The Art of Biblical Meditation

by Cheri Cowell

Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in your sight, O Lord, my rock and my redeemer. Psalm 19:14 ESV

Your minister might use that prayer in sermon preparation. When I share with others that I meditate, some of them conjure images of cross-legged yoga students in sweatpants, or tie-dyed hippies with crystals and incense. Sadly, the practice of meditation has its share of artificial counterparts.

Rooted in the Bible

After the death of Moses, God instructed Joshua in obedience saying, “This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do according to all that is written in it” (Joshua 1:8 ESV).

The word meditate in both verses above is translated from two Hebrew words, haga and siach. Taken to their basics, these words mean, “to hear and obey.”

Essentially, we are to be still and listen while actively obeying. As Joshua meditated on the Word of the Lord, he internalized those words deep into his heart. Once internalized, the externalization of those words into deeds would naturally occur.

As I studied the ancient practice of biblical meditation, I learned a few things worth sharing.

Stillness

Our world is so busy. When we lay our heads on the pillow at night, we are far from being still.  Even if we could quiet our minds, this is different from what stillness means. When we surrender to God, we become more aware of our shortcomings. We become sinners standing before a pure and holy God.

Hearing

The next step in biblical meditation is hearing from God. To the biblical writers, listening to God was akin to breathing. One of the most frequent questions I receive is about discerning God’s voice from the many others vying for our attention.

God’s voice is always consistent with his character. There is no inconsistency or incongruity in him. God has something intimate to say through the scriptures and the Holy Spirit.

Change

The crown fruit of meditation is the changed life. If our hearts are to be his dwelling place, then most of us need new hearts, or, at the very least, repairs. Thankfully, God is in the business of changing hearts.

Let me be clear: No matter how much we may want to change, we cannot do it ourselves. No matter how skillful, a heart surgeon cannot perform his own transplant. Changes of the heart only happen when we submit to The Great Physician.

Obedience

The transformed heart is meant to lead to a transformed life. The result will be that you and I will no longer struggle to know and do God’s will because knowing and doing the will of God will be a part of who we are from the inside out. Obeying God will become second nature.

Putting It into Practice

The Puritan writer Thomas Brooks gives us a picturesque description of biblical meditation and why it is essential for Christians today:

Remember that it is not hasty reading—but serious meditation on holy and heavenly truths, which makes them prove sweet and profitable to the soul. It is not the mere touching of the flower by the bee, which gathers honey but her abiding for a time on the flower which draws out the sweet. It is not he who reads most, but he who meditates most—who will prove to be the choicest, sweetest, wisest, and strongest Christian.

Join me in embracing this Christian practice, making meditations of our hearts acceptable to Our Lord, our rock and our redeemer.

This article is brought to you by the Advanced Writers and Speakers Association (AWSA).

About the author: As an author and sidewalk theologian, Cheri Cowell writes and speaks from a refreshing vulnerability about her own struggles with the deep questions of faith. A graduate of Asbury Theological Seminary, she shares her passion to help others apply biblical principles to the sidewalk issues of life.

Cheri is also a publisher (owner of EA Books) and writing coach. She is passionate about helping others see God’s Word come alive, and she is excited to expand that mission by helping fellow authors take advantage of the new publishing trends. For a list of where you can meet or hear Cheri, or to learn about publishing your own books visit http://www.eabookspublishing.com/ Cheri is the author of 365 Devotions for Peace. Learn more about Cheri and her ministry and other books at CheriCowell.com.

Join the conversation: Have you practiced meditation? What tips can you give us?

“Gobsmacked” by His Truth

by Tama Fortner

May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be pleasing to you, O Lord, my rock and my redeemer.  Psalm 19:14 NLT

It’s likely that we’ve all had a verse gently nudge our hearts in the right direction at one time or another. And, chances are, we’ve also had a verse step on our toes, because we were a little off-course. But have you ever had a verse just absolutely and completely rise up and gobsmack you?

(Just in case you’re unfamiliar with gobsmacking, according to Merriam-Webster, it means to be “overwhelmed with wonder, shock, or surprise.” I thought it might be a chiefly Southern word, but turns out it’s British. Who knew?)

