Thoughts from daily Bible reading for today – December 30, 2020
May these words of my mouth and this meditation of my heart be pleasing in your sight, Lord, my Rock and my Redeemer. Psalm 19:14
Contemplation in the Christian tradition is meditation on God. Body, soul, spirit and mind have an undistracted focus on faith in the ever faithful one, Jesus Christ. Contemplation is not meant to create some ethereal, mystical moment to impress other Christ followers. It’s an immersion of love to be loved and to love like Jesus. The fruit of contemplation is becoming more like Christ. We are conformed into His image as our attention and affections are swept away by our Savior’s love. Contemplation calms our heart, connects our spirit with His Spirit, feeds our soul and energizes our body. We contemplate on God so He becomes greater and we grow in humility.
This phrase in Psalm 19 is a prayer, an apostolic benediction that keeps us centered on what matters most—the Lord, our Rock and our Redeemer. Our words are a reflection of our heart, so we make sure to meditate in our heart on what matters most—thoughts, words and actions that please the Lord. Words stirred in grace display luscious art on the canvas of life. Every word is a unique color and creation that brings attention to the Creator, or conspires with enemies of the faith: the world, the flesh and the devil. Love focuses on the faithful Rock, the generous Redeemer.
“Let the words from the book of the law be always on your lips. Meditate on them day and night so that you may be careful to live by all that is written in it. If you do, as you make your way through this world, you will prosper and always find success” (Joshua 1:8, The Voice).
Every life that changes for the good requires reminders and repetition in right thinking, being and doing—otherwise human nature drifts toward dizziness. Good has come out of the pandemic. A recalibration of hurried lives to focus on what matters most in life: faith, family, friends. Yes, some marriages have imploded over intense pain—hurt accelerated to the boiling point. But other relationships have taken the time to repair, regroup and move forward in total trust. If we don’t build in margin to contemplate on the Lord—He can make us lie down in green pastures!
By faith embrace the fact that contemplation saves you time. Your prayers are a sacrifice of praise to God who graciously receives and gives back to you in the form of blessings. The blessing of being healthy. The blessing of the necessities of life being more than taken care of. The blessing of children who want to be with you and who want to serve others. The blessing of work. The blessing of rest. The blessing of being loved and being able to love others well. Contemplate on Christ to change you. Ask Him how He loves you. Pause, listen and do likewise.
“O God, we meditate on your unfailing love” (Psalm 48:9).
Prayer
Heavenly Father, I praise you for your unfailing love, help me to love others as you love me, in Jesus’ name, amen.
Application
What life rhythms do I need to change, so Christ can change me through contemplation on His love for me?
Related Reading
Genesis 24:62-63; Psalm 1:1-2, 77:6-7; Romans 12:1-2; Philippians 4:8
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