As we’ve seen in the previous Notes in this series, the proper, Biblical way of meditation is not at all passive; whereas Eastern meditation tells us to deny our God-given faculties, in the Bible we see the Old Testament saints using their mind, emotion, and will to meditate upon God, His works, and His word. This is a very healthy, even necessary, spiritual practice that will greatly enrich our relationship with God and our own Christian life and service. (See “The Biblical Practice of Meditation”: Part 1 | Part 2).

Psalm 119 in particular is the unique portion of Scripture that shows us what it means to meditate upon the word of God. It was not simply that the psalmist read the Bible, or studied it so he could keep the law; rather, he came to the Scripture to spend time in it, treasure it, and rejoice in it, because he truly loved the word of God; what a pattern he is for us in this regard, to show us how we ourselves should treasure the Bible and come to it!

Throughout this psalm the writer is speaking directly to the Lord regarding his love for His word, and telling Him how he meditates upon it:

I will meditate on Your precepts,
And contemplate Your ways.
— verse 15

My hands also I will lift up to Your commandments,
Which I love,
And I will meditate on Your statutes.
— verse 48

Why did he love the word? Because of its purity:

Your word is very pure;
Therefore Your servant loves it.
— verse 140

So, he would consider it throughout the day:

Oh how I love Your law!
It is my meditation all the day.
— verse 97

…And even rise up at night to spend time in the word:

My eyes are awake through the night watches,
That I may meditate on Your word.
— verse 148

…And before the dawn as well:

I rise before the dawning of the morning,
And cry for help;
I hope in Your word.
— verse 147

And he truly valued what he found in the word more than whatever riches the world had to offer:

I have rejoiced in the way of Your testimonies,
As much as in all riches.
— verse 14

The law of Your mouth is better to me
Than thousands of gold and silver.
— verse 72

Therefore I love Your commandments
More than gold, yes, than fine gold!
— verse 127

So, while others might rejoice in gaining the wealth this world has to offer, the psalmist rejoiced in finding the truths of God’s word:

I rejoice at Your word
As one who finds great treasure.
— verse 162

Very simply, the word of God was so sweet to the psalmist, and is what caused his heart to rejoice:

How sweet are Your words to my taste,
Sweeter than honey to my mouth!
— verse 103

Your testimonies I have taken as a heritage forever,
For they are the rejoicing of my heart.
— verse 111

How the psalmist loved the word of God and gave himself to be in it! And this is how we, too, as the believers in Christ, should value the Bible and come to it today. We should even tell the Lord, “Lord, grant me such a hunger for your word!”

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—  15 January 2025 —