What comes to mind when you hear the word meditation?

Perhaps you picture an eastern religion, a monk or a quiet seated person with legs crossed. Maybe you visualize tranquility or peacefulness. For a long time I associated meditation with something other than Christianity. After all God never gave me the flexibility to sit that way! However, as I have studied scripture I have come to realize that the idea of meditation is all throughout the Bible.

For example, David in Psalms 1:2 describes the man who is “blessed” as one whose “delight is in the law of the LORD, and on His law he meditates day and night” David is certainly not promoting something non-Biblical.

As we dig into this concept here are five questions that have helped me. I hope they’ll help you too!

1) Is meditation Biblical?

The term meditate or meditation is used 20 times in the Bible, and it often refers to a process of focusing one’s thoughts: to ponder, think on. It is basically reflective thinking or contemplation on a specific subject to find it’s significance or plan of action. [1]

For example the Psalmist gives us four samples. In each example he is reflecting on God’s goodness, provision or power to redeem:

  • Psalm 63:6: “When I remember Thee on my bed, I meditate on Thee in the night watches,”
  • Psalm 77:11: “I shall remember the deeds of the LORD; Surely I will remember Thy wonders of old.”
  • Psalm 78:42: “They did not remember His power, The day when He redeemed them from the adversary,”
  • Psalm 143:5: “I remember the days of old; I meditate on all Thy doings; I muse on the work of Thy hands.”

2) What is the objective of Biblical meditation?

Meditation is simply listening, heeding attention to, studying, praying and asking God by his Spirit to reveal truth. It’s what the Psalmist was doing and what we are called to do as well.

The goal of Christian meditation is to internalize and personalize the Scripture so that its truth can affect how we think, our attitudes, how we live and our actions.

3) Why meditate? Isn’t praying enough?

The Bible is the revelation of God! God speaks to His people through His Word. It’s through the Bible that God reveals who man is and what His plan for man consists of. Praying is powerful and God speaks through prayers; meditation is another avenue of hearing the Lord speak. As you reflect on a specific truth from the Bible, God promises to “lead you into all truth” (John 16:13). Mediation allows your mind to be renewed (Romans 12:1-2), and reconciliation with your creator is also fostered.

4) What do I need in order to meditate? How do I do it?

The answer to this question is simple: A small amount of time, a quiet place, and a Bible.

It doesn’t take special music, training or skills to meditate. You don’t need to sit in any special way. While at first it can be difficult to concentrate on the word of God and let go of distractions, anyone can do it. For me I have learned to find a scripture verse, read it over and over, and then ask God to reveal to me what He wants to tell me through this verse. What is the meaning of this verse? What does this truth mean for my life? How do I practice or live this truth out? Allowing God to speak in this way is meditation.

“All scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work” – 2 Timothy 3:16-17

What is God’s word saying to you?

5) What should I expect when I meditate?

Expect to be blessed by the presence of the Lord. Each time you meditate things may differ. Sometimes, from my experience, I find myself seeing something in the verse that I haven’t seen before. Sometimes I feel a conviction to change something in my life. Sometimes my mind is taken to a worship song, and I find myself worshipping through music. Sometimes I leave encouraged, uplifted or edified in a unique way.

Above all expect to experience God. After all His “word is a lamp unto my feet and a light to my path.” Psalm 119:105

Where do I start?

As with anything it is helpful to have a little guidance. Here are some verses that you can meditate on as you begin this practice in your life:

  • 2 Peter 2:9
  • 1 Corinthians 13:1
  • Romans 5:8
  • Genesis 39:20-21
  • Psalm 103:13-14
  • John 10:28-29
  • 1 Peter 2:16-17
  • Psalm 37:37
  • Proverbs 23:17-18
  • Matthew 6:31-33
  • Hebrews 13:5
  • Isaiah 43:2

May the Lord bless you and keep you as you meditate on the truths of His word!

Growth Point:

Meditation is a powerful practice of studying, submitting, listening, and applying God’s word.

Scripture Point:

Read 2 Timothy 3:16 and ask God to use scripture to do these things in your life.

Action Point:

Pick a verse from the list above. Find 5 minutes of uninterrupted time each day this week to meditate on a verse.

 

[1] https://bible.org/article/biblical-meditation