Cogitate and Contemplate

Recall the most recent time when you simply sat down to think deeply about something. Chances are it was more related to work than character of life. I suspect that is the case with many of us. We cogitate problems related to our livelihood more than our living. Then of course, for many, their work is their life.

In Proverbs 4:26 the writer says, "Ponder the path of your feet; then all your ways will be sure."

We don't ponder things much any more in our culture. We usually just do. We are more reactive than proactive. More response oriented than contemplative. "Do it now" has become the motto.

When the angel Gabriel came to Mary, the mother of Jesus, it is said she "pondered" his greeting (Luke 1:29) . When the shepherds came and told her about the angel that appeared and heralded the birth of Jesus, "Mary treasured all these words and pondered them in her heart (Luke 2:19)." She did not merely accept or reject, she pondered what these things could mean for her.

This regeneration journey I am on found its beginning in my pondering the condition of my life and realizing that the path I was on was not productive to my soul. Now there are many days as a result of reading God's word, that I contemplate my steps, my progress, my thought process. Sometimes that is revealing, other times it is repressing.

"Ponder the path of your feet..." That word ponder comes from a Hebrew word that basically means to roll flat. Similar to making a road and using one of those huge heavy rollers to press the surface flat, minimizing or eliminating bumps and ruts. That is what the writer is calling the reader to do. Think deeply about where you are "walking". Give weighty concern to the path your feet are on. If it is the correct path, "Then all your ways will be sure." If not, expect problems and difficulties.

Does that mean simply by pondering we prevent problems. Absolutely not. What it means is, the path of right living is an affirmably productive path in apposition to "evil" or morally corrupt behavior. Evil consumes a life (Proverbs 4:16-17) righteousness confirms a life (Proverbs 4:18).

"Ponder the path of your feet" then anticipate firm footing.

Father, it is not often that I reconsider my path. I regularly take it for granted which I know is dangerous. Let me ponder the path I am on and make certain that it leads straight to You.