Well, gobsmacked is exactly what happened to me early one morning. You see, I’ve gotten into the habit of reading a verse from a Bible app first thing every morning before I even get out of bed. (One of the better habits I’ve developed, unlike my obsession with flavored coffee creamers and constantly checking my phone.) Reading even just one verse always gives me something to think about, and I like knowing that the first thing I put into my brain each morning is God’s Word.

On that particular gobsmacking morning, the verse for the day was one I’ve read at least a thousand times. In fact, it’s one I often incorporate into my prayers.

May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be pleasing to you, O Lord, my rock and my redeemer. Psalm 19:14 NLT

So why the gobsmacking? Because I suddenly realized—or rather, the Lord pointed out to me—that I’ve been focusing on the first few words of the verse and then skimming over the next bit in order to jump to the promise part. And while I’ll never claim to have the words of my mouth completely bridled, I’ve been a little proud of the way I’ve been battling to wrestle them into submission, along with my facial expressions. (Though, my left eyebrow seems to have a will of its own and often shoots up like its own little “nonsense detector” before I can squash it down.)

But that meditation of my heart part? I confess I’ve been neglecting that. So on that gobsmacking morning, God pointed that fact out to me in no uncertain terms, making it crystal clear that I’ve got some serious work to do.

Because while, yes, I’ve been working on schooling my words and my face—and have even managed to send my left eyebrow into a time-out or two—the meditations of my heart have skipped around like a chaos of kids on the playground. I’ve rehearsed conversations in my mind, filling them with perfect replies and satisfyingly sharp retorts. I’ve held onto hurts and hardened my heart against those who delivered them. I may have smiled on the outside, but in my heart? I’ve sinned. Forgive me, Lord.

When God gobsmacked me with His truth that morning, I realized that He wants better. Expects better. And, in His infinite graciousness and patience, He will help this child of His to do better.

How? By turning it all over to Him. The challenging relationship. My perceived wounds. My perfect replies and sharp retorts.

When I entrust all those things to Him, He will help me stand strong against the temptation to (mentally) tear others down. He’ll give me the desire and the discipline to truly love my neighbor and my enemy as myself. And He will equip me to make the meditations of my heart pleasing to Him.

Thank You, God. And sorry I needed such a gobsmacking.

This article is brought to you by the Advanced Writers and Speakers Association (AWSA).

About the author: Tama Fortner is an ECPA award-winning and bestselling author with more than fifty titles to her credit, including her latest God, I Feel Sad: Bringing Big Emotions to a Bigger God, written with co-author and licensed counselor Michelle Nietert. To learn more, visit http://www.TamaFortner.com.

Join the conversation: Have you ever had a verse cause a gobsmacking moment? Please share!

Our Words Matter

by Marilyn Turk

“Sticks and stones may break my bones, but words can never hurt me. “You’ve probably heard that old adage before. But it’s not true. Words can hurt, perhaps even more than sticks and stones. Bones can usually mend in a matter of weeks, but we can remember hurtful words for years.

Words have power for good or bad. Words can inspire or destroy. They can encourage or tear down. They can bless or curse. They can be instruments of war or of peace. “With the tongue we praise our Lord and Father, and with it we curse human beings, who have been made in God’s likeness” (James 3:9 NIV).

The Bible refers to our words, tongue, and mouth over a thousand times, so they must be important to God. We should consider the impact of our words.

Words Can Harm

In the Ten Commandments, we are told to be careful with our words.

“You shall not misuse the name of the Lord your God, for the Lord will not hold anyone guiltless who misuses his name” (Exodus 20:7 NIV).

“You shall not give false testimony against your neighbor” (Exodus 20:16 NIV).

But there are other ways we can misuse words. “The words of a gossip are like choice morsels;
they go down to the inmost parts” (Proverbs 18:8 NIV). Gossip is defined as sharing information that shouldn’t be shared, whether it’s true or not. How easy it is to get caught up in gossip!

Words can make others angry. Just look at today’s world, and you see evidence of that truth. “A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger” (Proverbs 15:1 NIV).

How many times could situations and relationships be different if someone hadn’t said something offensive to another?

Words Can Benefit

Our words can and should be used for good. Our words can comfort, calm, heal hurts, and encourage others.

