Meditate by Ps Michael Podhaczky

Remarkably, within Christian circles, the word ‘meditate’ can be taboo or meet feelings of alarm. You may have heard some who say that meditation is part of eastern religions. However, the Psalmist revealed that “in His Law, they meditate day and night” (Ps 1:2 NASB). While there are several words used in the Bible, we will focus on the one used here in this Psalm. Consider some examples where it is used in other passages meaning:

·      To murmur, groan, mutter or chatter: Josh 1:8; Ps 1:2; 63:6; 77:12; 143:5; Is 33:18

·      To ponder, to talk with oneself aloud: Ps 119:15,23,48,78,148

·      Muse thoughtfully: Gen 24:63

·      To take care of carefully, resolve: 1 Tim 4:15

The first one in the list, i.e. ‘to murmur, groan or mutter’ is a good illustration of the meaning of the word. This is not merely inward, passive, self-reflection, and self-emptying as in Eastern meditation; instead it is an intentional and focused reflection on and filling the mind with the Word of the Lord. It is an active practice that I have nicknamed ‘cow theology.’ It is like the rumination of a cow. That is, we feed on His Word and swallow it down, only to bring it back up and mutter or chatter it to the Lord and ourselves, churning it over in our heart and mind. Then, we swallow it and bring it back up and mutter or chatter it again, repeating the practice until we have gotten all that He wants us to get from His Word at this present time.

So, how is your use of cow theology? Are you like the Psalmist, ‘in His Law’, meditating day and night? Chewing it over and over until you have gotten all that the Lord wants you to get from His word at this time?

Pause in His presence for a moment and think this over…