May 22

Psalm 119:97-104
Memorise Psalm 119:27
“Thy testimonies also are my delight and my counselors.”

In this passage, the result of David’s constant meditation on the testimonies of God as recorded in Scripture, is greater understanding than his teachers the priests. It is not the objective per se. He does not meditate to compete with them but rather because he loves the Law and it has preserved him from his enemies that are ever with him, and the evil way that so easily befalls. He meditates because he loves God’s Word, wants to grow in the Word and to deepen his understanding of the ways of the God that He loves.

For a Christian, the acquisition of Bible knowledge is just the beginning and, on its own, is incomplete. Understanding is comprehending knowledge so that it may be applied, the result of which is wisdom. We meditate so that we may understand. Meditation is not for the sake of being religiously pious.

Each Christian has his own race to run. Leaders, teachers, spiritual friends and mentors are but instruments to instruct and help us to gain understanding of God’s Word. But their understanding, however great, can only help us so far. They cannot see into your heart. Thus in this way, their understanding is limited and will not transform your life. As Matthew Henry writes, meditating is preaching to yourself that you may come to understand your own heart. It is to experience God in a real and personal way. The counsel of others cannot replace direct counsel from the very Word itself which each of us must study, and discern for ourselves.

If a student is to gain more spiritual understanding than his teacher, a teacher ought to be pleased and himself spurred to study and meditate upon the Word more. Consider also the strength of a Christian whose understanding is heavily dependent on another. It is all very well when that person is spiritual and present in your life. But even leaders backslide. They also come and go, or they may pass on. Is this the foundation upon which a Christian seeking wisdom wishes to build his faith?

Thought: Jesus Christ the same yesterday, and to day, and forever. (Hebrews 13:8).
Prayer: Open thou mine eyes, that I may behold wondrous things out of thy law (Psalm 119:18).