I know my own heart has whispered “If only I had__________” (a bigger house, a house with a yard, a house with a playroom, a house with an open concept to hosts friends, a house closer to friends, etc). We look to the perfect home to give our lives meaning and purpose and identity, rather than the One who made us.

The idea of a “forever home” also presupposes that God wants us to park ourselves in one spot and plant roots in the soil of this world. Many in our culture view this world as all there is. They don’t believe in life after death; therefore, they have to live their “best life now.” They have to meet all their goals, achieve all their dreams, and acquire all they can in the here and now. For some, that includes a “forever home.” If life ends at death, it makes sense that one would want a beautiful home to live in “forever.” But for those who are in Christ, we know that this world is not all there is. We are pilgrims— nomads on a journey in this world. This is not our home. Like Abraham, whom God called to himself and set him on a journey to the land of Canaan, we are on a journey to a place God has promised for us. And like Abraham, we won’t settle in that place in this life—he didn’t own but a burial plot when he died.

Our own Savior didn’t have a home of his own (Matt. 8:20). When Jesus ascended into heaven, he said he was going to prepare a forever place for us. One day he will return to judge the earth and make all things new. On that day, we will receive our “forever home.” We will live on the new earth for all eternity, worshiping and praising the One whom is our home and dwelling place. “Behold, the dwelling place of God is with man. He will dwell with them, and they will be his people, and God himself will be with them as their God” (Rev. 21:3).

There’s nothing wrong with settling into a home and raising a family there. It’s a blessing not everyone gets to experience, but it is one to be appreciated. We just have to remember that it’s not our ultimate joy. The perfect home will not make us feel complete and whole. It’s a temporary dwelling, a safe and dry place to lay our heads and eat meals with the ones we love. Like any good gift from God, our homes ought to point us to him. Because our real home—our forever home—is found in the presence of God himself.