by Pastor Patrick Cho
Editor’s Note: Patrick recently preached a couple of sermons that are relevant to this topic, specifically “Get It Right to Do It Right (Part 1)” and “Get It Right to Do It Right (Part 2).”
Chapter 2 of Fundamentals of the Faith walks you through the process of Bible intake and study. It’s in this chapter that you are taught the importance of hearing, reading, studying, memorizing, and meditating on God’s Word. Only then can you truly have a good grip on God’s truth. A particularly helpful point is made at the beginning of the chapter about the importance of meditation. If each of these aspects of Scripture intake is like a finger on the hand, meditation is like the thumb. You can’t truly get a powerful grip on God’s Word if you don’t take time to meditate on what it says.
Biblical meditation is not some mystical exercise of emptying your mind and focusing on nothingness. It isn’t a numinous process to achieve enlightenment or some transcendental state. Meditation is really about trying to remove anything that might hinder complete focus and to fill your mind with God’s truth. It is about keeping the Bible on your mind so that you contemplate its words, meaning, and applicability.
The Psalmist writes, “Blessed is the man who walks not in the counsel of the wicked, nor stands in the way of sinners, nor sits in the seat of scoffers; but his delight is in the law of the LORD, and on his law he meditates day and night” (Ps. 1:1-2). If taking in God’s truth is like consuming spiritual food and drink, meditation is the slow digestive process to internalize its contents (cf. Matt. 4:4; 1 Pet. 2:2). This is an ongoing process where the Word of God is on your heart day and night (Ps. 1:2); when you can’t sleep at night (Ps. 63:6); and all day long (Ps. 119:97).
When he gave the instruction of God’s Law to the people, Moses commanded them to keep God’s Word on their hearts (Deut. 6:6-9). They were constantly to speak of the Law to their children, in their homes, on their way, and throughout the day. The precepts of God’s Law would then influence everyday decisions and actions. God desired for His people to be reminded of His Word at every moment so that they could think His thoughts and make decisions according to His will.
As important as it is to hear, read, study, and memorize God’s Word, these disciplines do not benefit the Christian as much unless he takes time to meditate. How often have you read God’s Word only to quickly forget what it says? How many times have you committed a verse to memory only to lose it by the end of the day? We do not retain God’s Word because we allow other thoughts to push it out of our minds. It is vitally important that you spend some time silently reflecting on His truth throughout the day so that you do not forget it.
This is one of the reasons we take a minute at the end of each Sunday service to reflect on the sermon and be reminded of the principles that were taught. It’s important to quiet your mind setting aside distractions and to focus your heart entirely on God’s Word. Even in that brief minute, it is helpful to consider the message that was taught before you leave the service. Before you get in your cars and drive away, you can take a moment to remind yourself of what was taught, thank God for what you learned, and think about what you can do in application.