Psalm 19:14

NASB	NLT	VOICE
14 May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart Be acceptable in Your sight, Lord, my rock and my Redeemer.	14 May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be pleasing to you, O Lord, my rock and my redeemer.	14 May the words that come out of my mouth and the musings of my heart meet with Your gracious approval, O Eternal, my Rock, O Eternal, my Redeemer.

God’s Meditative Ways

In ancient Israel, oral communication was an essential way of communicating laws, traditions, and teachings. The psalmist wants his words to be pleasing through careful effort to align his words with God’s will. The heart represents the center of thought and intention. Meditation represents a deep reflective consideration of God’s laws and character. The goal of our words and thoughts being pleasing to God reflects our relationship with God, desiring for His approval. The psalmist describes YHWH as a rock – a source of stability, strength and protection. In the ancient Near East, rocks and mountains were described as symbols of permanence and refuge. YHWH is also a redeemer – one who rescues or delivers. Being a redeemer involves restoring family members from slavery or poverty. 

Our Meditative Focus on God

What we meditate on shapes our character and actions. We can focus on the issues of the world. We can focus on the struggles that are happening with our family and friends. We can focus on the injustices happening around us, or we can focus on God. The more we focus on the teachings and commands of God. We should fill our minds with God’s Word and HIs truths to align our hearts to His will. When we do this, we can find ways to overcome the issues we face in our community and the world. We should envelop ourselves in His way so that we work to care for the marginalized with the same love that God has given us. When we learn the importance of caring for our neighbors, we learn God’s will for us. When we learn God’s will for us, we can be a true reflection of Christ to the world. Be the source of stability, strength, and protection from others. Guide those people to be rescued from sin. 

Reflection Questions

1. How do you meditate on God’s word? 
2. God is described as both a rock and a redeemer? How have you seen these descriptions in your own life? 
3. When you are focusing on your studies, how do you attempt to apply them in today’s world?

Call to Action

Read Philippians 4:8. Thank God for the great things that are going on around you. Ask God for the ability to focus more on His word and less about what’s going on in the world. Find God’s way to see what is true, honorable, right, pure, lovely, and admirable.

Check out the next slice of manna: Manna for the Mind #288