There's a word that appears in the Psalms that some say is a cause for speculation. You might have seen it (if you've read through the Bible, you have!), and it's caused you to pause and wonder at its meaning. Many Bible scholars think that by pausing and reflecting, you've done just what the word, Selah, is telling you to. In the western church, we've come to look at meditation as a bad thing, affiliated with eastern philosophies and practices, and known for emptying one's mind of everything to achieve some sort of enlightenment. Yet, as we study, especially in the Old Testament, and if we look at Jesus' life, we see that meditation, at least for the believer in God, is far from empty. Selah. To pause and reflect. This concept is important.
We're told in Deuteronomy 6:4-9 that God WANTS us to meditate, on HIM!
“Hear, O Israel: The LORD our God, the LORD is one. You shall love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your might. And these words that I command you today shall be on your heart. You shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, and when you walk by the way, and when you lie down, and when you rise. You shall bind them as a sign on your hand, and they shall be as frontlets between your eyes. You shall write them on the doorposts of your house and on your gates."
God desires us to always reflect on His word, and to seek His Wisdom in all things. This pausing and reflecting is important! This working out of God's word in to every detail of our lives is exactly what God desires of us! Now, pause and reflect on this: what would your life look like with this constant meditation, this pausing and reflecting, this working out God's word in to every detail of your life? Do you see the beauty of it? If we're being conformed in to the image of Christ, then let us live like Him and pause, reflecting on God's word, and seeking perfect obedience to it in the Holy Spirit. We can see God's peace reign supreme over our lives as we but pause and reflect.
Philippians 4:4-13
Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice. Let your reasonableness be known to everyone. The Lord is at hand; do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. What you have learned and received and heard and seen in me—practice these things, and the God of peace will be with you.
I rejoiced in the Lord greatly that now at length you have revived your concern for me. You were indeed concerned for me, but you had no opportunity. Not that I am speaking of being in need, for I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content. I know how to be brought low, and I know how to abound. In any and every circumstance, I have learned the secret of facing plenty and hunger, abundance and need. I can do all things through him who strengthens me.
