Meditation

Many people wonder how to meditate on God's Word. I have a favorite method that really works for me. I take a verse, or part of a verse, and I meditate on and stress one word at a time. This way, the value of the verse sinks into the very depths of my soul. For instance, look at Psalm 23:1 - capitalized words are emphasized.

THE Lord

The LORD is

The Lord IS my shepherd

The Lord is MY shepherd

The Lord is my SHEPHERD

The Lord is my shepherd, I SHALL NOT

The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not WANT.

This does not change the meaning of the verse, but it puts the emphasis on a different word each time. This process grasps my soul to its very core, as the truth of each word infiltrates every cell in my body and its truth reverberates through my entire being! This method also helps me to memorize the verse a little at a time, because I clearly see each and every word.

Try it again with Psalm 104:1 -

BLESS the Lord,

Bless THE Lord

Bless the LORD

Bless the Lord, O my SOUL.

Bless the Lord, O my soul. O LORD my God

Bless the Lord, O my soul. O Lord MY God

Bless the Lord, O my soul. O Lord, My GOD

Bless the Lord, O my soul. O Lord, My God, YOU are

Bless the Lord, O my soul. O Lord, My God, You ARE

Bless the Lord, O my soul. O Lord, My God, You are VERY great

Bless the Lord, O my soul. O Lord, My God, You are very GREAT.

Prayer:

Father God, remind us to hide Your Word in our heart, so that we will not sin against You (Psalm 119:11). Meditating on Your Word encourages our soul, which gives life to our body (Psalm 43:5; Romans 8:11). Help us to fall asleep every night, deliberating on Your Words that we have hidden in our heart. Cause us to hear Your loving kindness in the morning, for we put all of our trust in You; help us to know the right way to live, as we lift up our soul to You (Psalm 143:8).

Thought for the Day:

I look forward to the night watches, so that I can meditate on God's Word. - Psalm 119:148

Hope Deferred

Read: 2 Thessalonians 2:16-17

“Hope deferred makes the heart sick, but when dreams come true, there’s life and joy.” - Proverbs 13:12 (TLB)

Depression often accompanies a time of disappointment or discouragement. We watch our hope dwindle away and our heart sinks into the quagmire of despair. A lost job, a failed relationship, a wayward teen, a child lost to tragedy or war, frustration with our government, the world’s environmental deterioration, the failing economy, disillusionment in the church’s leadership and so many other life events contribute to our mood. I know there is hope in Jesus, but sometimes I just cannot sense God’s direction for my life. I struggle to make a connection, yet He remains aloof.

At times like this, God knows there are worst gales of adversity ahead. He utilizes His silence to draw me closer. Like the tree planted by the water, I sink my roots deeper into Him. I follow the Psalmist’s example by encouraging my soul (Psalm 42:5). Only under the shadow of His wings do I find true and lasting peace. My only secure hope is in God. I praise Him, for He alone is the source of my comfort and joy.

PRAYER:

Lord, help us to remember that happy are they who have the God of eternity as their provider, and who keep their hope in You. Amen.

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY:

I put my hopes and dreams in the Lord’s hands. I know they are safe there.