I shall not die, but live, and declare the works of the Lord. (Psalm 118:17)
The enemy’s first attack will always be in your thoughts. Let’s say something life-threatening happens to you or someone you love. The first thing the enemy plants is the idea that “they have to die” or “you have to die.” When that thought comes, you need to decide to throw it down and vocally and purposely speak and think about what the Word says.
See, Biblical meditation is entirely different than Eastern meditation. All those people with their legs crossed trying to achieve “enlightenment" is not God’s way of meditating. Eastern meditation says to clear your mind of all thoughts. God's meditation says to fill your mind with God’s thoughts. When you fill your mind with the Word, the other thoughts don't have any place to stay. You cannot control what thoughts come, but you can control what you will continue thinking about. A thought that is not spoken or acted upon will die.
The Bible tells us that we have the authority to lay hands on the sick and see them recover. (Mark 16:18) So when sickness arises, will you allow yourself to meditate on the medical diagnosis, the symptoms, the problem, the possible worst-case scenario? Or will you live like a follower of God called to carry God’s life-giving power wherever you go? When fear of sickness or death arises, declare, “I shall live and not die!” Speak life over yourself and those around you.
Practical Application
Today, after you read God’s Word, meditate on it, mutter it, and think about what it means. It’s through the mediation of God’s Word that the words of our mouths and the actions of our hearts become incredibly powerful.