I meditate on your precepts
    and consider your ways.

Psalm 119:15

There are times when being alone is better than being with others, and when keeping silent is wiser than speaking. We would be stronger Christians if we spent more time in solitude—waiting on God and drawing spiritual strength through meditating on His Word, so we can serve Him more faithfully.

We should reflect deeply on the things of God, because that is how we truly draw nourishment from them. Truth is like a cluster of grapes on the vine: if we want the wine, we must press and crush the grapes; we must work them again and again.

The one who treads the grapes must do so eagerly and thoroughly, or the juice will not flow freely, and much will be wasted. In the same way, we must meditate on the truths of Scripture—pressing them in our hearts—if we are to receive from them the wine of comfort and joy.

Just as our bodies are not sustained merely by eating food, but by digesting it—turning it into strength for muscle, nerve, and bone—so our souls are not nourished merely by hearing or reading the Word. Listening, reading, marking, and learning are all important, but their true value comes when we inwardly digest what we take in, and that happens through meditation.

Why is it that some Christians, though they listen to many sermons, grow so little in their spiritual lives? It is because they neglect time alone with God and do not thoughtfully reflect on His Word. They love the grain but will not grind it; they desire the corn but will not go to the fields to gather it; the fruit is within reach, but they do not pick it; the water flows beside them, but they will not stoop to drink.

Save us, Lord, from such foolishness. Let this be our resolve today: “I will meditate on Your precepts.”