The Importance of Meditation
Charles Bridges (1794-1869) was a vicar and leader in the Evangelical party of the Church of England. While Bridges was famous for his preaching during his day, he is now known for the many books and commentaries he left behind. He is most likely best known for his work, The Christian Ministry.
In addition to other works, Charles Bridges wrote An Exposition of Psalm 119, a brief but powerful verse-by-verse look at the longest chapter in the Bible.
My hands also will I lift up unto Thy commandments, which I have loved; and I will meditate on Thy statutes.
Psalm 119:48
we can scarcely conceive of the influence of grace separated from spiritual meditation on the word.
Delight…will manifest itself in a habitual meditation in the statutes. The breathing of the heart will be— “Oh, how I love Thy law! It is my meditation all the day” (v. 97). It is in holy meditation on the Word of God, that all the graces of the Spirit are manifested. What is the principle of faith, but the reliance of the soul upon the promises of the word? What is the sensation of godly fear, but the soul trembling before the threatenings of God? What is the object of hope, but the apprehended glory of God? What is the excitement of desire or love, but longing, endearing contemplations of the Savior, and of His unspeakable blessings? Hence we can scarcely conceive of the influence of grace separated from spiritual meditation on the word. It is this which, under divine teaching, draws out its hidden contents, and exhibits them to the soul, as the objects upon which the principles and affections of the divine life are habitually exercised. Not that any benefit can be expected from meditation, even upon the word of God, as an abstract duty. If not deeply imbued with prayer, it will degenerate into dry speculative study. Without some distinct practical application, it will be unedifying in itself, and unsatisfactory for its important ends—the discerning of the mind of God, and feeding upon the rich provision of the gospel.
Why then is the Bible read only—not meditated on? Because it is not loved.
Why then is the Bible read only—not meditated on? Because it is not loved. We do not go to it, as the hungry man to his food, as the miser to his treasure. The loss is incalculable. Our superficial knowledge has no practical influence. It is only as we “search” that we “know it for our good.”
Let it then be a matter of daily inquiry. Does my reading of the word of God furnish food for my soul, matter for prayer, direction for conduct? Scriptural study, when entered upon in a prayerful spirit, will never, like many other studies, be unproductive. The mind that is engaged in it, is fitly set for bearing fruit; it will "bring forth fruit in due season." Meditation kindles love, as it is the effect of love, "While I was musing, the fire burned." "Whoever looks into the perfect law of liberty, and continues in it, this man is blessed in his deed." But let us take heed, that the root of religion in the soul is not cankered by the indulgence of secret sin. The largest supply of Christian ordinances will fail to refresh us, except the heart be kept right with God in simplicity of faith, love, and diligence in the service of Christ.
Come then, Christian, let us set our hearts to a vigorous, delighting devotedness to the statutes of our God.
Come then, Christian, let us set our hearts to a vigorous, delighting devotedness to the statutes of our God. "It is not a vain thing for us; because it is our life." But to regard some of the words only would be to obey our own will, not God's. Let us lift up our hands to them all. How shadowy is the joy of speculative contemplation, if it does not draw the heart to practical exercise! Let faith return our obligations in the full apprehension of the Lord's mercy. And then will love constrain us to nothing less than "a living sacrifice" to His service. If the professor sleeps in notional godliness, let us employ our active meditation in searching for the mine that lies not on the surface, but which never fails to enrich diligent, patient, persevering labor.