“Gracious words are a honeycomb, sweet to the soul and healing to the bones” (Proverbs 16:24 NIV).

“Anxiety weighs down the heart, but a kind word cheers it up” (Proverbs 12:25 NIV).

“Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen” (Ephesians 4:29 NIV).

Who wouldn’t prefer to be around someone whose words are gracious, kind, and encouraging?

How does one build others up according to their needs? You can encourage them. The word ‘encouragement’ means “to put courage into.” Many years ago, I ran in a 10k Fourth of July road race. Not being a consistent runner, I was tempted to stop and rest several times during the race. But people were lined up on each side of the road, cheering and encouraging the runners on. Their words like “you can do it,” gave me the courage to continue.

Would you rather hear praise or criticism? Most people prefer praise. Research has shown that it takes five positive comments to counteract one negative one.

Written words can provide the same effect, like when the church of Antioch received a letter from the church in Jerusalem. “The people read it and were glad for its encouraging message” (Acts 15:31 NIV). Don’t you like to get good mail? I do.

To help you use your words wisely, try praying this verse every day:

May these words of my mouth and this meditation of my heart be pleasing in your sight, Lord, my Rock and my Redeemer.” Psalm 19:14 NIV

About the author: Award-winning author Marilyn Turk writes historical and contemporary fiction flavored with suspense and romance. Marilyn also writes devotions for Daily Guideposts. She and her husband are lighthouse enthusiasts, have visited over 100 lighthouses and also served as volunteer lighthouse caretakers at Little River Light off the coast of Maine.

When not writing or visiting lighthouses, Marilyn enjoys walking, boating, fishing, gardening, tennis, playing with grandkids and her golden retriever Dolly.

She is a member of American Christian Fiction Writers, Faith, Hope and Love, Word Weavers International, and the United States Lighthouse Society. You can find more on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, and Goodreads.

Join the conversation: What will you do with your words today?

The Gift of Words

by Shirley Brosius

May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be pleasing in your sight, O Lord, my Rock and my Redeemer. Psalm 19:14 BSB

After taking in mail for a friend while she vacationed, she sent me a gift—six small LED flashlights. How practical, I thought, as I distributed them throughout our home. When I called to thank her, she said, “You know why I got you those flashlights, don’t you?” She explained that once, when our power had failed and I was caught without a light, I told her I was going to have my husband put flashlights in every room of the house. She wanted to furnish those lights. My friend remembered my words months after I had spoken . . . and forgotten . . . them.

Our words—whether delightful or derogatory—impact others. They plant seeds. And their words affect us. I still remember the words of a patient pastor to always read the Bible in context when I, as a new Christian, visited him with questions about Bible passages. I still remember the words of teachers who told me I could go to college to become a teacher even though I lacked finances.

A woman once approached me at a church bazaar to tell me how much it meant to her when, 40 years earlier, I invited her to serve on her high school yearbook staff. She said she would never have had the confidence to join had I not encouraged her. It turned out to be such a positive experience for her. Truth be told, she was doing me, as yearbook advisor, a favor. She was an excellent student, and I knew she would be an asset to the staff. But little did I know how insecure she felt.

The words we hear may bless our lives, but I also hear the cruel words of teasing classmates echo across the decades. They knocked down my self-esteem and made me feel bad about getting good grades and having a lanky body.

An older sister often joked that my legs were my redeeming feature. I suppose she meant it as a compliment, but it made me wonder what was wrong with the rest of me. Why did the rest of my body need redemption?

In his letter, James warned of the destruction words could cause: “See how great a forest is set aflame by such a small fire! And the tongue is a fire, the very world of iniquity; the tone is set among our members as that which defiles the entire body, and set on fire the course of our life, and is set on fire by hell” (James 3:5-6 NASB). Just a few misplaced words have potential to change a life, for better or worse.  

We dole out words on a daily basis—to children, spouses, coworkers, friends and even store clerks. We communicate through emails, text messages, phone calls and face-to-face conversations. Do we think about the messages we send through the words we choose? Do we realize that we plant seeds or sow weeds with our words?

What words do we allow to enter our minds? Do the characters we watch on television show grace or do they promote crudeness and rudeness in relationships? Do our children learn words of disrespect for authority by the shows we allow them to watch? Even game show hosts may promote sarcasm and disdain for the inept.

