Love Letters: Chew, Chew, Chew

Love Letters:   
Chew, Chew, Chew

#10 in the Series: Daddy, It's Me--Conversations of an Ordinary Person with an Extraordinary Heavenly Father

This may be the most important article in this series about habits that promote my (and your) ability to communicate with our Heavenly Father.   Why?  Because
it is about meditating…and meditating is the first step, last step and many of the in between steps for intimate conversations with the Lord. 

Unfortunately there is a common misconception that suggests that meditation requires emptying the mind and/or tuning in to the body. That is NOT what I’m talking about. 

Let’s start with a dictionary definition:  think deeply or carefully about (something).

             Synonyms: 

• contemplate, think about, consider, ponder, cogitate, muse; 
• revolve (in one’s mind), weigh; 
• reflect, deliberate, chew over, ruminate, digest, turn over, pore over, brood, mull over;
• be lost in thought, debate with oneself, puzzle, speculate; 
• design, devise, scheme, plot

This definition and all the synonyms imply a mind that is active and full. 

My favorite synonym for meditation is ruminate.  Picture a cow chewing its cud.  For those not familiar with farm life, certain farm animals—cattle among others—swallow their food not once, but twice!  In between the food is brought back into the mouth where they chew it a second time…often for long periods of time…and seemly with great contentment and pleasure.

This should be the same way we engage with God’s Word.  Chewing it over and over with contentment and pleasure. 

“Keep this Book of the Law always on your lips; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful.”

‭‭Joshua‬ ‭1:8‬ ‭NIV‬‬

The Hebrew word used here is “haga.”  It is also translated:  murmur, ponder, utter, muse, devise, plot, speak, and imagine. It also conveys the idea of a moan or growl or roar!  Have you ever had a deep thought or discovery that caused you to moan with conviction or roar with delight?

In the New Testament the Greek Word translated “meditation”  is “maletao” and means:  take care of; revolve in the mind; attend carefully; imagine.  Again we see:  all ideas that convey an active mind.  In the following translation “maletao” is translated “cultivate.”

“Cultivate these things. Immerse yourself in them. The people will all see you mature right before their eyes! Keep a firm grasp on both your character and your teaching. Don’t be diverted. Just keep at it. Both you and those who hear you will experience salvation.”

‭‭1 Timothy‬ ‭4:15-16‬ ‭MSG‬‬

As you may know cultivating is an ongoing farm/gardening process that requires attention to detail and the better it is done the greater the harvest.  When you cultivate yourself with God’s Word, you will have great personal rewards as well as spreading those rewards to those around you. 

So besides God’s Word in general what are the things we should meditate on?

“Finally, believers,

• whatever is true,
• whatever is honorable and worthy of respect,
• whatever is right and confirmed by God’s word,
• whatever is pure and wholesome,
• whatever is lovely and brings peace,
• whatever is admirable and of good repute;
• if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise,

think continually on these things [center your mind on them, and implant them in your heart].”

‭‭PHILIPPIANS‬ ‭4:8‬ ‭AMP‬‬

Here is the stick by which everything in our life—everything that enters our mind—should be measured! 

• Books, magazines, internet
• TV, movies, videos,
• Conversation with friends, colleagues, family, strangers
• Nature
• One’s job, hobbies, pastimes, play

Thank God He is forgiving.  There is a lot in everyday life that does not measure up.  Sometimes he whacks us to change.  Other times he whittles on us to shape us into his image.  Sometimes he just repeats how much he loves us—even with all our shortcomings.  The more we meditate on him and his Word and listen and obey what we hear him speak, the more peace and contentment we will have…even in the middle of trials.

As you are reading scripture today, use the tips I have suggested so far and chew, chew, chew on it.  Let different translations give it new life. Dissect the meanings.  Personalized it and ask the Holy Spirit to counsel you with the words.    Take the time to echo it back in prayer.  Take it to heart and let it change your life…and set your mustang heart free!

P.S.  If you are finding these articles helpful, please leave me a comment or send me an email and share freely on your social media.  Thanks!