DEEP CONTEMPLATIVE THOUGHT

DEEP CONTEMPLATIVE THOUGHT!

Ps 119:148

148 Mine eyes prevent the night watches [are still awake], that I might meditate in thy word.

Phil 4:8

8 Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.

           The word think in this verse is the Greek logizomai (from which we get our word logic) and is an intense word. It means “to take inventory.” The word meditate is the Hebrew siyach and means “to ponder; to muse; to pray; to mutter.”

This is what seems to be lacking, perhaps even lost, in our culture.

           All around us we see what is called “artificial intelligence.” These gadgets have the ability to sort and organize thoughts and come to a conclusion. I am not happy about having that skill stolen from me and placed inside a three by five inch box! I am also not happy about so many around me who should be thinking for themselves but are not. There is even a little lady living inside my three by five inch box. She never sleeps! All I have to do to conjure her up is to call her name, although often it seems I’ve caught her at an inconvenient time.

           Paul said we can modify our mood and outlook by deep contemplative thinking. If we think on things that are worthy of praise and things that are of good report we will live a life of positive praise. The obvious inference is that there are already too many things presented to us that are not praiseworthy. We call it news.

           Tumble thoughts of God around in your mind. Invest time in quietness. Allow yourself to think about the hard issues and beautiful truths of life. Take inventory of the good things God has given to you. Engage in deep contemplative thought. Think on these things.

Job 22:21

21 Acquaint now thyself with him, and be at peace: thereby good shall come unto thee.