What do cows and meditation have in common?
Cows belong to a group of animals called ruminants. They have 4 stomachs, one of which is the rumen. It is like a big fermentation vat. It sort of pre-digests the food. The cow then brings back up the food and chews on it until it can be completely digested and returned to the system to provide energy and nutrition to the cow. Yes, it sounds disgusting!
Meditation on the Word of God has similarities to the rumination process of a cow except we are ruminating, meditating on the Word of God so that we can digest it to feed our souls. (“Man shall not live by bread alone but by every word that proceeds out of the mouth of God.” Mt.4:4). So, when we meditate on the Word of God, we are taking in the Word of God, then bringing it back up into our conscious mind so we can absorb it into our souls.
Plumb and Mutter
Meditation is a process God has provided for us so that we can plumb the depths of the Word of God and grasp truths about Him. Meditation is a way in which we can come to know God more deeply and strengthen our ability to trust in Him.
The word meditate is very rich in meaning. In the Hebrew language it comes from a word meaning:
- mutter, moan, growl, utter, muse, ponder, meditate;
- to speak with oneself, murmuring in a low voice as one often does when musing or comparing;
- to read syllable by syllable.
Perhaps this is what the psalmist meant when he said: “My mouth speaks wisdom; my heart’s meditation brings (speaks) understanding.” Psalm 49:3
A Picture of Meditation
The picture of meditation is not necessarily that of someone sitting cross legged on the floor staring vacuously into space. It is possibly more the picture of the professor walking the floor, mulling over his theorems and muttering to himself, pondering meanings and connections, and coming up with deeper understandings.
Meditation involves active thinking upon something, turning it over and over in your mind and even muttering it. Muttering would involve thinking about it and repeating it over and over as in grasping for meaning, perhaps saying it with different emphasis, finding connections between the words within the passage and between other passages. It is not merely the muttering or repetition associated with memorizing.
Sighing and Groaning in Meditation
Sometimes meditation will involve sighing in joy, as well as at the beauty of truth, or groaning upon conviction.
In fact, meditation may be born from our groaning under sadness or stress. Psalm 77 is excellent for showing us about meditation. In verses 2-3 we see that sadness and distress motivated meditation. In these verses we also see the connection with groaning and meditation.
- “When I was in distress, I sought the Lord; at night I stretched out untiring hands, and I would not be comforted. I remembered you, God, and I groaned; I meditated, and my spirit grew faint.” Ps. 77:2-3
The Word, His Deeds, His Character and Promises
The scriptures encourage us to meditate on the Word of God, on the acts of God as revealed in His Word and in our lives, on God’s character and nature, and on His promises.
- I will remember the deeds of the LORD; yes, I will remember your wonders of old. I will ponder all your work, and meditate on your mighty deeds. Ps. 77:11-12
- I remember the days of old; I meditate on all Your doings; I muse on the work of Your hands. Ps. 143:5
- I shall delight in Your statutes; I shall not forget Your word. Ps. 119:15-16
- On the glorious splendor of Your majesty and on Your wonderful works, I will meditate. Ps. 145:5
- My eyes stay open through the watches of the night that I may meditate on your promises. Psalm 119:148
There Are Blessings in Muttering the Word
Meditation yields benefits. The focal point of meditating on God’s Word is to know Him. In Psalm 46: 10 the Spirit commands that we be still and know that God is God. Such understanding comes through meditating on truths about God and on His great deeds.
Another blessing of meditation is found in Ps. 16:7, “I will bless the LORD who has counseled me; indeed, my mind instructs me in the night.” Pondering and muttering on the Word of God counsels and comforts our heart and instructs our mind.
In Psalm 1:2-3 reveals that meditation enlivens and nurtures are spirit making us fruitful and effective in every season of our life.
In Psalm 119:11 we learn that taking time to meditate on the Word of God helps us to live righteously: “Your Word I have treasured in my heart, that I might not sin against You.”
Finally, we see the blessing of joy as shown in Psalm 119:15-16, “I will meditate on Your precepts and regard Your ways. I shall delight in Your statutes; I shall not forget Your word.” The Word of God can be a source of joy to us.
Meditation and You
In my experience meditation on the Word of God, on God’s deeds and character is a way I commune with God. Such meditation always causes me to praise and thank God. It opens my mind to understand who God is and who I am in relation to God. I begin to see the goodness of God. It helps to humble me. It increases my ability to trust God for my life.
The problem is I can be so busy and task oriented that I neglect this wonderful way of communing with God. I want to encourage us to take time to meditate on God and His Word. Do not be satisfied with just reading it, but “chew” on it. As you read the Word set aside certain passages to meditate on. Make a collection of such verses, categorize them by concept or focus and regularly dip into your treasure chest and think, ponder, and mutter on them, and grow. Happy chewing!