Morning By Morning #228

[Isaac] went out to the field one evening to meditate.

Genesis 24:63

From the pen of Charles Spurgeon:

Isaac’s meditation was a worthy use of his time. Those who spend a great deal of time in idleness with friends, light reading, or useless hobbies could learn wisdom from Isaac. They would find more profitable fellowship and use of their time in meditation than in the vain activities that now have greater appeal to them. We would all know more, live closer to God, and mature in grace more if we spent more time alone in meditation. Meditation “chews the cud,” extracting the nutrients from the mental food gathered elsewhere. Thus, when Jesus is the focus of our meditation, it is indeed satisfying and useful. Remember, Isaac found Rebecca while engaged in personal meditation, just as many others have found their beloved mate.

Isaac’s choice of the place to meditate is worthy of note as well. In the outdoors we see numerous things upon which to meditate, from tall cedars to small hyssop plants, from soaring eagles above to chirping grasshoppers below, and from the blue expanse of heaven to a drop of dew. All these things are ripe with teaching, and when our eyes are divinely opened, that teaching flashes into our minds far more vividly than knowledge from written books. The inside of our house is not nearly as healthy, pleasant, thought provoking, or inspiring as the great outdoors. We should think of nothing in creation as common or unclean, but recognize that all created things point to their Maker. Then the outdoors will immediately become a holy place to us.

Isaac’s choice of the time of day to meditate is also worthy of note. He chose the time when sunset is drawing its veil over the day, the perfect time for calming the soul and allowing earthborn cares to yield to the joys of heavenly communion. The glory of the setting sun and the solemnity of approaching night awaken our sense of wonder and awe.

If your schedule allows it, dear reader, it would be quite worthwhile for you to spend an hour walking outdoors this evening. But if you are in the city, the Lord is there as well, and will meet you in your room or even in the crowded street. Wherever you may be, let your heart go forth to meet with Him today.

From the pen of Jim Reimann:

Meditation often carries a negative connotation, probably due to its practice by many cults. Yet meditation is a biblical concept. What’s critical is the object of our meditation, and the Psalms gives us a good list to focus upon:

“O God, we meditate on your unfailing love” (48:9).

“I will meditate on all your works and consider all your mighty deeds” (77:12).

“I meditate on your precepts and consider your ways” (119:15).

“Your servant will meditate on your decrees” (119:23).

“I will meditate on your wonders” (119:27).

“Oh, how I love your law! I meditate on it all day long” (119:97).

“I meditate on your statutes” (119:99).

“I…meditate on your promises” (119:148).

“May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be pleasing in your sight, O LORD, my Rock and my Redeemer” (Ps. 19:14).