Psalms 39:3
My heart was hot within me, while I was musing the fire burned: I spoke with my tongue
The prefix a- from Greek, can denote the meaning “not” and “without.”
- Amoral = not moral
- Atheist = not a theist
- Atonal = without a tone
- Asocial = not social
- Away = not the way
- Amuse = not muse
Then, what is musing? It means to be deep in thought, in contemplation, or in meditation.
To amuse is to capture one’s attention, occupy, entertain, divert, absorb. It used to mean to delude, to deceive, to mislead. The idea is like a magician deceiving you into believing in the magic by slight of hand. Today’s society provides a never-ending state of amusement. Without time to muse, creativity is lost, solutions unrealized, problems ignored, relaxation minimized. Artists still use the word muse to indicate they “found their creativity” in something or someone.
Amusement is often perceived as an enticing escape from reality. However, the reality is that it often exacerbates our own worries and fears, as we unconsciously absorb and internalize the concerns of the protagonists we encounter. In fact, the archaic definition of “amuse” still resonates today: to delude, to deceive, to lead us astray from the truth. The deceptive illusion created by our friends’ seemingly perfect lives on social media adds to the falsehood. We witness their flawless relationships, extravagant vacations, and seamless existence, while we struggle with our own imperfections, lacking that idyllic life, perfect partner, and rejuvenating getaways. It’s crucial to recognize that these representations are fabricated, serving as a means of control, designed to perpetuate fear and discontentment and narcissistic behavior.
Like many others, I find myself caught in the grip of my remorse, racing through a labyrinth of yesterday’s regrets, today’s challenges, and tomorrow’s uncertainties. My mind relentlessly plays out numerous scenarios, fueling anxiety and confusion, and mercilessly robbing me of peaceful sleep.
The devil has cunningly twisted and distorted countless words from the Lord, distorting their original meanings and leading people astray. While many how-to sites may advise clearing your mind, focusing on breathing, and practicing mindfulness, it is important to remember that the word of God provides a different instruction to individuals like Joshua and all of us. Instead of emptying our minds, the Scriptures encourage us to fix our gaze upon God’s word and make it the center of our focus and attention.
To muse in Hebrew is הגיג (hagiyg – haw-gheeg’ – H1901) meaning whisper, musing, murmuring. It is akin to the root word הגה (hagah – haw-gaw’ – H1897) meaning moan, growl, utter, muse, mutter, meditate, devise, plot, speak, roar.
Hagiyg (הגיג) is only found twice in the Hebrew Scriptures, Psalms 39:3 and Psalms 5:1 when David cried to God, “Give ear to my words, O LORD, consider my meditation.” Hagah (הגה) is found in 24 verses, but the first mention of meditation is found in Joshua 1:8.
Joshua 1:8
This book of the law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate on it day and night, that you may observe to do according to all that is written in it; for then you shall make your way prosperous, and then you shall have good success.
Joshua was under the Covenant of Law, we are under the Covenant of Grace (Jeremiah 31:31-34; Isaiah 54:13, Acts 10:43, Micha 7:18, Romans 11:27, Hebrews 8:8-12, Hebrew 10:16-17, John 6:45).
John 1:17
For the law was given through Moses. Grace and truth came by Jesus Christ.
Grace transcends mere conceptualization or abstraction; it is embodied in the person of Jesus Christ. While the law was conveyed as a distant communication, akin to receiving a letter from a faraway land, grace and truth arrived as an intimate and personal encounter – Jesus Christ.
In Greek, the word for “grace” is “charis” (χάρις). It carries a rich and multifaceted meaning that encompasses several related concepts. In its most basic sense, “charis” refers to an undeserved favor, kindness, or goodwill extended towards someone. It involves acts of generosity, mercy, and forgiveness that are bestowed upon others without any obligation or expectation of reciprocity.
In Hebrew, the primary word used to convey the concept of “grace” is “chen” (חן). “Chen” encompasses a range of meanings related to favor, charm, beauty, and graciousness. It is often associated with finding favor or acceptance in the eyes of another person, including God.
The first time חן is found in Genesis 6:8 when Noah found grace (חן) in the eyes of the Lord. What is amazing about Hebrew is that each letter has a meaning. Chet (ח) means to protect like a tent wall or fence, and separate. Nun (ן) means seed, fish, life – to continue. Chen also means camp and beauty because the tent is where the family is together, free from outside influences and social norms.
Take time to muse in God’s word and speak it over an over to let it wash over you. Romans 10:17 Ephesians 5:26 Grow in faith.
NOTE: I have utilized AI to paraphrase my original text. Please let me if you find this version preferable to my usual choice of words.