Meditation and the Psalms
by Dave Gillogly
Meditation has become a hot topic. Between Covid, politics, social media, the war in Ukraine and plain old busyness, people are desperately looking for ways to alleviate the stress of daily living. Psychologists, physiologists and neurologists have found that the ancient practice of meditation relieves stress, calms our minds, and benefits us mentally, emotionally and physically. It’s just plain good for us.
Well, that’s no surprise to God. His word repeatedly encourages us to meditate (23 times to be exact; 19 in the Psalms alone). To relax and focus our minds on Him, His Word, what He has done and is doing, on gratitude for His grace and mercy and generosity to us. If we’re going to meditate and receive all its other benefits, why not receive the most important benefit…the spiritual one.
There are a zillion books and articles that can help us get started. If you search for books on Christian meditation, you’ll find any number of resources. Since meditation is simple to learn, any of them will get the job done.
That brings me to a suggestion that I read about several years ago and has been a wonderful practice for me. We know that meditating on God’s word is both recommended in the Bible and mentioned, as if taken for granted as a regular practice, numerous times, but how do you do it correctly? The Bible doesn’t give us an instruction manual, it just says do it. Here is how I learned:
Find a quiet place, get comfortable and relax bringing your mind to God. Find a Psalm (no coincidence we are reading the Psalms this year) or some other passage that you like and single out a portion and concentrate on that. As an example, let’s use the first line of the 23rd Psalm, “The Lord is my shepherd.”
With your eyes closed repeat to yourself, “The Lord is my shepherd,” emphasizing the word shepherd. Think about a shepherd, what he does, and how he provides for his sheep. Maybe even imagine a shepherd with his flock in a green pasture beside still water. Perhaps imagine that shepherd looking like your image of Jesus.
Repeat the phrase again emphasizing “my shepherd.” Think about how Jesus cares for you. How He shepherds your life and all that that means in terms of security, peace, provision, grace and mercy.
Next repeat, “The Lord is my shepherd.” Is. Not will be, should be, could be, but is right now, every day, every minute.
Now emphasize, “The Lord is my shepherd.” Not just anyone, not just a kind, compassionate person, but the Lord of all creation, our Creator, Savior and God.
Finally, “The Lord is my shepherd.” The Lord. The only real and everlasting Lord of all.
Spend as long as you like on each repetition and really think about what it is saying, and what the Holy Spirit is revealing to you. There’s no right amount of time, just follow the Holy Spirit’s leading. You’ll know when you’re finished. Then thank God for His presence and teaching, open your eyes and return to whatever your day requires.
That’s all there is to it. I love this method and find it very helpful. If your mind wanders (which it will), just acknowledge that and come back to the word or phrase you were concentrating on. Ask God to help you focus.
Another Scripture that I return to regularly is, “Be still and know that I am God.” Emphasize “Be still and know that I am God.” Then, “Be still and know that I am.” Then, “Be still and know.” Then, “Be still.” And finally, “Be.”
These are only a couple of examples; use some of your own favorite verses or something in the Psalms you read in this morning’s devotion.
Another way to practice this kind of meditation is to use other sources such as hymns. Many of the Psalms were hymns. Pastors Rick and Abe have mentioned in sermons in the past few weeks that Psalms 113 through 118 were sung at Passover and were probably sung by Jesus and the apostles at the Last Supper.
One hymn I really like for this practice is “Great is Thy Faithfulness,” as it contains lots of meditative phrases. When I’m out walking or fishing, I like “This is My Father’s World” or “Morning Has Broken” or “How Great Thou Art.” Honestly, I have to admit that while fishing, my mind often modifies “Rise Up O’ Men of God” to “Rise Up O’ Fish of God.” Trout rise from below to eat a fly off the surface of a stream or lake, which gets stuck in my head to the same tune.
If you don’t have a hymnal, get one online or at a local Christian bookstore. Reading a hymn is great for morning meditations or just before sleep at night.
The point of all this is not meditation, regardless of how beneficial it is. The Bible recommends meditation as a way to be close to God. We were created for fellowship with Him. All things, including you and me, were created for his pleasure (Rev. 4:11). He delights in our friendship with Him. He is always with us and wants us to be conscious of Him all the time. Meditation is one good path for that. The Bible says to “be transformed by the renewing of your mind” (Rom. 12:2). Meditation on Scripture and godly things is one way the Holy Spirit renews our minds. See if meditation won’t help you to feel closer to God and more refreshed to serve Him throughout your day.
Author Bio
Dave Gillogly has been a member of Council Road for 44 years and is a guy who has been blessed by so many lifters in his life that he can hardly keep his feet on the ground. He’s trying to return the favor.