Habitual
Pt. 2: Meditation
By Louie Marsh, 1-26-2025
1) Biblical meditation is FOCUSED THINKING.
"34May my meditation be pleasing to him, for I rejoice in the Lord." (Psalm 104:34, ESV)
· Yes, I CAN do this!
"19But Mary treasured up all these things, pondering them in her heart." (Luke 2:19, ESV)
2) Different kinds of biblical meditation:
· For spiritual GROWTH.
…2but his delight is in the law of the Lord, and on his law he meditates day and night. 3He is like a tree planted by streams of water that yields its fruit in its season, and its leaf does not wither. In all that he does, he prospers. (Psalm 1:1–6, ESV)
· To SOLVE a problem.
"97Oh how I love your law! It is my meditation all the day. 98Your commandment makes me wiser than my enemies, for it is ever with me. 99I have more understanding than all my teachers, for your testimonies are my meditation. 100I understand more than the aged, for I keep your precepts. 101I hold back my feet from every evil way, in order to keep your word. 102I do not turn aside from your rules, for you have taught me. 103How sweet are your words to my taste, sweeter than honey to my mouth! 104Through your precepts I get understanding; therefore I hate every false way." (Psalm 119:97–104, ESV)
· To FIND the courage I need to obey God.
... 5No man shall be able to stand before you all the days of your life. Just as I was with Moses, so I will be with you. I will not leave you or forsake you. 6Be strong and courageous, for you shall cause this people to inherit the land that I swore to their fathers to give them. 7Only be strong and very courageous, being careful to do according to all the law that Moses my servant commanded you. Do not turn from it to the right hand or to the left, that you may have good success wherever you go. 8This 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. For then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have good success. 9Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go."" (Joshua 1:1–9, ESV)
· Courage comes when I DO what God says to do.
3) To be like Jesus I must understand & practice biblical MEDITATION.
"148My eyes are awake before the watches of the night, that I may meditate on your promise." (Psalm 119:148, ESV)
4) What to do while turning the other cheek.
"38"You have heard that it was said, 'An eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth.' 39But I say to you, Do not resist the one who is evil. But if anyone slaps you on the right cheek, turn to him the other also." (Matthew 5:38–39, ESV)
"23Even though princes sit plotting against me, your servant will meditate on your statutes." (Psalm 119:23, ESV)
"78Let the insolent be put to shame, because they have wronged me with falsehood; as for me, I will meditate on your precepts." (Psalm 119:78, ESV)
"19Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave it to the wrath of God, for it is written, "Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord." 20To the contrary, "if your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink; for by so doing you will heap burning coals on his head." 21Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good." (Romans 12:19–21, ESV)
