Meditating on the Psalms
When we faithfully practice biblical meditation, we will discover that the Holy Spirit has been busy transforming our thinking, emotions, and actions so that we will be more pleasing to God. (Psalm 1:2-3) That is good news!
Godly meditation has seven requirements:
- First, we must set aside time. Then we can attune our hearts and minds to His, ponder His words, and receive the Spirit's help in translating God's instructions for our particular situation.
- Second, we need stillness. We must stop activities in order to sit quietly before the Lord and center on Him. We may choose to read Scripture or listen to music to help us gain that focus. But at some point, our minds must be on God alone.
- Seclusion—being by ourselves—is the third requirement. Jesus modeled this for us. (Mark 1:35)
- Silence, or ceasing our side of the conversation, is the fourth aspect of meditation. Hearing from God is far more important than our speaking.
- To spend time in stillness, seclusion, and silence requires self-control—the fifth requirement of spiritual meditation. It also is needed to quiet our spirits and set aside distractions.
- The sixth key element is our sensitivity to what God is telling us. Our receptivity will increase over time as we make a habit of meditating.
- Finally, we need a submissive spirit. God will reveal much to the one who has submitted to His authority before receiving an answer.
As we develop a deep, abiding hunger to embrace God's ways, we will find these steps increasingly easy to follow.
These meditations are intended to take the student of Scripture through the book of Psalms. The Psalms are uniquely grouped together with brief comments. The intention is for the reader to ponder and meditate as one journeys through this wonderful book designed for worship and inspiration. I will continue to add more meditations under this tab.
~ Mark Wash ~