by Chris Steele

April 29, 2007

There is a tremendous value in meditation. Not just any kind of meditating, but contemplating on the marvelous wonders of this world; how the great God of heaven made them all, and how we ought to devote time and energy in deeper reflection of our relationship with the Almighty and His Word.

Our lives are filled with distractions of all sorts, pulling us in every direction. If we are not careful, we let the things of this life fill our minds with so much that we do not take the time to think on the most important things — our souls and the souls of others. If we could take a simple survey of our thoughts during the course of any given day, how often would they focus on God or the things associated with Him? When we look at common sights like trees, or birds, or the stars in the night sky, do they draw our attention toward heaven and the Creator that made them all? When we look at people on the street, do we see souls that need the saving blood of Jesus Christ?

David said, “Make me understand the way of thy precepts, so I will meditate on thy wonders” (Psalm 119:172). The Psalmist was lead to thoughts of God when he meditated on Jehovah’s “glorious splendor” and “wonderful works” (Psalm 145:5). Paul adds the idea that the very attributes of God; things that cannot be actually seen with the human eye, are clearly understood through the things that are made. “For the invisible things of him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even his eternal power and Godhead...” (Romans 1:19-20). The heart of this same apostle yearned for the opportunity to introduce the wonderful Creator to a lost and dying populace (Rom 1:14-16; 10:1ff).

To meditate on the wonderful creation around us is crucial in directing our minds toward God and that part of creation that was made in His image. A mind that is inclined toward Jehovah is one that will search out His will and do it. “Blessed is the man” whose “delight is in the law of the Lord; and in his law doth he meditate day and night” (Psalms 1:1-2). “How beautiful are the feet of them that preach the gospel of peace, and bring glad tidings of good things!” (Romans 10:15).