The Art of Meditation - Psalm 103

Do you read the Bible but sometimes wonder how to get more out of it?  The key is to MEDITATE on a passage.  This does not mean the Eastern practice of clearing your mind, but rather the practice of thinking deeply about something specific.
 
Here are 4 tips on how to think deeper, and then my “practice” meditation on Psalm 103.

1. Pause and think when a passage stands out and gets your attention
2. Personalize the passage
3. Ask questions of the passage
4. Look up definitions of words (in English and/or in the original language)

 
 
“Let all that is within me praise (bless) his holy name.”
SEE:  https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=psalm%20103&version=NIV
 
 
The psalm writer is talking to himself.  Why does he need to do that?  He’s giving instructions to his own soul (mind, will, emotions).  Another version says “let all that I am praise him,” which would include his body.
 
What does “his holy name” mean?  “Holy” means there is no other name like it anywhere.  A name represents a person, so there’s no other person like Him anywhere.  That truth brings a feeling of awe with it.
 
Why do I praise Him?  Remember what he’s done.
-        He has forgiven ALL you’ve done.
-        He has healed ALL your sicknesses.
-        What else?
-        He has delivered you from the WORST situations.
-        And to top it all off he does it with lovingkindness (which is like putting a crown on your head).
-        And if that wasn’t enough –
-        He satisfies your desires with good things.  This renews me so I become like a young person again!
 
How do I know this is what the true God is like?
He revealed it to Moses, and through all his actions he revealed it to all the people of Israel.
 
What else do we know about God’s character?
-        works justice for those who are oppressed
-        compassionate and merciful
-        slow to anger
-        rich in unfailing love
-        will not constantly accuse and harbor grudges
-        not harsh – doesn’t punish us as we deserve
 
Who gets all these wonderful benefits?
Those who fear him. *
 
What are these blessings?
-        Loves us greatly -  as great as the distance from earth to heaven!
-        Blots out record of our sins – as far as east from west (east and west never meet!)
-        Treats us like a tender and compassionate Father treats his dear children
-        Understands our weak and mortal nature
-        Extends this salvation even to our children and grandchildren
 
All these wonderful truths make me want to praise him!
 
*NOTE: To fear him is to hold him in reverent awe.