As they say, “garbage in/garbage out.” We need to watch not only our own words but the words of others to evaluate how they affect us and our families. Do they make you doubt your uniqueness as a person made in the image of God?

Go out today and encourage someone to use their God-given abilities to step up to the plate, whatever that plate may be. Mind your words because others mind them as well. Plant seeds and block weeds from growing in your garden of relationships.

This article is brought to you by the Advanced Writers and Speakers Association (AWSA).

About the author: An author and speaker from Millersburg, Pennsylvania, Shirley Brosius has written Sisterhood of Faith: 365 Life-Changing Stories about Women Who Made a Difference and coauthored Turning Guilt Trips into Joy Rides. She speaks at women’s events throughout the east as a member of Friends of the Heart, three women who share God’s love through messages, skits and song. Shirley has a daughter waiting in heaven, and she enjoys passing on inspirational thoughts and books to two married sons and five grandchildren.

Join the conversation: What impacts have the words of others had on your life?

Words Matter

by Kolleen Lucariello

Recently, as our daughter and son-in-law prepared to head south for the week, the thought of 18-hours in a van with two kids and two dogs brought them some angst. They decided to drive through the night, in hopes that their two children (ages four and six) would sleep through a good part of the journey.

All was quiet as they traveled along the highway in the early morning hours until two cars began to pull some reckless stunts. This angered my son-in-law to become frustrated, and in anger, he said out loud, “These guys are idiots! This guy is an idiot and that guy is an idiot!”

After letting his irritation out, the car remained silent for the next few moments. But then a little voice from the back said, “Maybe the guy in the first car is calling you an idiot, Daddy.” Whoops! Who would ever imagine his little four-year-old daughter in the seat behind him was awake and listening at 2 a.m.?

Those around us can easily be forgotten when we are frustrated and feel a need to vent. That’s what happened to Miriam and Aaron when they became angry with their brother, Moses. The words they spoke to each other’s ears also reached the Lord’s. Whoops! He wasn’t happy and “suddenly said to Moses, Aaron, and Miriam, ‘Come out, you three, to the tabernacle of meeting!’ So the three came out” (Numbers 12:4, NKJV). That’s when they, and the entire camp, would discover the Lord’s distaste for hasty speech. Miriam would suffer from leprosy and be shut out of the camp for seven days as a consequence of her careless words (Numbers 12:15).

What we say matters. Proverbs has a lot to say about the destruction words can cause; they can be used to ambush, cause tempers to flare, and crush the spirit.

But the words we choose can also build up rather than tear down. A word carefully spoken can turn away wrath and bring healing to a relationship. We can encourage, strengthen others, and even save lives by what we choose to say. Proverbs calls those kind of words “honey to the soul” (Proverbs 16:24 NKJV).

How can we guard our tongues to be used for good rather than destruction? According to Jesus, our words flow out of what has been stored up in the heart (Matthew12: 35-37). We can’t transform our hearts, but God can. Spending time in His Word and in conversation with Him will renew our minds. And that will lead to the transformation of our hearts (Romans 12:2).

When we learn of and experience the love, kindness, and grace of God, those things will overflow though our words into the lives of others. What’s in your heart?

“Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in Your sight,
O Lord, my strength and my Redeemer” (Psalm 19:14, NKJV).

Kolleen Lucariello, #TheABCGirl, is the author of the devotional book, The ABC’s of Who God Says I Am. Kolleen shares her struggle with identity authentically, bravely with compassion and humor as she seeks to help others change their identity – one letter at a time. Kolleen and her high school sweetheart, Pat, make their home in Central New York. She’s mother of three married children and five beautiful grandkids. For more information about Kolleen, visit her at www.speakkolleen.com.

Free Book Contest!  Arise Daily will use a random number generator to pick a winner from today’s comments. To enter our contest for Kolleen’s devotional book,  The ABC’s of Who God Says I Am, please comment below.  By posting in our comments, you are giving us permission to share your name if you win!  If you have an outside the US mailing address, your prize could be substituted with an e-book of our choice.

Join the conversation: Share a time when God used your words for good.