January 21
Verse of the Day for January 21
But his delight is in the law of the LORD; and in his law doth he meditate day and night.Psalm 1:2 KJV
The Key of Beginnings · Day 21 of 31
Reflection · 3 min read
Day And Night
The first psalm describes a blessed person by two things: where he does not stand, and what he does with his attention.
But his delight is in the law of the LORD; and in his law doth he meditate day and night.
In his law doth he meditate day and night. The Hebrew word for meditate is used elsewhere of a lion growling over prey and of a dove murmuring. It is a low continuous sound, not silent contemplation.
So the picture is of someone muttering a text to himself through the day, turning it over, saying it under his breath.
And the tree that follows is planted by rivers — not near water, planted by it, deliberately positioned. Its fruit comes in season and its leaf does not wither, which is a description of consistency rather than intensity.
Nothing here is dramatic. A man with a phrase in his mouth all day becomes a tree that does not dry out.
Not silent contemplation.A phrase in your mouth all day.
You are already meditating on something. Most of us run a low continuous commentary of worry or grievance without ever calling it that.
Change the text. The mechanism is already installed.
Carry this today
What are you already meditating on without meaning to?
Pray
Read Psalm 1:1–3
1Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful. 2But his delight is in the law of the LORD; and in his law doth he meditate day and night. 3And he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that bringeth forth his fruit in his season; his leaf also shall not wither; and whatsoever he doeth shall prosper.
Keep praying
Reflection by Collins Asein, from the daily devotionals in the PrayerKey app. Bible text: King James Version.