Variations on a Thought: Meditation

When you hear this tune, what words first come to mind?

Do you hum “Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star”?
Do you sing “The Alphabet Song”?
Do you think, “Baa, Baa, Black Sheep”?

Many songs in many languages have used this familiar melody throughout the centuries. In an officially patented Pallock Poll, we all associate it with the twinkly version of the song.

In the piece above, Mozart adapted the classic French children’s song into twelve variations. Musicians can conceive so many creative ways to think through or play through a theme, can’t they?

Meditation is pondering the same truth, concept, or idea in different ways. Mozart meditated on the theme of “Ah Vous” as he created twelve different ways to think through this simple tune. Each one is distinct and separate, different in style and unified through melody.

On what are you meditating? Can you create twelve ways to ponder a specific promise you find in Scripture? Take Isaiah 41:10 as an example:

Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.

If you were to ponder that promise with the zest that Mozart applied to what we now call Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star, how might your day be different? Think through the words. Ponder the promises. Pass them on to another person in your life. Repeat God’s Words throughout your day. Turn those words into a prayer. Live in the truth and the promise that God Himself has said He will strengthen, help, and uphold you with His righteous right hand.

When you hear a cover of a good song—or a replay of “Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star”—use it as a reminder to ponder a truth of God in a new way. This is one way believers strengthen their hearts in the Lord.

Looking for a quick start guide? Here are five verses for variations on a theme: