SELAH – MEDITATE ON THIS
THE SECRET OF MEDITATING ON AND MEMORIZING THE WORD OF GOD
THE ORACLE: John 15:7 is an oft overlooked or misunderstood and often misused verse. When taken in the correct context and applied diligently, a door to the Kingdom of God is opened which no man can shut.
It is “The Key of David”, a term found in Revelation and Isaiah. A key indicates control or authority; therefore, having the Key of David would give one control of David’s domain, Jerusalem, the City of David, and the kingdom of Israel. The fact that, in Revelation 3:7, Jesus holds this key shows that He is the fulfillment of the Davidic Covenant, the ruler of the New Jerusalem, and the Lord of the kingdom of heaven.
John 15:7 “If you abide in Me, and My words abide in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you.
THE EFFECTS AND BENEFITS: The effects and benefits of abiding in Christ and having His Words abide in you and vast and wide ranging. The following list is by no means exhaustive. Perhaps starting here will motivate you to begin a regular time of meditating on and memorizing God’s Word.
MEDITATING ON AND MEMORIZING THE WORD OF GOD:
REDUCES STRESS: Many styles of meditation can help reduce stress. Meditation can also reduce symptoms in people with stress-triggered medical conditions.
Romans 8:6 “…the mind set on the Spirit is life and peace”.
REDUCES ANXIETY: Habitual meditation helps reduce anxiety and anxiety-related mental health issues like social anxiety, phobias and obsessive-compulsive behaviors.
Psalm 4:4 Tremble, and do not sin; Meditate in your heart upon your bed, and be still.
PROMOTES EMOTIONAL HEALTH: Some forms of meditation can improve depression and create a more positive outlook on life. Research shows that maintaining an ongoing habit of meditation may help you maintain these benefits long term.
Proverbs 3:1 ¶ My son, do not forget my teaching, But let your heart keep my commandments; 2 For length of days and years of life And peace they will add to you.
PROMOTES PHYSCIAL HEALTH: Good emotional health helps promote good physical health. Research shows that maintaining an ongoing habit of meditation could help develop lasting benefits and so much more if you memorize the Word of God.
Proverbs 3;5 Trust in the LORD with all your heart And do not lean on your own understanding. 6 In all your ways acknowledge Him, And He will make your paths straight. 7 ¶ Do not be wise in your own eyes; Fear the LORD and turn away from evil.
8 It will be healing to your body And refreshment to your bones.
ENHANCES AWARENESS: Meditation can help you know your surrounding, environment, situations and conditions. This can be a starting point for making positive changes.
IMPROVES ATTENTION SPAN: Meditating on God’s Word may build your ability to redirect and maintain attention. As little as four days of meditation may have an effect.
REDUCE MEMORY LOSS: The improved focus you can gain through regular meditation on God’s Word may increase memory and mental clarity. These benefits can help fight age-related memory loss and dementia.
GENERATE KINDNESS: Loving-kindness focused meditation increases a positive mindset, can create empathy and compassion toward others.
Psalm 77:6 I will remember my song in the night; I will meditate with my heart, And my spirit ponders:
7 Will the Lord reject forever? And will He never be favorable again?
8 Has His lovingkindness ceased forever? Has His promise come to an end forever?
9 Has God forgotten to be gracious, Or has He in anger withdrawn His compassion? Selah.
10 Then I said, “It is my grief, That the right hand of the Most High has changed.”
11 ¶ I shall remember the deeds of the LORD; Surely I will remember Your wonders of old.
12 I will meditate on all Your work And muse on Your deeds.
13 Your way, O God, is holy; What god is great like our God?
14 You are the God who works wonders; You have made known Your strength among the peoples.
15 You have by Your power redeemed Your people, The sons of Jacob and Joseph. Selah.
MAY HELP FIGHT ADDICTIONS: Meditation develops mental discipline and can help you avoid triggers for unwanted impulses. This can help you recover from addiction, lose weight and redirect other unwanted habits.
IMPROVES SLEEP: Meditation can help you relax and control the “runaway” thoughts that can interfere with sleep. This can shorten the time it takes to fall asleep and increase sleep quality.
Psalm 63:6 When I remember You on my bed, I meditate on You in the night watches,
7 ¶ For You have been my help, And in the shadow of Your wings I sing for joy.
8 My soul clings to You; Your right hand upholds me.
9 But those who seek my life to destroy it, Will go into the depths of the earth.
10 They will be delivered over to the power of the sword; They will be a prey for foxes.
11 But the king will rejoice in God; Everyone who swears by Him will glory, For the mouths of those who speak lies will be stopped.
HELPS CONTROL PAIN: Meditation can diminish the perception of pain in the brain. This may help treat chronic pain when used as a supplement to medical care or physical therapy.
CAN DECREASE BLOOD PRESSURE: Blood pressure decreases not only during meditation, but also over time in individuals who meditate regularly. This can reduce strain on the heart and arteries, helping prevent heart disease.
CAN INCREASE EFFICIECNY AND SUCCESS: Help focus your attention on the important details needed to increase efficiency, effectiveness which can lead to greater success and profitability.
Joshua 1:7 “Only be strong and very courageous; be careful to do according to all the law which Moses My servant commanded you; do not turn from it to the right or to the left, so that you may have success wherever you go. 8“This book of the law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do according to all that is written in it; for then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have success. 9“Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous! Do not tremble or be dismayed, for the LORD your God is with you wherever you go.”
PROVIDES SAFETY IN THOUGHT AND ACTIONS: Meditating on the promises of God for provision and safety can create and peaceful mindset in many circumstances.
Psalms 27:3Though a host encamp against me, My heart will not fear; Though war arise against me, In spite of this I shall be confident.
4One thing I have asked from the LORD, that I shall seek: That I may dwell in the house of the LORD all the days of my life, To behold the beauty of the LORD And to meditate in His temple.
5For in the day of trouble He will conceal me in His tabernacle; In the secret place of His tent He will hide me; He will lift me up on a rock.
6And now my head will be lifted up above my enemies around me, And I will offer in His tent sacrifices with shouts of joy; I will sing, yes, I will sing praises to the LORD.
I pray that the Lord direct you in the way of wisdom and lead you in upright paths. When you walk, your steps will not be impeded; and if you run, you will not stumble. Take hold of instruction; do not let go. Guard her, for she is your life. Your Brother and Friend, Mike Young