Reflection, meditation, pondering, remembering—those words stood out to me as I read the first portion of Psalm 119 this morning. These words oppose our consumption culture. Is it not common to see people locked into a staring match with their screens, consuming information? Their thumbs scroll like a propeller on a boat motor, pushing it through the water, a sea of endless, mindless information. Not the Psalmist! Notice what he writes.
I reflect at night on who you are, O Lord; therefore, I obey your instructions. This is how I spend my life: obeying your commandments. (Psalm 119:55–56, NLT)
Wow! Obedience to God’s instructions is connected with reflecting on who God is! For the Psalmist, his reflection time directly impacts his obedience to God. But who has time for reflection, meditation, pondering, and remembering? We’re busy, tired, stressed, overwhelmed, and too much is on our minds! We’ve trained our minds to think about things in three-second loops; how could we ever think about one thing for longer?
I’m reminded of the blessed person of Psalm 1. Notice what this person makes time for. But his delight is in the law of the LORD; and in his law doth he meditate day and night. (Psalm 1:2, KJV) This doesn’t mean that all he does is meditate, but it is a significant emphasis in his life, much like eating would be. And the results?
He shall be like a tree Planted by the rivers of water, That brings forth its fruit in its season, Whose leaf also shall not wither; And whatever he does shall prosper. (Psalm 1:3, NKJV)
Reflection! We have time for it—perhaps in place of other things?
Thank you for joining me as I read and journal chronologically through the Bible! This devotional reflection comes from Psalm 119:1-88.