God’s word provides clear instruction to His children. As we meditate on His Word, we find exactly what we need to continue our journey through this life.
This week, our passage for meditation is Genesis 37:1-9.
So Jacob settled again in the land of Canaan, where his father had lived as a foreigner.
2 This is the account of Jacob and his family. When Joseph was seventeen years old, he often tended his father’s flocks. He worked for his half brothers, the sons of his father’s wives Bilhah and Zilpah. But Joseph reported to his father some of the bad things his brothers were doing.
3 Jacob loved Joseph more than any of his other children because Joseph had been born to him in his old age. So one day Jacob had a special gift made for Joseph—a beautiful robe. 4 But his brothers hated Joseph because their father loved him more than the rest of them. They couldn’t say a kind word to him.
5 One night Joseph had a dream, and when he told his brothers about it, they hated him more than ever. 6 “Listen to this dream,” he said. 7 “We were out in the field, tying up bundles of grain. Suddenly my bundle stood up, and your bundles all gathered around and bowed low before mine!”
8 His brothers responded, “So you think you will be our king, do you? Do you actually think you will reign over us?” And they hated him all the more because of his dreams and the way he talked about them.
9 Soon Joseph had another dream, and again he told his brothers about it. “Listen, I have had another dream,” he said. “The sun, moon, and eleven stars bowed low before me!”
Genesis 37:1-9 NLT
PAUSE
Approaching the word of God for meditation requires us to pause (the creation of space).
- Create an environment to reduce interruption of thought.
- Grab some resources, like different bible versions or commentaries.
- Quiet your thoughts in order to receive God’s wisdom and instruction.
How happy is the one who does not walk in the advice of the wicked
or stand in the pathway with sinners or sit in the company of mockers!
Instead, his delight is in the LORD’s instruction,
and he meditates on it day and night.
He is like a tree planted beside flowing streams that bears its fruit in its season and whose leaf does not wither.
Whatever he does prospers.
Psalm 1:1-3
PRAY
Heavenly Father, Thank you for the gift of God-inspired scripture. It is through Your word that I am able to gain heavenly instruction. God, use this meditation time to impart Your wisdom into my spirit. Teach me more about who You are, Lord. Show me how to become a better image bearer and shine Your light into this world. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
*This is a prayer starter. Feel free to modify as the Spirit leads you.
PONDER
- Review the passage.
- Explore the context.
- Who was the author? Who was the original audience?
- When was it written? Are there any historical events taking place?
- What is the overall message of this book of the bible?
- Explore the language.
- Review different translations.
- Are there any themes in the language?
- Review cross-references from different areas of the bible.
- Explore further.
- Review trusted commentaries.
- Where does this story fit into the bigger story of redemption?
- What principles are found in the passage?
- Explore the context.
- Listen for God’s wisdom.
- Examine your takeaways.
- Look for ways to apply what you have learned.
PRAY(SE)
As your meditation time begins to wrap up, honor God through prayer and praise for new insights and wisdom from His Heavenly Kingdom.
