Psalm 1:2, “But his delight is in the law of the LORD, and in His law he meditates day and night.”

The definition of the word “meditate” from Strong’s Concordance is hâgâh,  to murmur (in pleasure or anger); by implication, to ponder.

So, then, what is God’s Law? Our Lord said, “You shall love the LORD your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind. This is the first and great commandment. And the second is like it: You shall love your neighbor as yourself. On these two commandments hang all the Law and the Prophets,” Matthew 22:37-40.

To meditate on God’s law is not, therefore, merely to think about the Ten Commandments; but rather, to ponder over the spirit of that law of love and to apply it to all the minutiae of life’s affairs.

Obviously, a person cannot literally think about the Scriptures only. We have our work and family which demand a great portion of our thoughts. However, in our free moments, our thoughts should return to things of the Lord, like the needle of a compass to the pole.

1 Thessalonians 5:17 and 18 give us further assistance. “Pray without ceasing” would indicate a condition of mind that is “tuned in” to our Father at all times, and “in everything, give thanks” tells us how we might do this.

Are we in an “attitude of gratitude” telling our Father how much we appreciate His watch care? Do we think to say thank you, not only for our food, but for the clothing provided each day? For our shelter? For our transportation? For our means of support? Even for our difficulties and trials?

To develop these patterns of thought requires self-discipline. The Apostle Paul gives us guidelines: “Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy – meditate on these things,” Philippians 4:8 (NKJV). 

To meditate day and night means we must regularly study God’s word to know His law, become very familiar with its principles, and learn to love it more and more each day.

Additional Resource:
Christian Questions Podcast
Episode #1281: “We Are What We Think About, So What Are We Thinking About? (Part I)”
Unlocking the process of refocusing our thoughts towards godliness
Preview Video
CQ Rewind Show Notes