One of my recent writing projects is a devotional for cross-cultural workers. It’s a work in progress, so you won’t see it anytime soon. It’s in the “pickling stage” of writing. That’s when you do a rough draft and then sit on it for a while. I’ve got some folks reading it for initial input, but I really just want to mull it over for a while—let it marinate a bit in my mind before I go back to it.
Each day’s topic has a section called: For Further Meditation. I include some scripture passages and thoughts related to the subject to help the reader go a bit deeper and to include in their prayers. I was doing some editing, and I caught myself saying for further medication instead of meditation. That’s when I stopped and asked myself, “Can God’s Word be medication for our souls?” Does that sound sacrilegious? Let’s think about it.
What’s the purpose of medication?
Medication, whether natural or synthetic, promotes wellness. It is given to the patient to help restore them to a healthy state of being. If a person has high blood pressure, medication is taken to lower that level. If a person has inner ear issues that lead to dizziness, medication is used to bring balance. So, in general, medication is used to help, to heal, and to solve issues that are disturbing a person’s ability to function.
If this is true, then God’s Word certainly has healing properties.
Don’t be wise in your own eyes; fear the Lord and turn away from evil. This will be healing for your body and strengthening for your bones.
Proverbs 3:8 CSB
You will keep the mind that is dependent on you in perfect peace, for it is trusting in you.
Isaiah 26:3
Can medication be misused?
Absolutely. We know the issues brought on by the over- and misuse of opioids in our country. I worked in a pharmacy during high school and college. I saw many people who tried to get legitimate prescriptions refilled before their time, tried to take medications prescribed for other people, or bought over-the-counter medicines out of desperation for something to help them in their current habit.
We all know stories of doctors who misused their training in medicine to provide prescriptions for people simply for the extra money. If medical doctors can fall into such a trap, we know that pastors and trained teachers can misuse the Word of God for personal gain.
Whether the Bible is wrongly applied by an individual or through the teaching of a leader in the church, it’s easy to see the results in the lives of those affected. Instead of healing, balance, and renewed strength and rest, the Christ follower is confused, taken to the extreme in a biblical viewpoint, after personal interests, and ultimately weakened in his faith in God.
Verses taken out of context, just like a medication used not for its intended purpose, can lead to disagreements in the Body of Christ, false teaching, and overall destruction of the unity and purpose of the church.
Take as prescribed.
All doctors and pharmacists will remind patients to take the medicine as prescribed. Sometimes, it’s one tablet a day, or one morning and one at night. Others must be taken with a meal or before one for maximum effect. Some medications are for a specific time period and require a gradual reduction with each passing day. There’s a purpose in these directions, and they do affect the outcome of the treatment. When a person doesn’t pay attention and skips a dose or takes too much, the healing is delayed.
God’s Word needs a regular dosage for good health.
Instead, his delight is in the Lord’s instruction, and he meditates on it day and night.
Psalm 1:2
This book of instruction must not depart from your mouth; you are to meditate on it day and night so that you may carefully observe everything written in it. For then you will prosper and succeed in whatever you do.
Joshua 1:8
I will meditate on your precepts and think about your ways.
Psalm 119:15
I am awake through each watch of the night to meditate on your promise.
Psalm 119:148
So, whether you prefer the word meditation or medication, God’s Word meets our every need.
Grace and Peace