There is a lot of talk on the benefits of meditation these days. In fact, my word for the year is: MEDITATE. However, not any meditation. I want to grow in meditating on God’s Word. As American Christians, we have become lazy in knowing the Word of God. This needs to change! I’m excited to share with you why we need to meditate on the Word of God.meditate on the Word of God.
Is Meditation Biblical?
There are many religions that practice meditation. The health benefits are even touted. However, as Christians, should we practice meditation? The short answer is a resounding “Yes!” but we must be careful to meditate on Scripture the way it’s talked about in the Bible. The purpose of Christian meditation is not emptying our mind but filling it instead. When we meditate on the Bible, we are meditating on God’s thoughts.
What does the word “meditate” mean in the Bible?
First, let’s talk about what meditation even means. We often think that if we meditate on something, we’re thinking deeply about it; pondering it. Contemplate, reflect, and consider are other great synonyms. There are actually several different Greek and Hebrew words that were translated into “meditate” or “meditation” in the Bible, but sometimes those same words were also translated into other English words such as “speak,” “utter,” “prayer,” or even “complain.” So, by meditating on Scripture, we are working out the meaning, reflecting on it, speaking it, praying it. Wow!
What does the Bible say about meditation?
have found many meditating on the Word of God verses. David, a man after God’s own heart, wrote many of these verses in the Psalms. However, first, let’s look at a Bible verse from Joshua in the Old Testament. The Lord is talking to Joshua after he took over leading the people of Israel.
“This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do according to all that is written in it. For then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have good success.” Joshua 1:8 (ESV)
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God is giving Joshua great reasons to meditate on what He’d given them. We can’t do what God wants us to do if we don’t even know what that is. Don’t take other Christian’s word for it. Learn the word of the Lord for yourself.
Now, let’s look at some of these verses from the Psalms. We learn that not only should we meditate on the Bible, but also on God’s mighty deeds and works! This gives us great insight into God’s character.
“Blessed is the man who walks not in the counsel of the wicked,
nor stands in the way of sinners, nor sits in the seat of scoffers; but his delight is in the law of the Lord, and on his law he meditates day and night.” Psalm 1:1-2
“I will ponder all your work, and meditate on your mighty deeds.” Psalm 77:12
“I remember the days of old; I meditate on all that you have done; I ponder the work of your hands.” Psalm 143:5
Psalm 119 is a huge praise to God about the Word of God. I would highly encourage you to read and study it. Here are only a couple of the many verses in that chapter that talk about the importance of meditating or pondering on the words of God.
“I will meditate on your precepts and fix my eyes on your ways.” Psalm 119:15
“Even though princes sit plotting against me, your servant will meditate on your statutes.” Psalm 119:23
As moms, unless we prioritize our relationship with God, it can easily fall by the wayside. Learn more about growing closer to God. As we grow closer to Him, we become a better wife and mother as well.
Meditate on the Word of God
As you’ve seen so far, there are many Bible verses talking about meditating on the Word of God. You’ve also seen that it’s something we are to do. So, how do you actually go about doing that?
Scripture meditation is a spiritual discipline that will help our spiritual growth. In your quiet time as you meditate on God’s Word, you will see His wonderful works, learn the knowledge of God, and know the will of God. The Holy Spirit will then work in your heart and help you live the Christian life.
This gorgeous Bible Study Journal will help you study and meditate on God’s Word, keep track of prayer requests, and make spiritual goals.
How do you Meditate on God’s Word?
Just so you know, while it is important to meditate on God’s Word, there’s no set way you have to do it. However, I will give you some specific ways that I find to be helpful in meditating on the word of truth in your daily life.
- Pick a single verse or short passage. This could be a passage of Scripture that stood out to you as you do your Bible reading or one used in a devotional. Sometimes if you’re going through a hard time, a Bible verse may stand out in a way it never has before.
- Pray. Take time to ask God to reveal His truth to you. The most important thing is that you are searching for God’s truth about something and not what you want it to say. Ask the Holy Spirit to guide you.
- Read and re-read the verse or verses several times. A great way to do this is by putting emphasis on different words in the passage each time you read it.
- Look for what it tells you. Look for things about God, His attributes, laws, works, etc. Does it give promises of God? Are there any instructions to follow? Does it point out sin to confess? Look for truths about how God wants you to live. If you’re Bible journaling, write down what you notice.
- Pray back to God what you just learned. Ask Him to change you with what you learned. He is worthy of praise, so also praise him for His character and wondrous works.
- Consider writing the verse on a card and placing it where you’ll see it throughout the day. This is another creative way to really meditate on the Word of God. As you see the card, you can continue to meditate on what God is teaching you.
What Happens when you Meditate on God’s Word?
There are many benefits to meditating on the Word of God. So, what kind of things happen when we reflect and ponder on God’s Word? Let’s look at the results of the value of meditation using Scripture. There are also benefits to reading the Bible each day that would carry over to meditating as well.
- We are reminded of Who God is. As we meditate, we see again the wonderful attributes of God. The good thing is that He never changes even though our circumstances do.
- We focus on God’s mighty works. This builds our faith by reminding us of the mighty deeds of the Lord. He can and still does perform miracles in our world and even in our lives today.
- Leads us to character growth. The good news is that the more time we spend with God, the more like Him we will become.
- Fills us with truth. We are consuming God’s truth when we meditate on His Word. This gives us a deeper understanding of God, His plan, and how He works versus focusing on what our own hearts tell us.
- Deepens and stabilizes our faith. Psalm 1 goes on to say that those who meditate on God’s Word day and night are like a tree by the streams of water. It has deep roots and bears fruit.
- Chases away our worries, fears, and anxieties. We are filled instead with God’s perfect peace, strength, and comfort, which a purpose of meditation.
- Helps us deal with sin. It is important that we meditate on the Word of God so that we become aware of our sins and need for the forgiveness that only comes through Jesus Christ. We also learn Scripture to combat temptations.
- Leads us in God’s ways. We learn more and more about how He wants us to live and about the good work God is doing in and through us.
- Reminds us of God’s unfailing love. All throughout the Bible, there are verses talking about how much God loves us. Take time to meditate on them. As you embrace God’s faithfulness and love for you, you begin to see yourself the way He sees you.
So, dear Mama, will you join me in meditating on God’s Word this year? It’s so very important, especially in today’s world. We need to know God’s Word inside and out. We need to be firm in our faith. While most “meditation” tells you to empty your mind, biblical meditation fills our minds with God’s truth and fills our lives with God’s power that works through even our weaknesses. How amazing is that?
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