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Meditations of the Heart

For at least three generations before me, this scripture was recited daily as a family after saying the Lord’s Prayer. I, too, have recited (or heard) this scripture almost every day of my life, and we carry on this tradition with our teenage children.

When I was young, I did not truly grasp the wisdom of this text. One of the things I love most about the Bible is that even though I’ve said or read this scripture over 16,000 times, the Lord is currently reshaping me and showing me brand-new insights through this scripture.

You see, “the words of my mouth” are closely connected to “the meditations of my heart.” What do you give real estate in your heart or mind? What occupies your brain? Whatever your mind spends time entertaining typically overflows in the words that come out of your mouth.

I am flawed (ask my family, they experience all my imperfections). I do not want to embarrass my Jesus. I want my words and thoughts to be pleasing to Him, yet sometimes, I fail. I love how the psalmist proclaims God’s character as “my strength.” If we are being realistic, we know we need Him. Our want-to and willpower are embarrassingly insufficient. We must rely on Our Father to give us the strength we need.

What is a redeemer? Simply put, someone who buys back. The Bible also talks about a “kinsmen redeemer” who would “act on behalf of a relative who was in trouble, danger, or need.” This is how I have always imagined our gracious Heavenly Father. As His child, He is continually acting on our behalf.

Reflection Question:

What occupies my mind most often?

What practices in my life define the "meditations of my heart" (these can be good practices that you want to grow or practices that you would like to change)?

Heidi Babin
SNU Class of 1999
Member, Board of Trustees,