A Song in My Heart

"Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in Your sight, O Lord, my strength and my Redeemer." ~ Psalm 19:14

Have you ever thought about the word 'meditation'? I mean, really thought about it? I have just learned that the Hebrew word for 'meditation' is higgayon (hig-gaw-yone') which refers to a musical notation, like a hymn. Think about that for a minute. Whatever I am thinking of is like a hymn before the Father. Is it a hymn of praise? Is it a hymn of gratitude and loveliness? Or, is it a cacophony of noise to His ears?

The book of Psalms is actually a book of hymns, songs reflecting the outpouring of David's (and others) heart. Songs. Hymns. Meditations.

It's root word is hagah (haw-gaw) meaning to ponder, imagine, roar or study. I especially like the idea of roar. When the meditations of my heart are not what they should be, the characteristic sound is that of a roar. Can I get a witness?

The Message translates this verse, "These are the words in my mouth; These are what I chew on and pray. Accept them when I place them on the morning altar, O God, my Rock, God, Priest-of-My-Altar."

"These are the words I chew on..." Are the meditations of my heart something I would place on the morning altar? Do the words of my mouth delight the Lord? Does the meditation of my heart resonate as an offering?

Not always. Some days, I am ashamed to say, the meditation of my heart is a stench in the Lord's nostrils - NOT a pleasing aroma or a hymn of praise. But, I am learning. As I understand more and more about His authority, as I allow Him more and more access to the dark crevices in my heart, I find that the meditations of my heart are more about praise and less about my failures and disappointments.

I find that I have a song in my heart - hopefully a song that blesses my Lord.

Father, teach us to consider You in all things. Help us be mindful of the things that we ponder, of the things that we allow to consume our hearts. We desire that the words of our mouths and the meditation of our hearts be a pleasing offering to You, Lord. You, O Lord, are worthy of our praise.