2 Corinthians 7:1 Since we have these promises, dear friends, let us purify ourselves from everything that contaminates body and spirit, perfecting holiness out of reverence for God.

Logically speaking, the more we understand God’s promises to us, the more we will respond to Him in full obedience, living as He desires and no other way. Unfortunately, most humans aren’t very logical! We hang onto things that do us no good and we fail to take up the things God offers us in their place. The simple act of regular morning devotions is an excellent case in point. We choose late-night TV programs over getting up in the morning to spend time with God. Likewise, we choose the vocabulary and speaking patterns of the world over letting God use our mouths to bless people and draw them to Him. The problem, I think, is how much we let God’s Word penetrate into the depths of our being. Most people don’t have much idea of how to meditate on Scripture. “Meditation” is something of a new-age buzzword, but it makes all the difference in the world – and in eternity – what you meditate on, if you really understand meditation in the first place. The thing is, we really aren’t very bright, whatever our IQ might be. The Bible isn’t really that complicated, but we need to take it in over and over and over again for it to penetrate and overcome the lies to which we have become accustomed. After all, the devil is “a liar and the father of lies.” (John 8:44) That, incidentally, is one reason why it is so very helpful to get the Word into children before the world system fills their minds and hearts with junk. We are seeing overwhelming evidence of the latter these days. However, adults won’t be very successful in getting Biblical principles into children if they aren’t living by them themselves. We need to start by examining our own priorities under the guidance of Holy Spirit, and then ask His help in living out our adjusted priorities. That’s what Biblical meditation is all about: not examining the Word, but letting the Word examine us. If we will do that, we will discover that God’s promises are trustworthy indeed, as they are fulfilled in every area of our lives.

I had the huge advantage of being raised in a home of faith and obedience to God, but I don’t recall ever being taught how to meditate on the Word. We were a very musical family, and I really think good hymns came closest to meditation for me. I remember one time, when I was no more than junior high school age, that I sat on my bed and the lyrics of Just as I am ran through my mind and heart, and I had deep fellowship with God. Even though I got horribly mired in spiritual pride after that, that experience convinces me that I was indeed a genuine Christian, even from my baptism at seven. Today I have far more actual Scripture in me, but Christian songs are still a very valuable part of my relationship with God. Some “ear worms” can be huge blessings!

Father, thank You for what You are teaching me about meditating on Your truth, whether it is Scripture or Scripturally sound music. The Messiah enabled me to memorize a lot of Scripture! Help me keep growing in living out Your word and not deceiving myself, (James 1:22) so that all of Your purposes for me may be fulfilled, for Your glory. Thank You. Praise God!